What is a sweeping generalization?

A sweeping generalization is a broad statement that applies a claim or assumption to all situations without considering exceptions or nuances. This type of generalization often overlooks critical details or variations in specific circumstances, which can lead to misunderstandings or inaccurate conclusions. In the context of language arts, recognizing sweeping generalizations is crucial for critical reading and writing, as they can weaken an argument by oversimplifying complex issues.

When evaluating other options, the specific example of a statistic refers to a more nuanced use of data to support a claim, rather than a broad sweeping claim about a topic. Similarly, making a complex argument involves examining several facets of a topic without reducing it to a basic assertion, and comparing different statistics requires a careful analysis of data rather than making an overarching statement. Thus, the emphasis on expanding a simple statement to encompass all situations distinctly characterizes a sweeping generalization.