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

GENERALIZATIONS

What is a generalization?

Why do I care?

How will this improve my writing?

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

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?

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.

Two Parts of a Generalization

Part one = THE TOPIC

Elginthe homeless

in Tokyo

Two Parts of a Generalization

Part two = Writer’s point about the topic

or Writer’s opinion about the topic=

are as much of a phenomenon in Tokyo as they are in poorer Asian cities.

the homeless +

For Example:

Part 1:Part 2:

Why do I care?

Generalizations become topic sentences for paragraphs in academic writing

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