Generalizations interactive worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s go through each question one by one, using the passage “Born to Fly” to find the correct answers.

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Question 1: Which word in the first paragraph signals a generalization?

First paragraph says:
> “Most European farmers were quite successful in Kenya...”

The word “most” is a signal word for a generalization — it means “not all, but many.” It’s not talking about every single farmer, just a large group. So that’s our clue.

Look at the options:
- A. when → tells time
- B. most → YES, this shows a general statement
- C. Kenya → place name
- D. just → means “only,” not a generalization signal

✔ Answer: B. most

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Question 2: Which of the following statements is a valid generalization from the first paragraph?

Valid generalization = something true based on what the text says, and uses words like “most,” “many,” etc., without saying “all.”

Text says:
> “Most European farmers were quite successful in Kenya...”

So let’s check:

F. Beryl’s parents moved when she was three. → True, but NOT a generalization (it’s specific to her)
G. Her father became a horse breeder and trainer. → Also specific to him
H. Her father always disliked farming. → Not said anywhere! False.
J. Most European farmers did quite well in Kenya. → Matches the text exactly!

✔ Answer: J. Most European farmers did quite well in Kenya.

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

Second paragraph starts:
> “Beryl’s life was always full of interesting adventures.”

The word “always” is a signal word — it makes a broad claim about her whole life. Even though it’s about one person, in context, it’s being used to generalize about her experiences.

Options:
A. while → contrast word
B. always → YES, signals a sweeping statement
C. later → time word
D. full → adjective, not a signal word

✔ Answer: B. always

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Question 4: Which of these statements is a faulty generalization?

Faulty generalization = an overstatement or untrue blanket claim (like using “all” when it’s not true).

Check each:

F. Beryl had many adventures. → Supported by text → OK
G. Beryl was raised in Africa. → Said in text → OK
H. All horse trainers learn to fly. → NO! The text says Beryl became a horse trainer AND learned to fly — but doesn’t say ALL horse trainers do. This is too broad → FAULTY
J. Flying was one of Beryl’s many adventures. → True per text → OK

✔ Answer: H. All horse trainers learn to fly.

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Question 5: Which word in the last paragraph signals a generalization?

Last paragraph:
> “Few women in the 1930s had the adventures that Beryl did.”

The word “few” is a generalization signal — it means “not many,” which is a broad statement about a group (women in the 1930s).

Options:
A. few → YES
B. fly → verb
C. wrote → verb
D. nonstop → describes how she flew

✔ Answer: A. few

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Final Answer:
1. B
2. J
3. B
4. H
5. A