Generalization
A generalization
is a kind of
conclusion.
Clue
Words
indicate
a
generalization.
KEY WORDS
NEVER
NONE
MOST
IN GENERAL
EVERYONE
USUALLY
A generalization is a statement that the
reader or writer can make
about many examples.
Examples:
• All animals that have fur are mammals.
• All animals that have feathers are birds.
Generalizations can be valid or faulty.
VALID
• TRUE
• BASED ON
SEVERAL PIECES
OF SPECIFIC
EVIDENCE
FAULTY
• FALSE
• Can lead to
stereotypes
• Can become a
superstitution
VALID Generalizations
1. You learn that over 2. You realize that five
half of the students
girls in your class
in your school have
have the name
experienced
Emma and four
divorce. You
boys have the name
generalize that
Justin. From this
divorce has become
you could
more common in
generalize that
your city.
names go in and
out of fashion.
FAULTY Generalizations
1. You know a girl who 2. Your brothers are
is afraid of snakes.
very interested in
You might falsely
computers. You
generalize that all
might falsely
girls are afraid of
generalize that all
snakes.
boys are interested
in technologies.
Think!
The climate in Mexico is generally warmer than
Northern Ohio.
The reader should ask himself
questions while reading:
How can the writer say
Mexico has a
warmer climate?
Well, I know Mexico is
closer to the equator
than northern United
States. That is a fact.
And I know the closer you
are to the equator the
hotter it is…Soooooo…
Analyze!
Look for examples and
facts to support an
opinion and
generalization
• Girls can’t play ball.
• Students always do
their homework.
• Teachers are mean.
Facts?
What generalization can you make about
the popularity of the
New England Patriots?
What generalization can you make
about dogs in training?
What generalization can you make
about the way puppies sleep?
Let’s Practice #1
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.
Let’s Practice #1
Generalization
Overall the Northwest
natives survived
because they had many
useful resources.
Does the author give
enough facts to make the
above generalization?
The Northwest natives lived
by the Pacific Ocean. Large
trees were used to make dugout 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.
? resources
Practice #2
GENERALIZATION
In the Southwest, most
the natives had
limited natural
resources.
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 faulty?.
? resources
Generalizations
• Girls can’t play ball.
Valid
• Teachers are mean.
Valid
Faulty
Faulty
• Students always do Valid Faulty
their homework each night.
• Halloween is always
scary!
Valid Faulty
Practice #3:
Dolphins in the Military
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.
Which is the Valid Generalization?
• All dolphins are trained to work with the
military.
• The military use some dolphins to help locate
underwater mines.
Practice #4: Dolphins at 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.
Underwater Helpers
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.
Valid or Faulty 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.
Which is a Valid Generalization?
• Military divers train some
animals to help with
dangers missions.
• Military forces train
dolphins for work in
underwater mine fields.
Generalizations
• A kind of conclusion
• Must be supported by facts or
specific examples
• Help us comprehend an author’s
writing
• Key words: all, most, overall,
generally, none, every
The End.
Generalizations
Adapted from an online ppt.
presentation by Mrs. Ludlam
@images.schoolinsites.com/