Generalizations interactive worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s go through each question one by one, using the story “Super Sombreros” to find the right answers.

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Question 1: Which sentence is a generalization?

A generalization is a statement that applies to a whole group or category — often using words like *all*, *every*, *always*, *nobody*, etc. It’s not just about one person or thing.

Look at the options:

- “A sombrero is a Mexican hat.” → This is a fact, not really a generalization (it’s defining what a sombrero is).
- “My uncle makes sombreros.” → Specific fact about one person.
- “His sombreros are the most beautiful in all of Mexico.” → This says something about ALL his sombreros compared to EVERY other sombrero in Mexico — that’s a big claim covering a whole group. ✔️ This is a generalization.
- “He has been making them since he was thirteen years old.” → Just a fact about when he started.

✔ So, the best answer is: His sombreros are the most beautiful in all of Mexico.

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Question 2: Which sentence is NOT a generalization?

We’re looking for the one that does NOT make a broad claim.

Options:

- “He has been making them since he was thirteen years old.” → This is just a personal fact about him. Not a general rule or sweeping statement. ✔️ This is NOT a generalization.
- “Nobody can make sombreros as well as he can.” → Says NOBODY — that’s a generalization.
- “He always spends a week on each sombrero.” → “Always” = generalization.
- “His sombreros are the most beautiful in all of Mexico.” → Again, comparing to ALL others — generalization.

✔ So, the correct answer is: He has been making them since he was thirteen years old.

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Question 3: Which word signals a generalization in the second paragraph?

Second paragraph starts with:
“Uncle Juan makes each sombrero differently for each person. Everybody knows that this is the only way to make sombreros. He always spends at least a week on each sombrero...”

Words that signal generalizations: *everybody*, *always*, *all*, *only*, etc.

Options:

- always → YES! That’s a signal word. ✔️
- either → doesn’t signal a generalization here.
- sombreros → just a noun.
- pleased → describes feeling, not a generalization signal.

✔ Correct answer: always

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Question 4: Which word does NOT signal a generalization in the second paragraph?

Again, look at the second paragraph:

> “Everybody knows that this is the only way... He always spends... Either way, all of his customers are pleased...”

Signal words: *everybody*, *always*, *all*

Now check options:

- everybody → signals generalization
- differently → tells how he makes them, but doesn’t generalize over a group ✘ This does NOT signal a generalization.
- all → signals generalization
- always → signals generalization

✔ So, the correct answer is: differently

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Question 5: A generalization about this passage could be—

We need a sentence that sums up the whole idea in a broad way — not just one detail.

Options:

- “Juan Sanchez makes sombreros.” → Too specific, just a fact.
- “The author is proud of her uncle.” → Maybe true, but it’s an opinion/feeling, not a generalization from the text.
- “Juan Sanchez makes a special hat for each customer.” → True, but still focused on one detail.
- “Juan Sanchez makes the best sombreros in all of Mexico.” → This matches the line in the story: “His sombreros are the most beautiful in all of Mexico.” And it uses “best” and “in all of Mexico” — which is a generalization. ✔️

✔ Best answer: Juan Sanchez makes the best sombreros in all of Mexico.

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Final Answer:
1. His sombreros are the most beautiful in all of Mexico.
2. He has been making them since he was thirteen years old.
3. always
4. differently
5. Juan Sanchez makes the best sombreros in all of Mexico.