The document discusses generalizations and how to identify valid versus faulty generalizations. It provides examples of pairs of generalizations and asks the reader to identify which statement in each pair is a valid generalization based on logic and the number of examples supporting the statement. Valid generalizations tend to use words like "usually" or "often" and are supported by evidence, while faulty generalizations overgeneralize or are not supported.

1. GeneralizeGeneralize
Fourth GradeFourth Grade
Unit 3 Week 5Unit 3 Week 5
By Kristi WaltkeBy Kristi Waltke

2.  A generalization is a broad statementA generalization is a broad statement
or rule that applies to manyor rule that applies to many
examples.examples.
 A clue word such asA clue word such as all, most, always,all, most, always,
usually,usually, oror generallygenerally signals that ansignals that an
author is making a generalization.author is making a generalization.
 A generalization can be valid (logical) orA generalization can be valid (logical) or
faulty (wrong) depending on the numberfaulty (wrong) depending on the number
of examples on which it is based and onof examples on which it is based and on
how logical and careful the thinking is.how logical and careful the thinking is.

3. Read the two generalizations.Read the two generalizations.
Decide which generalization isDecide which generalization is
valid. The other statement isvalid. The other statement is
faulty.faulty.

4. A rain forest is almostA rain forest is almost
alwaysalways hot and wet.hot and wet.
Animals in stories aboutAnimals in stories about
the rain forest arethe rain forest are alwaysalways
scary.scary.
Which generalization is
valid?

5.  The birds of the AmazonThe birds of the Amazon
rain forestrain forest usuallyusually prefer theprefer the
understory.understory.
 The understory of theThe understory of the
Amazon rain forest isAmazon rain forest is
generallygenerally dark.dark.
Which generalization is
valid?

6.  UsuallyUsually authors who useauthors who use
animals as characters areanimals as characters are
only trying to entertain.only trying to entertain.
 An author willAn author will oftenoften useuse
animal characters in a storyanimal characters in a story
to teach somethingto teach something
important to people.important to people.
Which generalization is
valid?

7.  Cutting down one treeCutting down one tree nevernever
has an effect on anhas an effect on an
ecosystem.ecosystem.
 Cutting down one treeCutting down one tree
effectseffects allall the animals thatthe animals that
depend on the tree fordepend on the tree for
different reasons.different reasons.
Which generalization is
valid?