Degrees of Certainty
The following sources provide information about degrees of certainty:
“Academic Writing Style.” University of New England. 2011. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
The site is a “workshop” that provides questions and feedback related to the “formal style” of academic writing. Under the “What to Do” and “What NOT to Do” sections, the links are active; that is, additional information is provided. Under “What NOT to Do,” “Avoid using words that express your opinion toooooo strongly” states that your argument should be “well-considered and reasonable” and offers a “Certainty barometer” with the following options: “low certainty, Medium certainty/hedging, and High certainty”
Link: http://www.une.edu.au/tlc/aso/aso-online/academic-writing/academic-style.php#dont
“Academic Writing: Expressing Opinion.” Uni learning. University of Wollongong. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
Tables address “modal verbs and adverbs” to address “different degrees of certainty of modality” (strong, moderate, and tentative) as well as examples. As the site notes: “The level of modality . . . must match the level of certainty provided by your evidence.”
Link: http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/academic/4aiii_2.html
“Features of Academic English.” London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicene. 2010. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
With a brief introduction regarding expectations, this page offers questions about “features of academic English” and allows you to check your answers. Number eight specifically addresses degrees of certainty.
Gillet, Andy. “Rhetorical Functions in Academic Speaking: Expressing Degrees of Certainty.” Using English for Academic Purposes: A Guide for Students in Higher Education. UEfAP.com. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
Site provides examples that correlate with degrees of certainty: Complete, strong, partial, less strong, and no commitment.
Link: http://www.uefap.com/speaking/function/certain.htm
UEfAP.com Link: http://www.uefap.com/index.htm