Making Generalizations

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.

Do you avoid entirely? Useful to help with inductive &

deductive reasoning Useful in an introduction or

conclusion as long

Support, support, support, support!!!

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.

Writer’s credibility How believeable they are How much readers can trust what

they’ve written

What undermines a writer’s credibility? Spelling errors Grammar errors Punctuation errors Faulty logic Generalizations easily disproved

EX: Everyone likes pecan pie.

Be careful with. . . Always/never Everyone/Nobody Most/many Usually/often

Unless you can prove that it applies to 100%, then don’t use a word that means it. Unless you can prove it means over 50%, don’t use most.

How are they a problem? Girls always know the right thing to

do and say. Everyone loves peppermint pecan

pie. Most of us believe the earth will

explode tomorrow. Nobody wants to own a cat.