Make Generalizations
A
generalization is a specific kind of conclusion. All generalizations
are conclusions, but not all conclusions are generalizations. A generalization
is a broad statement that applies to many examples. A generalization
is formed from several examples or facts and what they have in common. Readers
recognize and evaluate generalizations made by an author. Readers make
and support their own generalizations based on reading a selection.
Clue words that support instruction for generalizations: all, none,
most, many, always, everyone, never, sometimes, some, usually, seldom,
few, generally, in general, and overall.
Generalizations are statements
that may include or imply ideas. Thoughtful readers are able to recognize generalizations.
They are able to evaluate if a generalization is adequately supported
by specific facts.
Instruction for this strategy may include helping
students evaluate, make judgments, and form opinions. A judgment is an
opinion about the value of an action, a character, a situation, an author’s
assertions, elements of the text, etc. Thoughtful readers use their
own experiences and details from the text to make judgments, form opinions,
evaluate, or generalize.
Guiding Questions:
- Which
sentences in the selection are like “big umbrella” statements:
A conclusion presented by the author followed by many examples?
- How many
examples did the author provide for the statement...?
- Based
on the number of examples described in the article, do you think the
author made a valid generalization when he/she stated that...?
- What
words and phrases did you find in the selection that signal generalization
statements? (All, none, most, many, always, often, everyone, never,
sometimes, some, usually, seldom, few, generally, in general, overall,
as a general rule)
- The article
includes the phrase, “Some of the research reveals....”
What research was included to support the statement? What research was
missing?
- Is this
statement...a valid generalization? How do you know?
- Why do
you think authors write generalizations?
- Based
on the information in the selection, what generalizations can be made?
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