GENERALIZATIONS What is a generalization? Why do I care? How will this improve my writing?

A generalization is an umbrella statement that covers several specific instances or details

For example: The homeless are as much of a phenomenon in Tokyo as they are in poorer Asian cities. What kinds of details fit under this umbrella?

For example: What kinds of details fit under this umbrella? By the mid-1960s, Elgin was shedding its reputation as a quiet, self- contained town and reluctantly accepting the social, economic and civic change throughout the region.

Two Parts of a Generalization Part one = THE TOPIC Elgin the homeless in Tokyo

Two Parts of a Generalization Part two = Writer’s point about the topic or Writer’s opinion about the topic =

are as much of a phenomenon in Tokyo as they are in poorer Asian cities. the homeless + For Example: Part 1: Part 2:

Why do I care? Generalizations become topic sentences for paragraphs in academic writing

Topic Sentences with two clear parts focus and DRIVE the paragraph where you want it to go.