Making Generalizations

What is a generalization? A generalization is a wide statement about a group of people or things. It states something they have in common. Birds have feathers. I see families eating together at breakfast in movies and books. I have seen lots of families eat together—so I make a generalization that families often eat breakfast together

when deciding if something is a generalization… Key Words to LOOK for… Sometimes Always Never Most Many All Generally Everyone when deciding if something is a generalization… The key words change the meaning of the generalization. Some flowers have petals. Flowers always have petals. Flowers never have petals. Most flowers have petals. Many flowers have petals. All flowers have petals. Flowers generally have petals. You have to be VERY careful if you use the word never. Does it NEVER happen?? Is it remotely possible?? Likewise you have to be careful with the words always and all. They include the whole group. Does it ALWAYS happen??

Valid Generalizations Valid means true. Supported by facts Agrees with what you already know about the topic Proven with several examples Ex: You see 5 or 6 students carrying a bookbag—You say “Some students at MCE carry bookbags to school.” That is a valid generalization because you have proof that some do!

Faulty Generalizations Faulty means false. Not supported by facts Watch for the key words: none, all, always, never, everyone, nobody Ex: you see one kid steal and you say “ALL kids steal.” That is faulty!

Most of the kids are enjoying the story. Is this a VALID generalization? How do you know?

One dog bites me, so I generalize that ALL dogs bite. Is this a valid generalization? Does the author: Use facts to support the idea? Share past experiences to support the idea? Provide several examples? Use logical thinking?

What VALID generalization can you make? Fluffy is one of my favorite pets. Whenever I come home she jumps in my lap and purrs and purrs. She sounds like she has a motor in her heart! Fluffy also rubs up on me-walking around my legs. I just love Fluffy!

What generalization is made in the passage? Fluffy is a cat. Fluffy is very heavy. Fluffy usually likes her owner. Fluffy purrs all the time. Which ones are valid? Which are faulty? What are the signal words?

Remember: Generalizations make broad statements about a group. Some a valid, others are faulty. Valid generalizations are supported by facts, examples, and logical thinking. Watch for KEY WORDS like all or never, some, mostly, everyone…

LET’s Write some about the school.. Tell me one about what kids wear: Tell me one about what kids eat in the cafeteria: Tell me one about PE class: (can you tell me a faulty one?)