Corbett Imitation Exercises

First Exercise

Model:

He went through the narrow alley of Temple Bar quickly, muttering to himself that they could all go to hell because he was going to have a good night of it.

Imitation:

She carefully picked her way through the crowed room, making sure not to make eye contact with the tall stranger in the black hat.

Model:

If one must worship a bully, it is better the he should be a policeman then a gangster.

Imitation

Until he stopped muttering, it was uncertain if he was more upset than angry.

Model

To have even a portion of this illuminated reason and true philosophy is the highest state to which nature can aspire, in the way of intellect.

Imitation

To write with clarity and eloquence is my greatest struggle.

Second Exercise

Model Sentence

He went through the narrow alley of Temple Bar quickly, muttering to himself that they could all go to hell because he was going to have a good night of it.

Variation of the pattern

He muttered to himself, “You can all go to hell, I’m going to have a good night of it”, as he quickly went through the narrow alley of the Temple bar.

Alternate Expression

Quickly going through the narrow alley of the Temple Bar, “You can all go to hell, I’m going to have a good night of it”, he muttered to himself.