TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1. Rationale
1.2. Justification for the Study
1.3. Aims and Objectives
1.4. Research Questions
1.5. Scope of the Study
1.6. Organization of the Study
Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW and THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2.1. Review of Prior Studies
2.2. Theoretical Background
2.3. Summary
Chapter 3 METHOD AND PROCEDURE
3.1. Research Design
3.2. Research Method and Procedure
3.3. Reliability and Validity
Chapter 4 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1. Quantitative Results of Hedges in Inaugural Addresses by the US Presidents
4.2. Linguistic Features of Hedges in Inaugural Addresses by the US Presidents
Chapter 5 CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS
5.1. Issues Addressed In the Study
5.2. Implications for the Teaching and Learning of Hedges
5.3. Limitations
5.4. Suggestions for Further Research