写作教程第2版课件u10.pptx
Unit 10 GeneralizationParagraph development by generalization is very much like paragraph development by examples.Both make use of developers.One difference is that the general idea is stated as a conclusion based on several examples,given as facts or opinions,which lead the reader to make the same conclusion.第1页/共18页Generalization On many an occasion,paragraphs develop by beginning with specific instances and drawing from them a general truth or ending with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point of the paragraph.The way of arriving at conclusions is the process of induction which consists in forming generalizations from a sufficient number of observed instances.第2页/共18页Level of generality A paragraph usually contains statements at varying levels of generality.One statement is more general than another if it refers to a larger number of specific cases or if it attempts to cover a wider range;similarly,if a statement carries a smaller portion of the total message,it tends to be more specific.The importance of a sentence in a paragraph corresponds closely to its level of generality:the more important a statement is in a paragraph,the higher its level of generality.第3页/共18页Look at the following groups of sentences.In each group one sentence is a generalization and the other three are supporting examples.Please find out the generalization.Questions1.Underline the generalization in each group.Group 1:The mass media are often badly used.Group 2:Television has bad effects on people.Group 3:Television commercials distort the truth about products.第4页/共18页2.Study these generalizations and their specific details,and discuss the levels of generality or specificity of them.What can we conclude from the discussion?The generalization in Group 2 serves as an example in Group 1.The generalization in Group 3,in turn,illustrates that in Group 2.Therefore it can be concluded that the three generalizations have different levels of generality.第5页/共18页 Besides,the sentence“Television has bad effects on people”is an example in Group 1 and a generalization in Group 2.Similarly,the sentence“Television commercials distort the truth about products”is an example in Group 2 and a generalization in Group 3.Thus we can say that the level of generality depends on the context.第6页/共18页3.Rearrange these sentences to make a well-developed passage ending with the most general statement.Use linking words where necessary.Reference answer:Whats the effect of the mass media?Toothpaste does not make teeth white;the safety of electrical goods is exaggerated;many widely-advertised pain-killers are not effective.In fact,television commercials often distort the truth about products.Besides,crime films on 第7页/共18页television encourage violence and television documentaries stop people from thinking independently,which shows that television has bad effects on people.Furthermore,the fact that newspapers only give sensational news and radio programs are usually superficial proves that mass media are often badly used.第8页/共18页Faulty GeneralizationRead the following sentences,and decide whether they are good generalization.If not,give your reason(s).第9页/共18页1.Some Americans from Hollywood are movie stars.All movie stars are rich;therefore,all Americans are rich.2.On TV,I saw George Bush signing documents with his left hand.I saw Ronald Reagan signing documents with his left hand.I saw Bill Clinton signing documents with his left hand during his recent trip to China.Clearly,all American presidents are left-handed.第10页/共18页Both are faulty generalizations.Sentence 1.The sentence moves from some Americans to a conclusion drawn on all Americans.This is a problem of overgeneralization.Sentence 2.The particular instances are inadequate to support the general conclusion,so this statement has a problem of hasty generalization.第11页/共18页Please make a conclusion from the two sentences.Faulty generalization is one of the commonest logical fallacies,sometimes called the hasty or unqualified generalization.It can frequently be traced to the unqualified use of such absolute words as all,always,anyone,best,every,everyone,everything,greatest,least,most,never,no,none,nothing and worst.第12页/共18页 In many cases,eliminating the unqualified word solves the problem.It is very difficult to make a generalization that is airtight,especially regarding a controversial topic.So we should be aware of this fact and try to make our generalizations as limited as possible.The broader the generalization,the more likely it is in error.第13页/共18页Linking DevicesAccording to the two samples,please answer the questions.Which paragraph do you find easier to read?Why?Paragraph B is easier to understand and smoother to read,because it has the sentences linked together by sentence connectors,which make the writing more coherent.第14页/共18页Now,work in groups and find out those words or phrases that indicate relationships between specific details and general information.First,furthermore,at the same time,such that第15页/共18页Can you think of any other expression indicating generalization?Therefore,consequently,thus,then,as a result,in summary,to conclude,last,accordingly,in consequence,all in all,in short,so,the point is,hence,in brief,in conclusion,to sum up,generally,as a general rule,in general,on the whole第16页/共18页Unit Summary When you reason from specific to general,you collect separate facts and ideas,and then draw a general conclusion from those pieces of information or evidence.Moving from specific to general is a kind of inductive reasoning.Writers who develop their ideas by this method often express their conclusion in a formal thesis statement or topic sentence at the end of the writing.第17页/共18页谢谢您的观看！第18页/共18页
