Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: a handbook for Supervisors

5.1.5 Thin section analysis of indurated clayey sand
The nature of the indurated clayey sand (26–32 m), delineated 
Highlights
in Figure 5.2, was assessed by thin sections prepared and 
data for reader’s
analysed by the methods outlined in Chapter 4.1.4.
attention
On a macroscopic scale, visual examination of thin sections 
revealed significant heterogeneity. Reddy-brown iron staining 
was evident parallel to bedding, along with other small-scale 
bedding and cross bedding features. There were also fractures 
evident that were oriented at an acute angle to bedding.
Source: Timms 2001: 106–108
Table 5.2 Bulk mineralogy of the indurated clayey sand at Tubbo
(see Timms & Acworth 2002b, for mineralogy of clayey
silt units)
Depth Qtz Flds Ant Gyp Clc
Pyr
Gth Mgn Hmt Mord- Side-
(m)
enite
rite
31
M
M
–
–
–
–
–
–
?T
?T
?T
31
M
M
–
–
–
?T
–
–
?T
–
–
D = dominant(>60%),A = abundant (60–40%), M = moderate (40–20%), S =
small (20–5%),T = traces (<5%)
Qtz = qtz, Flds = feldspar, Ant = antase, Gyp = gypsum, Clc = calcite, Pyr =
pyrite, Gth = goethite, Mgn = magnetite, Hmt = haematite

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Writing the Results chapter
141
of their results. The language the thesis writer uses to comment on the sig-
nificance of their results will therefore be hedged in ways that are considered
appropriate by the discipline (see also Chapters 7 and 10 for further examples
of the role of hedging in academic writing). Hedging allows writers to ‘sug-
gest’ explanations, make interpretations of their data and draw tentative
conclusions. In essence, the writer seeks through the use of hedging devices to
moderate their claims by anticipating and/or rebutting any potential chal-
lenges to their methodology and the interpretation of their data (see Figure
9.1 for examples of how writers typically hedge their claims).
Hyland (1996: 253) has pointed out that hedging is ‘notoriously problem-
atic’ for second-language speakers as it involves drawing on a complex range
of linguistic resources to persuade their readers of the validity and reliability
of their research in ways that are at the same time precise, cautious and appro-
priately humble. In the examples in Boxes 9.5 and 9.6 on pp. 142 and 143,
we draw attention to the writers’ use of hedging in Move 3 to comment on
their findings as they guide their readers to accept the interpretation of the
results that they are proposing in a humanities and an engineering thesis.
Words and expressions that allow the writer to hedge their claims are itali-
cized in the two boxes. It should also be noted that the writers switch to the
present tense for the commentary element of Move 3.