1. Making Generalizations
It All Adds Up

2. What Are Generalizations?
A generalization is a broad statement that can apply to many situations.
When you make a generalization, you combine pieces of evidence from a variety of sources to make a general point about something.
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In general, kites are bright and colorful.

3. How to Make Generalizations
Evidence and specific facts

4. Making Generalizations
1. Gather as much evidence and as many facts as possible about your topic.
2. Put the facts together, and decide what general point about the topic is suggested by all of the evidence.
3. Make sure your generalization is valid, or true.
A generalization can be valid only if it applies to every instance of your topic.

5. Let’s Practice Make a generalization about dogs and people.
Fact: Dogs are sometimes called “man’s best friend,” and dogs have been people’s companions for centuries.
Fact: Dogs can be trained to help people with disabilities. They also help provide therapy for people who have been through difficult experiences.
Fact: Many people get more exercise and meet more people because they need to walk their dogs or exercise them in parks.

6. Let’s Practice Dogs and people have been friends for a long time.
Dogs fill important needs for many people.
Dogs help people stay healthy and sociable.
Dogs are excellent companions for people.

7. On Your Own Make a generalization about how heroes are presented.
Evidence: Comic-book heroes, such as Superman, wear unusual, eye-catching costumes.
Evidence: In movie westerns, the hero often wears a white hat or a sheriff’s badge.
Evidence: In the Harry Potter books, the hero has a lightning-bolt-shaped scar on his forehead.

8. The End