Hedging Language & Seeking Clarification in Our Arguments

“Education is a kind of continuing dialogue and a dialogue assumes, in the nature of the case, different points of view.”

~Robert Hutchins (1899-1977), educator and philosopher

In academic writing, especially argumentative essays, it is important to argue your claims with supporting facts. Yet, the importance of seeing the other side of the claim or argument is equally as important; a feat that would be nearly impossible without the aid of hedging language. Hedging allows the writer to acknowledge evidence and alternate points of view while remaining non-committal, allowing the reader to see the big picture through the focus of your argument.

Chimayo’s own Eric Roth co-lectured a presentation about this very topic, available to watch here on YouTube. Here’s a worksheet he’s crafted to get students into the practice of using hedging language:

Hedging Language: Poetry vs. Accuracy

What are three vague generalizations about the United States?

What are some proverbs or slogans from your country or culture?

What are some popular songs that make universal claims?

Can you think of two sayings that contradict each other?

Techniques for turning vague generalizations with more accurate, responsible statements:

• Add frequency adverb (sometimes, seldom, often)
• Weaken the verb (seem to, appear, tend to)
• Add modal (can, may, might,)
• Add qualifier (one of the best, an effective method)
• Identify conditions (when the information is known)
• Cite source (according to a 2013 WHO report)

Can you rewrite a generalization about an American city (New York, Los Angeles, DC, etc.)?

Can you rephrase a traditional proverb or popular slogan?

Seek Clarification: Key phrases

Checking what someone means:

• What do you mean by that?
• Do you mean…?
• In other word….?
• So are you saying…?
• Can you clarify that statement?
• Correct me if I’m wrong, but do you mean…?
• Sorry, I’m not sure if I got that. Are you saying…?

Asking someone to explain what they mean:

• Could you expand on that?
• Which means what?
• Which means exactly what? (more sceptical)
• What are the implications?
• Can you spin that out?
• Sorry, what exactly do you mean by that?
• Sorry, could you go over that again?

Checking that someone has understood you:

• Is that clear?
• Are you with me?
• Does that make everything clear?
• Can we move on?

Want to learn more? Check out the Being Yourself chapter from Compelling American Conversations, available here with additional commentary from the Teacher Edition!

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