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

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

5. 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?

6. 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.

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

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

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

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

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