Generalizations and Drawing Conclusions

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Generalizations and Drawing Conclusions

• 6.4f Draw conclusions, make inferences
• 7.5e Draw conclusions
• 7.5f Make inferences
• 8.6h Draw conclusions
• 8.6i Make inferences
• Nik Snyder
• Spratley Middle School

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Generalizations and Drawing Conclusions

• When you read, you look for clues to help you
  decide what is happening in the story. Sometimes
  the author does not tell you everything that is
  happening in the story. You have to think about
  the facts that are given and then make a
  generalization or draw a conclusion.

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You must base your generalization or conclusion
on the facts in the story and your own
experiences. A generalization or a conclusion
must be supported by strong evidence.

• We all generalize all the time. If you didnt
  generalize, you would have to stick your hand in
  every fire to see if it was hot. If you went to
  Mexico, you would have to try many different
  languages until you found one that people
  understood. You wouldnt be allowed to assume
  that most people in Mexico speak Spanish.
  Generalizing is how we make sense of the world.

4
What is the difference between a generalization
and a conclusion? Now thats a bit tricky to
explain. When you make a generalization, you
always will be drawing a conclusion at the same
time. But, you can draw a conclusion without
making a generalization. Conclusions are more
specific and generalizations have a larger
application they are more general. Perhaps, an
example will best show the difference.

• After breakfast, the Townsdin children piled in
  the car. Mrs. Townsdin took Beth to the Hunters
  home where she had a babysitting job. Then she
  dropped off Matthew at the swimming pool where he
  helped teach swimming lessons. Next, Mrs.
  Townsdin drove Lara and Suzanne to the mall where
  they had some shopping to do. While her children
  were at their different activities, Mrs. Townsdin
  plans to do her grocery shopping.

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After breakfast, the Townsdin children piled in
the car. Mrs. Townsdin took Beth to the Hunters
home where she had a babysitting job. Then she
dropped off Matthew at the swimming pool where he
helped teach swimming lessons. Next, Mrs.
Townsdin drove Lara and Suzanne to the mall where
they had some shopping to do. While her children
were at their different activities, Mrs. Townsdin
plans to do her grocery shopping.

• What conclusions can you draw from this passage?
• You can conclude that there are four children in
  the Townsdin family, Beth, Matthew, Lara, and
  Suzanne.

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After breakfast, the Townsdin children piled in
the car. Mrs. Townsdin took Beth to the Hunters
home where she had a babysitting job. Then she
dropped off Matthew at the swimming pool where he
helped teach swimming lessons. Next, Mrs.
Townsdin drove Lara and Suzanne to the mall where
they had some shopping to do. While her children
were at their different activities, Mrs. Townsdin
plans to do her grocery shopping.

• What generalization can you make based on this
  passage?
• The Townsdin family had a very busy day planned.

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Do you see the difference?

• The conclusion specifically relates to the number
  of children in the family, while the
  generalization relates to the family in general.

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Rachel has two sisters and three brothers. They
all live together with their mom and dad in
Roxton, Texas. In a months time, the family
will drink thirty gallons of milk, eat at least
ten pounds of cheese, and eat close to forty
pounds of meat. They go through ten large boxes
of cereal each month, as well as twenty pounds of
pasta, five pounds of rice, and over one hundred
pounds of fruits and vegetables.

• What conclusions can you draw from this passage?
• You can conclude that there are eight people in
  Rachels family, six children and two adults.

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Rachel has two sisters and three brothers. They
all live together with their mom and dad in
Roxton, Texas. In a months time, the family
will drink thirty gallons of milk, eat at least
ten pounds of cheese, and eat close to forty
pounds of meat. They go through ten large boxes
of cereal each month, as well as twenty pounds of
pasta, five pounds of rice, and over one hundred
pounds of fruits and vegetables.

• What generalizations can you make based on this
  passage?
• A large family eats a lot of food in a months
  time.

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Again, what is the difference between the two?

• The conclusion specifically relates to Rachels
  family, while the generalization relates to large
  families in general.

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Hannah was having a party. Red, white, and blue
streamers hung from the ceiling and U.S. flags
were on display. For dessert, Hannah served
vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries and
blueberries. After dark, the guests sang
patriotic songs and watched a fireworks display.
When it was time to go, Hannah gave each of the
guests a small American flag for a party favor.
Hannah noticed there were not enough flags for
everyone. There was one flag left, and one boy
was still in line. Hannah wanted the last flag
for herself, but she decided to give it to the
boy. Hannah smiled as she gave him the last flag.

• What kind of celebration is Hannah having?
• A An Easter egg hunt
• B A Fourth of July party
• C A birthday party
• D A Kwanza celebration
• Hint Think of the clues given in the story.
  Think about your own experiences. Decide what is
  happening (drawing a conclusion).

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Hannah was having a party. Red, white, and blue
streamers hung from the ceiling and U.S. flags
were on display. For dessert, Hannah served
vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries and
blueberries. After dark, the guests sang
patriotic songs and watched a fireworks display.
When it was time to go, Hannah gave each of the
guests a small American flag for a party favor.
Hannah noticed there were not enough flags for
everyone. There was one flag left, and one boy
was still in line. Hannah wanted the last flag
for herself, but she decided to give it to the
boy. Hannah smiled as she gave him the last flag.

• The information in the story leads you to believe
  that Hannah is generally _________.
• A very selfish person
• Always ready to have a party
• Only happy when she gets her own way
• A kind and sharing person
• Hint Think about the facts that are given and
  your own experiences. Your making a
  generalization, so there must be strong evidence
  in the story for you to be able to make one. Base
  your generalization on her actions mentioned in
  the story.

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Sarah and Katie were watching a scary movie on
television. Sarah sat frozen in her chair with
her arms clasped around her legs. She was
trembling all over. Every time the monster
appeared on the screen, Sarah would scream out in
fright and cover her head with a pillow.
Meanwhile, Katie calmly sat in her chair, eating
popcorn and watching the movie. Sarah begged
Katie to change to another show, but Katie
refused. She wanted to watch the rest of this
movie. After the movie was over, the girls went
to bed. Katie fell asleep right away, but Sarah
lay wide awake in her bed.

• Which of these sentences is probably true?
• Katie likes all scary movies.
• Sarah is only afraid of monsters.
• The movie scared Katie.
• It was hard for Sarah to go to sleep because the
  movie scared her.
• Hint Think about what is happening and how does
  each girl feel about what is happening.

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Sarah and Katie were watching a scary movie on
television. Sarah sat frozen in her chair with
her arms clasped around her legs. She was
trembling all over. Every time the monster
appeared on the screen, Sarah would scream out in
fright and cover her head with a pillow.
Meanwhile, Katie calmly sat in her chair, eating
popcorn and watching the movie. Sarah begged
Katie to change to another show, but Katie
refused. She wanted to watch the rest of this
movie. After the movie was over, the girls went
to bed. Katie fell asleep right away, but Sarah
lay wide awake in her bed.

• Information in the passage would lead you to
  believe that ______.
• Sarah does not like scary movies.
• Katie loves to watch television.
• Sarah feels safe with a pillow over her head.
• Katie and Sarah shouldnt watch television at
  night.
• Hint Youre making a generalization so think
  which of the statements is best supported by the
  facts in the story.

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At noon last Tuesday, Robert and Mike were out
walking. Since the temperature was close to
100F, the two boys decided to look for a shady
place to rest. They found a large tree with
leafy branches. As they lay on the ground
looking up at the leaves, Mike noticed it was a
sycamore tree. The sycamore tree is useless,
Robert commented. It doesnt bear any fruit or
nuts, and it litters the ground with its huge
leaves. Mike and Robert were both startled when
they heard a voice from the path. A woman who
had overheard their conversation said, You boys
are so ungrateful! You lie here in the cool
shade of this tree, and yet you say it is
useless.

• During what season does this story take place?
• Fall
• Winter
• Spring
• Summer

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At noon last Tuesday, Robert and Mike were out
walking. Since the temperature was close to
100F, the two boys decided to look for a shady
place to rest. They found a large tree with
leafy branches. As they lay on the ground
looking up at the leaves, Mike noticed it was a
sycamore tree. The sycamore tree is useless,
Robert commented. It doesnt bear any fruit or
nuts, and it litters the ground with its huge
leaves. Mike and Robert were both startled when
they heard a voice from the path. A woman who
had overheard their conversation said, You boys
are so ungrateful! You lie here in the cool
shade of this tree, and yet you say it is
useless.

• From this passage, you can tell that generally
  people ______.
• Like all kinds of trees.
• Dont always appreciate their blessings.
• Want to rid the world of sycamore trees.
• Lie down by the road on a hot day.

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Since she was building new kitchen cabinets for
some of her customers, Angie needed to go to the
store to buy supplies. Angie pushed her basket
up and down the aisles, choosing things to buy.
She picked out paint and new brushes. Angie
chose a new blade for her power saw. She decided
to get a new jigsaw because her old one was
almost worn out from being used so much. Angie
went to the lumber section and chose four sheets
of birch plywood. She would use these to make
the cabinet fronts and doors.

• Where is Angie?
• At the grocery store
• In a lumber and building center
• In her customers kitchen
• In a shoe store

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Since she was building new kitchen cabinets for
some of her customers, Angie needed to go to the
store to buy supplies. Angie pushed her basket
up and down the aisles, choosing things to buy.
She picked out paint and new brushes. Angie
chose a new blade for her power saw. She decided
to get a new jigsaw because her old one was
almost worn out from being used so much. Angie
went to the lumber section and chose four sheets
of birch plywood. She would use these to make
the cabinet fronts and doors.

• This story suggests that _______.
• Only men can build cabinets.
• Angie has never built cabinets before.
• Angie needs to buy a power saw.
• Angie is a cabinet maker.

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In the year 1770, William Addis was a prisoner
in an English jail. One morning while using a
rag to rub his teeth clean, Addis had a wonderful
idea. He found a small piece of bone and a
brush. He drilled tiny holes in one end of the
bone. Then he cut some of the bristles, wedged
them in the holes, and glued them in place. When
he was done, Addis had just invented the worlds
first toothbrush. Soon after he was released
from prison, Addis began a business making
toothbrushes. Within a year, William Addis was a
wealthy, honest businessman.

• What conclusion can you draw from this story?
• Before 1770, people did not clean their teeth.
• William Addis business was very successful.
• The other prisoners were the first to try Addis
  toothbrush.
• Addis was in prison for many years.

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In the year 1770, William Addis was a prisoner
in an English jail. One morning while using a
rag to rub his teeth clean, Addis had a wonderful
idea. He found a small piece of bone and a
brush. He drilled tiny holes in one end of the
bone. Then he cut some of the bristles, wedged
them in the holes, and glued them in place. When
he was done, Addis had just invented the worlds
first toothbrush. Soon after he was released
from prison, Addis began a business making
toothbrushes. Within a year, William Addis was a
wealthy, honest businessman.

• The information in this story leads you to
  believe that William Addis was generally _______.
• Selfish
• Brilliant
• Generous
• Clever

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The students in Mrs. Sarzozas fifth grade class
planned a Valentines Day party for the first
graders in Mrs. Archers class. The fifth
graders made decorations using red and pink
construction paper and paper doilies. They cut
them into heart shapes and wrote sayings like Be
Mine or Youre a Cutie on the hearts. Mrs.
Sarzozas students planned to hang the
decorations from the ceiling while the first
graders went to recess. The first graders would
be allowed to decorate the cookies with pink
frosting and colored sprinkles. They organized
party games such as Pin the Heart on Cupid and
Broken Heart Menders. On the day of the party,
everyone was excited.

• Which of these sentences is probably true?
• The valentine party was held after lunch.
• The fifth graders served fruit punch for
  refreshments.
• In May, Mrs. Archers class will plan a beach
  party for the fifth graders.
• Mrs. Sarzoza and Mrs. Archer teach in the same
  school.

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The students in Mrs. Sarzozas fifth grade class
planned a Valentines Day party for the first
graders in Mrs. Archers class. The fifth
graders made decorations using red and pink
construction paper and paper doilies. They cut
them into heart shapes and wrote sayings like Be
Mine or Youre a Cutie on the hearts. Mrs.
Sarzozas students planned to hang the
decorations from the ceiling while the first
graders went to recess. The first graders would
be allowed to decorate the cookies with pink
frosting and colored sprinkles. They organized
party games such as Pin the Heart on Cupid and
Broken Heart Menders. On the day of the party,
everyone was excited.

• Which sentence from the story makes the reader
  think this party is a surprise for the first
  graders?
• Mrs. Sarzozas students planned to hang the
  decorations from the ceiling while the first
  graders were at recess.
• On the day of the party, everyone was excited.
• The students in Mrs. Sarzozas fifth grade class
  planned a Valentines Day party for the first
  graders in Mrs. Archers class.
• The fifth graders made heart-shaped sugar
  cookies for the first graders to decorate with
  pink frosting and colored sprinkles.

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Leah sat at the table a long time after her
brother Josiah had gone out to ride his bike. It
was all because Josiah like broccoli, and she
didnt! It just wasnt fair! Her parents told
her she couldnt leave the table until she had
eaten all her dinner. As soon as Moms back was
turned Leah slipped the broccoli into the pocket
of her sweater. She decided she could dump them
later, and Mom would never know. Leah slipped
from the table and meandered to the front yard.
She didnt feel very happy when she tossed the
broccoli into the flowerbed.

• Why was Leahs conscience bothering her?
• She didnt like wasting broccoli
• She was jealous of her brother.
• She was lying to her mom through her actions.
• Leah thought she could fool her mother.

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Leah sat at the table a long time after her
brother Josiah had gone out to ride his bike. It
was all because Josiah like broccoli, and she
didnt! It just wasnt fair! Her parents told
her she couldnt leave the table until she had
eaten all her dinner. As soon as Moms back was
turned Leah slipped the broccoli into the pocket
of her sweater. She decided she could dump them
later, and Mom would never know. Leah slipped
from the table and meandered to the front yard.
She didnt feel very happy when she tossed the
broccoli into the flowerbed.

• From this passage, you can tell that generally
  __________.
• Children often fool their parents.
• Lying with your actions is as bad as lying with
  your words.
• People should have to eat foods they dont like.
• Boys like broccoli better than girls do.

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Michael paced up and down the floor of the
waiting room. It had been nearly an hour since
he heard any news of Mary Beths condition. He
hoped everything was going to be alright.
Michael looked around the room at the other men.
Two of them were playing cards, several were
watching television, and a few of them were
reading. Michael wondered if any of them were as
nervous as he. When he heard a voice calling his
name, Michael whirled around. Mr. Thielen, you
can come in now. Your wife is fine, and you have
a beautiful baby girl!

• Where is Michael?
• At the doctors office
• In a hospital
• In the babys room
• In an operating room

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Michael paced up and down the floor of the
waiting room. It had been nearly an hour since
he heard any news of Mary Beths condition. He
hoped everything was going to be alright.
Michael looked around the room at the other men.
Two of them were playing cards, several were
watching television, and a few of them were
reading. Michael wondered if any of them were as
nervous as he. When he heard a voice calling his
name, Michael whirled around. Mr. Thielen, you
can come in now. Your wife is fine, and you have
a beautiful baby girl!

• This story suggests _______.
• Most men are not nervous.
• Waiting rooms are unpleasant places.
• Michaels daughter is having surgery.
• Michaels wife just had a baby.

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UNIT 6

• 1. From the story you cannot tell ----
• a. How wigs were decorated. c. What the wigs
  were made of.
• b. How high the wigs were. d. The color of
  the wigs.
• 2. The best nickname for these Indian messengers
  would be ---
• a. Pony Express c. Eight-hundred-year Mail
• b. Inca Express d. Horseless Carriage
• 3. Trains go slowly across bridges ---
• a. Because bridges are long. c. For more than
  one reason.
• b. Because trains are long. d. Because most
  bridges are weak.
• 4. The liver performs ---
• a. One function. c. Four functions.
• b. Two functions. d. Three functions.
• 5. You can conclude that angler fish ---
• a. Prefer fish to other animals.
• b. Have worms growing out of their heads.
• c. Are often eaten by birds.

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UNIT 7

• 1. The word Minneapolis -----
• a. Came about by pure chance c. Came from two
  languages
• b. Was liked by the Indians d. Is less than
  100 years old
• 2. You can tell that the tinkers ----
• a. Arent very clever c. Have a fixed
  schedule
• b. Wander about aimlessly d. Stay in one place
• 3. From the story you cant tell ----
• a. Why the train is special c. What the color
  green means
• b. Whether the train is regularly d. what is
  used at night scheduled
• 4. You can tell that society pages contain ----
• a. Names of criminals c. list of brides
  gifts
• b. Information about weddings d. Prices of
  brides gifts
• 5. From the story you cannot tell ----
• a. Whether robber crabs live outside of water
• b. Whether robber crabs eat coconuts
• c. How robber crabs climb trees
• d. Whether robber crabs are large

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UNIT 8

• 1. The normal speed of speaking is ----
• a. Can never be figured c. Is 300 words per
  minute
• b. Is less the 300 words per minute d. Is more
  than 300 words per minute
• 2. The story shows that the British government
  was ----
• a. Eager to make money c. unwilling to import
  oranges and lemons
• b. Afraid of losing the war d. Concerned about
  its citizens health
• 3. You can tell that chimpanzees ----
• a. Recognize timepieces c. Can tell time
• b. Are interested in time d. are mystified by
  time
• 4. The story mentions ----
• a. No resources c. 12 major resources
• b. 6 metals d. 20 major resources
• 5. The hummingbirds were rushed to the zoo
  because ----
• a. It was late c. The zoo was closing
• b. They were ill d. They needed to be fed

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UNIT 9

• 1. From the paragraph you can tell ----
• a. The height of a willow tree c. The shape of
  a willow tree
• b. Where willow trees grow well d. Where
  willow trees are never found
• 2. Bees are very much concerned with their ----
• a. Color c. Flowers
• b. Mummies d. Health
• 3. Soldiers of World War I apparently ---
• a. Knew something about avalanches c. Were
  mostly sharpshooters
• b. Were ignorant about avalanches d. Were not
  armed with rifles
• 4. The writer hints that ----
• a. Mount Cadillac was named after an automobile
• b. Acadia was Americas first national park
• c. Earlier parks were established west of the
  Mississippi
• d. There is little animal life in the park
• 5. You can tell how ---