Scribd
Upload
336 views13 pages

Understanding Generalizations in Reading

This document discusses generalizations and how to identify valid versus faulty generalizations. It defines a generalization as a broad statement about a group and explains that valid generalizations are supported by facts, examples, and logical thinking, while faulty generalizations are not and often use absolute terms like "all" or "never". The document provides an example of a passage making the faulty generalization that "all cocker spaniels make perfect pets" and explains why this generalization is not valid.

Uploaded by

Hala
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
336 views13 pages

Understanding Generalizations in Reading

This document discusses generalizations and how to identify valid versus faulty generalizations. It defines a generalization as a broad statement about a group and explains that valid generalizations are supported by facts, examples, and logical thinking, while faulty generalizations are not and often use absolute terms like "all" or "never". The document provides an example of a passage making the faulty generalization that "all cocker spaniels make perfect pets" and explains why this generalization is not valid.

Uploaded by

Hala
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Making Generalizations

6th Grade Reading


Skill Lesson
Wetumpka
Intermediate School
Mrs. Melissa
Vilamaa
What is a generalization?
 A generalization is
a broad statement
about a group of
people or things.
 It states
something they
have in common.
Key Words
 Sometimes
 Always
 Never
 Most
 Many
 All
 Generally
Valid Generalizations
 Valid means true.
 Supported by facts
 Agrees with what you already know
about the topic
 Uses logic and reasoning

 Proven with several examples


Faulty Generalizations
 Faulty means false.
 Not supported by facts
 Watch for the key words: none, all,
always, never, everyone, nobody
Chocolate is everyone’s
favorite desert.

 What is wrong with this generalization?


 How could you make it a valid
generalization?
Read the following passage:
Ginger is one of my best friends.
When I enter my home, she races to
greet me with kisses and excited
leaps. She acts like it’s been eight
days since she’s seen me, instead of
the actual eight hours. Her coat is
honey brown; her eyes are large
and loving.
She’s a six- month old cocker
spaniel puppy, a breed originally
intended to hunt birds in England.
Her faithful companionship comforts
me when I’m sad or sick. Her
playfulness makes me laugh when
she races after a toy I’ve tossed. All
cocker spaniels make perfect pets.
What generalization is made
in the passage?
 All cocker spaniels make perfect
pets.
All cocker spaniels make
perfect pets.
 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?


Ginger is one of my best friends.
When I enter my home, she races to
greet me with kisses and excited
leaps. She acts like it’s been eight
days since she’s seen me, instead of
the actual eight hours. Her coat is
honey brown; her eyes are large
and loving.
She’s a six- month old cocker
spaniel puppy, a breed originally
intended to hunt birds in England.
Her faithful companionship comforts
me when I’m sad or sick. Her
playfulness makes me laugh when
she races after a toy I’ve tossed. All
cocker spaniels make perfect pets.
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 out for words like all or
never.

You might also like