1. Making Generalizations

2. 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

3. 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??

4. 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!

5. 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!

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

7. 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?

8. 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!

9. 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?

10. 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…

11. 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?)