Conclusions and Generalizations

Julio and his father had been looking forward to their fishing trip for weeks. They didn't take much food with them on the trip. When they started fishing they were quickly approached by a forest ranger. He asked Julio's father if he had a fishing license. Julio's father reached into his wallet and suddenly got a terrified look on his face. Julio was disappointed that night as he ate dinner.
What conclusion can you draw from this story?

•  Julio and his father did not take much food with them on the trip because they didn't want to eat too much. 
•  Julio and his father did not take much food with them on the trip because they didn't have any food at their house. 
•  Julio and his father did not take much food with them on the trip because they were planning on eating the fish that they caught. 
•  Julio and his father did not take much food with them on the trip because they don't like to eat fish. 

Julio and his father had been looking forward to their fishing trip for weeks. They didn't take much food with them on the trip. When they started fishing they were quickly approached by a forest ranger. He asked Julio's father if he had a fishing license. Julio's father reached into his wallet and suddenly got a terrified look on his face. Julio was disappointed that night as he ate dinner.

Which of the following is a conclusion that can be drawn about the story?

• Julio was disappointed at dinner because he was hoping to have fish for dinner.

• Julio's mother doesn't like fish.

• It takes a long time to catch fish.

• Julio's father is a better fisherman than Julio.

Today, everyone in Amelia's family was busily scurrying around. Her parents had been toiling in the kitchen since early that morning, chopping, steaming, baking, and frying the family's favorite foods. Her older brothers, Diego and Paco, were outside mowing and raking the backyard for their guests, who would arrive later in the day. Amelia's job was to decorate and set the table for dinner, a job she looked forward to doing. Amelia knew that she had to finish her homework first. She took her backpack to her room, arranged her schoolbooks on the desk, arid closed the door so that it was as quiet as possible. Her best friend, Rafi, always listened to music while doing homework, but Amelia required silence for her study time. When she had finished her schoolwork, Amelia raced downstairs. She arranged the flowers in the center of the table and folded the cloth napkins to make them look like white swans. Carefully handling the plates and glasses her parents saved for special occasions, Amelia set ten places. Amelia had just finished when her aunt, uncle, and three cousins arrived, filling the house with the sounds of talk and laughter. The family shared stories of what had happened over the past week. Amelia especially enjoyed hearing her uncle's amusing stories about his job as a teacher. As usual, Amelia's father served their guests first. Then, everyone joined hands as Amelia's mother told them how thankful she was that they could all be together. Amelia felt extremely fortunate to be part of such a special family gathering. 

 
 Which generalization can you make from the first paragraph of the story?.

• Children often have close friendships with their brothers and sisters
• Children do not usually want to do chores when they are at home.
• A difficult task is easier when it is divided among several people.
• A difficult task is easier when one person does most of the work.

Read this sentence from the story. 
"Amelia knew that she had to finish her homework first."
Which is the best generalization to make about Amelia from this sentence?

• She avoids doing her chores
• She takes her schoolwork seriously.
• She needs help with her homework.
• She ignores others in her family.

Which generalization can you make about the family from the following part of a story?

 

 

When she had finished her schoolwork, Amelia raced downstairs. She arranged the flowers in the center of the table and folded the cloth napkins to make them look like white swans. Carefully handling the plates and glasses her parents saved for special occasions, Amelia set ten places.Amelia had just finished when her aunt, uncle, and three cousins arrived, filling the house with the sounds of talk and laughter. The family shared stories of what had happened over the past week. Amelia especially enjoyed hearing her uncle's amusing stories about his job as a teacher.As usual, Amelia's father served their guests first. Then, everyone joined hands as Amelia's mother told them how thankful she was that they could all be together. Amelia felt extremely fortunate to be part of such a special family gathering.

• The family members enjoy spending time together.

• The family members teach one another important lessons.

• The family members often, go out to eat dinner.

• The family members often find time to be alone.

Richard and Luis had been hiking for hours. Richard had to carry Luis for the last few miles of the hike. Sweat was rolling down his face as the sun shone directly overhead.
 What conclusion can be drawn about Luis's age?

• He is older than Richard
• He is the same age as Richard
• He just had a birthday
• He is younger than Richard

Richard and Luis had been hiking for hours. Richard had to carry Luis for the last few miles of the hike. Sweat was rolling down his face as the sun shone directly overhead.
What time of day is it?

• Morning
• Midday
• Nighttime
• Midnight

Read this sentence from the story. 
"Her best friend, Rafi, always listened to music while doing homework, but Amelia required silence for her study time." 
Which generalization can you make about this sentence? 

• Students try to avoid homework.
• Students like to listen to music.
• People need quiet in order to study.
• People learn best in different ways.

What is a judgment based on evidence and experiences? 

• Conclusion
• Generalization

What is the "formula" for a good conclusion?

• story clues + What I know
• story clues + observations
• observations+ cause and effect
• facts+ opinions