寫作教程第2版課件u10

1、Unit 10 Generalization Paragraph 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

2、same conclusion.第1頁/共18頁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 inductio

3、n which consists in forming generalizations from a sufficient number of observed instances. 第2頁/共18頁 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 atte

4、mpts 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 g

5、enerality.第3頁/共18頁 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. Questions 1. Underline the generalization in each group. Group 1: The mass media are often badly used. Group 2

6、: Television has bad effects on people. Group 3: Television commercials distort the truth about products.第4頁/共18頁 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 Gr

7、oup 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頁/共18頁 Besides, the sentence “Television has bad effects on people” is an example in Group 1

8、 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頁/共18頁 3. Rearrange these sentences to make a well-devel

9、oped 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, televisio

10、n commercials often distort the truth about products. Besides, crime films on 第7頁/共18頁 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 sensationa

11、l news and radio programs are usually superficial proves that mass media are often badly used.第8頁/共18頁Faulty Generalization Read the following sentences, and decide whether they are good generalization. If not, give your reason(s).第9頁/共18頁 1. Some Americans from Hollywood are movie stars. All movie

12、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

13、left-handed.第10頁/共18頁 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 pr

14、oblem of hasty generalization.第11頁/共18頁 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

15、, anyone, best, every, everyone, everything, greatest, least, most, never, no, none, nothing and worst. 第12頁/共18頁 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 shou

16、ld 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頁/共18頁 Linking Devices According to the two samples, please answer the questions. Which paragraph do you find easier to read? Why? Paragraph B is eas

17、ier to understand and smoother to read, because it has the sentences linked together by sentence connectors, which make the writing more coherent.第14頁/共18頁 Now, work in groups and find out those words or phrases that indicate relationships between specific details and general information. First, fur

18、thermore, at the same time, such that第15頁/共18頁 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頁/共18頁Unit Summary When you reason from specific to general, you collect separate facts and ideas, and then draw a general concl