Making Generalizations Using what you read & What you already know

When you read, you may see ideas about groups of people, animals, or things.

What you read & what you already know helps you to make a general statement about a group. This is called a: Generalization.

What do they have in common? Making generalizations Think about the group you are reading about. How are they alike OR mostly alike? What do they have in common?

Why make generalizations? Generalizations are important because they help us to understand more about what we read.

What do they have in common? Let’s Practice…. Read the following passage. Think about the things that are being talked about. Ask yourself: How are they alike or mostly alike? OR What do they have in common?

often most usually all generally Check Out The Clues When you want to make a generalization about what you are reading, look for clue words such as… often most usually all generally

A mountain is an area of land that is higher than the surrounding land A mountain is an area of land that is higher than the surrounding land. Mountains cover about 30% of the surface of the earth. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are covered with ice and snow. Others are not. Earth’s tallest mountain is Mount Everest. It is 29,029 feet tall. It was first climbed in1922. Another famous mountain is the Matterhorn. It is 14,692 feet tall and is located in Europe. It was first climbed in 1865.

Which is true about most mountains? Mountains are covered with ice and snow. Mountains can be different heights. Mountains have the same shape.

Animals that are used to carry loads are called pack animals Animals that are used to carry loads are called pack animals. Pack animals have been used for hundreds of years. Horses, mules, and llamas are all considered pack animals. Llamas are often used in South America. A llama is about 3-4 feet tall. It can carry up to 200 llbs. But llamas are stubborn. They’ll lay down and refuse to work if tired. Horses are another pack animal. They’re usually 5 feet tall and can carry up to 400 lbs. Horses can sometimes be stubborn animals but they are usually calm and easy to manage.

Which is true about most pack animals? Pack animals make work easier. All pack animals are stubborn. Pack animals will work until exhausted.

There are many different kinds of birds on earth There are many different kinds of birds on earth. One of the most interesting are birds of prey. Birds of prey are birds that hunt for their food. There are many different birds of prey. But they’re all well built for what they do. Eagles have a great sense of sight and can spot prey up to a mile away. The osprey has large, powerful talons for catching and holding its prey. Owls have sharp, curved beaks for tearing the flesh of prey. The Peregrine Falcon flies at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour to catch even the fastest prey. Birds of prey are built for what they do.

Which is not true about most birds of prey? All birds of prey are fast. Birds of prey are hunters. Birds of prey have special features to make them good hunters.