Choose a paragraph from a published essay or article and write an imitation of it, following its structure closely but using a different topic. Write the same number of sentences in your imitation paragraph, and try to mimic the general patterns of the sentences in the original, so that your imitation is similar in style and tone. The idea is to get a feel for the rhythm of the sentences in the original paragraph and see how the whole thing is put together logically.
Some things to consider:
The original paragraph should have at least 4 sentences and 80 words.
Don’t use a paragraph from our class readings; find one on your own.
You do not need to formally document where your original paragraph came from, but you might just let us know the title, like in my example. (No MLA required for this assignment.)
Try to avoid paragraphs that tell a story because those are less useful for our purpose.
Also, try to avoid paragraphs that just state a bunch of facts. Those don’t work well either.
Look for paragraphs that have interesting sentences or a compelling logic moving them forward.
Keep in mind that some paragraphs will be easier to learn from and imitate than others, so don’t just choose some random paragraph. Take a moment to find a good one.
Note: In most assignments, your teachers don’t want you to imitate closely for fear of plagiarism, but for this particular assignment, I want you to follow the pattern of the original sentences in your own sentences, as closely as you reasonably can. (Again, different topic and mostly different words, but the same pattern and style.)
Here’s an example for you. Use it as a guide.
Original (from “The Coddling of the American Mind”):
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a modern embodiment of this ancient wisdom. It is the most extensively studied nonpharmaceutical treatment of mental illness, and is used widely to treat depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and addiction. It can even be of help to schizophrenics. No other form of psychotherapy has been shown to work for a broader range of problems. Studies have generally found that it is as effective as antidepressant drugs (such as Prozac) in the treatment of anxiety and depression. The therapy is relatively quick and easy to learn; after a few months of training, many patients can do it on their own. Unlike drugs, cognitive behavioral therapy keeps working long after treatment is stopped, because it teaches thinking skills that people can continue to use.
(7 sentences, 127 words)
Imitation (my version):
The email blast is today’s equivalent of the older scattershot approach. It is the most efficient way to contact as many potential dating prospects as possible, and it is common on Tinder, Match, OkCupid, and Bumble. And it’s especially true of sites like Grindr. Face-to-face venues simply don’t allow the kind of wide exposure that improves a person’s chances for dating success. Economics teaches that larger “markets” are better for bringing together buyers and sellers (like men and women wanting to meet each other) and helping them find the best “deal.” The theory is simple and intuitive; when looking for love or companionship, it’s better to have more choices. Unlike old-fashioned matchmaking or chance meetings, casting a wider net improves the likelihood that one will find someone compatible, because it broadcasts one’s profile before a much larger audience.
(7 sentences, 138 words)