1. Noticing language The strength of claims

2. The effects of musculoskeletal resistance training (RT) on the development of strength and power in a healthy population have been well covered in the literature. 1-4 This is a very definite claim, presented as a confirmed fact. However, some sentences in the introduction are more tentative.

3. The strength of claims Task A: Rate each sentence in the table (the complete introduction), according to how definite you feel the claim being made is very tentative 1 2 3 4 5 very definite Task B: Identify the features that helped you do this.

4. The strength of claims Features of definite claims Definite verbs: is, will... Main verbs of certainty: demonstrates, causes, shows, (proves) References to literature to support claims made Features of tentative claims Modal verbs: can, could, may, might... Main verbs of caution: suggests, indicates, tries, seems, tends, implies... Adjectives/Adverbs of caution: potential(ly), possib(ly), general(ly), approximate(ly)... Modifiers: some, at times, to a certain extent...

5. Be certain about what to be certain about! ‘This review will attempt to...’ Will = certain (I am certain I will attempt it) Attempt = cautious (I am not certain of success) Always keep the purpose of a systematic review (in general) and the objectives of your review (in particular) in mind.

6. The strength of claims Now look at the discussion section of the paper. Can you identify further features of definite and/or tentative claims? How do these language features map onto the different components of a discussion section?