A generalization is a kind of conclusion. Generalizations A generalization is a kind of conclusion.

A generalization is a sentence that the reader or writer can say about many examples. All animals that have feathers are birds. All animals that have fur are mammals.

Clue Words indicate a generalization. NEVER ALL NONE SOMETIMES MOST SELDOM OVERALL IN GENERAL EVERYONE ALWAYS USUALLY FEW

When reading Thoughtful readers determine and evaluate the generalization with facts or statements from the text. Readers form opinions and make judgments about the author’s written words. For example: The climate in Mexico is warmer than the climate in the northern United States.

When reading notice the examples and facts. I know Mexico is closer to the equator than the northern United States. That is a fact. The reader should self question. How can the writer say Mexico has warmer climate?

Let’s Practice Generalization Overall the Northwest natives survived because they had many useful resources. The Northwest natives lived by the Pacific Ocean. Large trees were used to make dug- out or canoes. The tribes fished and traded their goods to inland tribes. The rivers provided fresh water and a way to move from one area to another. Wildlife such as bear, whale, deer, elk, and beaver were plentiful. Does the author give enough facts to make the generalization above? ? resources

Not enough information Practice Not enough information Generalization In the Southwest, most the natives had limited natural resources. Faulty Pueblo Indians built homes in the cliff side. Many rooms were built to make the family comfortable. Does the author support this statement? Is this generalization valid or true?. ? resources

Analyze the author’s writing As a reader look for examples and facts to support an opinion and generalization. Girls can’t play ball. Most of the class does not have enough AR points. Teachers are mean. Facts?

Generalizations A kind of conclusion Must be supported by facts or examples Help us comprehend an author’s writing Look for key words, most, overall, generally, all, none, every, etc. Halloween is always scary. NOT

Generalizations Girls can’t play ball. Valid Faulty Teachers are mean. Valid Faulty Some classes do not Valid Faulty have enough AR points. Halloween is always scary! Valid Faulty Faulty Faulty Valid Faulty

Dolphins

The newest members of the U. S. military forces aren’t soldiers The newest members of the U.S. military forces aren’t soldiers. They aren’t even human. They’re dolphins! Specially trained Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins have arrived in the Persian Gulf to help check for mines, or underwater explosives, along Iraq’s coastline. Once they’re finished, ships will be able to safely transport food and medicine to the Iraqi people.

Makai and Tacoma Ready For Action The dolphins, named Makai and Tacoma, were flown into the Iraqi port city of Umm Qasr by U.S. Navy helicopters Tuesday night. They were expected to begin searching for mines along with military divers on Wednesday, according to several news reports.

Generalization All dolphins are trained to work with the military. The military use some dolphins to help locate underwater mines.

Work The dolphins, which came from San Diego, California, are are trained to place markers near the mines they find. They are taught to avoid touching or swimming to the mines, which might cause them to explode, said Navy Captain Mike Tillotson. While Tillotson said there was little risk to animals doing this kind of work, some animal activists are speaking out against the plan. They worry the dolphins could get hurt.

Underwater Helpers A unit of 70 dolphins and 20 sea lions has been trained by the U.S. Navy to spot underwater mines and bombs in deep waters. The sea lions are trained to alert humans when they detect an intruding diver. This is not the first time dolphins have helped out U.S. military efforts. The Navy started using dolphins in the early 1960s, when researchers began looking into how the dolphins' sonar, their ability to identify objects based on sound waves, could be used to locate mines and do other underwater tasks. The dolphins returned to action during the Vietnam War and again in the 1990-1991 Gulf War

Generalization All dolphins are trained to help military personnel detect mines in the waterways of Iraq. A. This generalization is valid. It is supported by facts and examples. B. This generalization is faulty. The reader made an error and did not re-read to check the facts.

Article from Time for Kids Images from Google

Make a generalization about the military dolphins. Analyze the author’s facts. Military divers train some animals to help with dangers missions. Military forces train dolphins for work in underwater mine fields.