To score a higher (6+) band on the IELTS exam, candidates need to be familiar with (AND skilled at using…) HEDGING.

Hedging is using CAUTIOUS language, to draw the reader’s/listener’s attention to differences between facts and claims. 

If a writer/speaker doesn’t use enough of these linguistic devices to express HESITATION and uncertainty, they’ll come across as either rude, unprofessional, and/or not nuanced enough in their critical thinking and reasoning skills.

INDIRECTNESS can be expressed using both vocabulary and grammar.

For example:

I don’t really think

appears to

a bit

tends to

is likely to

in some ways

Allegedly, 

could

probably

might

It is claimed that

in some cases

perhaps 

typically

prone to

had better

Can you add to the list?

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Hi. I’m Fatime. I’m an IELTS Teacher Trainer, helping CELTA-qualified English language teachers become better at teaching SKILLS, as opposed to just testing them. 

Check out my courses here:

How to Teach IELTS Listening:

How to Teach IELTS Reading:

How to Teach IELTS Writing:

How to Teach IELTS Speaking: