In academic reading, especially on high-stakes tests like the ITEP Academic-Plus, readers must do more than simply understand the words on the page. They must interpret why the author is writing, what position they may be taking, and how their attitude or tone affects the message. This lesson trains you to read between the lines by focusing on the subtle ways opinion is expressed in academic writing. You will learn to identify hedging language, evaluate tone through vocabulary choices, and analyze the structure of arguments.
Vocabulary
In this lesson, you will work with adjectives that describe academic tone. These words appear frequently in editorials, opinion essays, and commentary pieces. Understanding them will help you better assess how an author feels about a topic, even when that feeling is expressed subtly.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| skeptical | doubtful or unconvinced | The author is skeptical of claims about improved test scores through online platforms. |
| cautious | careful to avoid risks or strong claims | She takes a cautious tone when discussing the benefits of remote instruction. |
| enthusiastic | very excited or supportive | The writer is enthusiastic about the possibilities of blended learning. |
| neutral | not taking sides | The article maintains a neutral stance and avoids clear judgment. |
| assertive | confident and direct | The speaker is assertive in arguing for technology integration. |
| dismissive | rejecting something as unimportant | He is dismissive of online education's potential. |
| measured | carefully considered and balanced | The author gives a measured analysis of student outcomes. |
| tentative | not certain or fixed | Her conclusions remain tentative due to limited evidence. |
| critical | finding fault or expressing disagreement | The editorial is critical of current remote teaching practices. |
| optimistic | hopeful about the future | The tone is optimistic about improving digital access for students. |
Grammar
Academic writers often use hedging language to avoid sounding too certain or absolute. This allows them to express opinions or interpretations while remaining cautious and open to other viewpoints. These structures often include modal verbs and tentative phrases.
Hedging with Modal Verbs
Writers use modal verbs like may, might, could, and should to indicate probability or possibility. For example:
“These results may suggest that students benefit from regular feedback.”
Using Tentative Phrases
Phrases like it appears that, possibly, seems to, and is likely to are commonly used to soften claims. For example:
“Online learning seems to work well for independent learners.”
Reading
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