Hedging Worksheet Answers:

1. The answer is: concluded.

The clue is in the clause 'the portrayal of alcohol on a television screen might lead to increased alcohol
consumption'. In this clause the writer is drawing a logical conclusion and therefore the word
'concluded' is the best fit.

The word 'suggested' would not work because the clause, 'the portrayal of alcohol on a television screen
might lead to increased alcohol consumption' is not a suggestion.

The word 'estimate is also unsuitable because the clause 'the portrayal of alcohol on a television screen
might lead to increased alcohol consumption' is not a guess - guesses suggest that there is no evidence.

The word proven is also unsuitable as this conclusion has not been scientifically proven. The word
'might' demonstrates this.

2. The answer is: may.

'Must' is unsuitable because an element of doubt needs to be expressed. 'Must' does not demonstrate
doubt.
'Will' is unsuitable because this is not set in the future.

3. The answer is: unlikely.

'Definite' is unsuitable because the word 'generally' shows that this isn't always 100% true. 'Normal'
is unsuitable because it does not make lexical sense.

4. The answer is: may.

'Should' is unsuitable because it suggests strong advice. The example sentence is not
giving advice.

'Could' is a possibility, however, it does not highlight the concept of possibility as well
as the word 'may'.

5. The answer is: would.

'Would' expresses the idea of an imaginary situation and/or possibility.

'Will' is inappropriate because it suggests that we are talking about the future, which it
not true.

'Must' is unsuitable because is does not communicate the notion of possibility.

6. There answers are: 'possible' and 'might'

'Probable' is not suitable because it suggests that this basically correct. Whereas
possible still maintains the notion of possibility.
 'Definite' is inappropriate because it removes the notion of possibility.

'Should' is not possible because it is strong advice removes the notion of indefiniteness.

'Will' is not suitable because we are not discussing something definite in the future.

7. The answer is: whether.

'If' could also be used although it is less favourable than 'whether' because it sounds
less formal.

'That' is inappropriate because it does not express the concept of unknown outcomes
in the future.

8. The first answer is: case. 'Reason' and 'cause' do not make lexical sense and therefore
cannot be used.

The second answer is: may. 'Could' could also be used, although a less preferable one
to 'may' because of the level of possibility it denotes. 'Appears' is not suitable because
grammatically speaking, it does not fit. It would need to be followed by the word 'to'.

9. The first answer is: Implications, because this suggests that there are outcomes which
result from this.

'Indications' is not suitable because nothing is being highlighted.

'Deductions' is inappropriate because there are no conclusions being drawn.

The second answer could be either: 'may' or 'might'. 'Must' could not be used because it
gives no idea of possibility.

The third answer is: 'may'. 'Appear' is incorrect because of the grammar (see no.8) and
'would' is inappropriate because it sounds like we are giving strong advice rather
showing possibility.

10. The answer is: would, because it communicates the idea of an imaginary, yet possible
situation in the future.

'Could' is unsuitable as it suggests possibility.

'Should' is inappropriate because it gives strong advice.

Part 2 :

1. Answer: indicated

Other possibilities: implied

2. answer: tend

Other possibilities: Although adults with higher BMI values have a tendency ...
3. Answer: possible

Other possibilities: plausible, probable

4. Answer 1: can

Other possibilities: may, could, might

Answer 2: suggested

Other possibilities: assumed, propounded, proposed

5. Answer 1: could

Other possibilities: may, might

Answer 2: suggested

Other possibilities: proposed, inferred