ABSTRACT
Generalisations are often used to introduce a topic. They can be powerful statements because they are simple and easy to understand, but they must be used with care, to avoid being overly simplistic or inaccurate. Generalisations are used to give a basic picture of a topic. Compare the two sentences: 54.9" of Spanish companies employ fewer than ten people. The majority of Spanish companies employ fewer than ten people. Although the first sentence is more accurate, the second is easier to understand and remember. The writer must decide when accuracy is necessary, and when a generalisation will be acceptable. Overgeneralising means making statements that are too simple or inaccurate. Most essays move from the general to the specific, as a generalisation has to be supported and developed. Generalisations are commonly used to introduce a topic: It is often claimed that many mergers are unsuccessful.
