Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“In Imitation Of”

In this activity, students will write an extended descriptive passage of a familiar location in imitation of style and tone of the opening pages of Irving’s story.

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” begins with a quote from a poem that is written “in imitation of” another author. To carry on this tradition, choose a location that you find significant and write an imagery-filled description of that location “in imitation of” Irving’s style of writing.

Before you begin, reread the first few pages of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” which contain an extended description of the region of Sleepy Hollow, Tarry Town, and its surroundings. Highlight the word choices, syntax, references to history, physical descriptions, mood, and tone that develop the setting.

Keep the following in mind before you begin writing:

• Choose a location that you know well. Your description need not be of a natural or pastoral setting; it only needs to imitate characteristics of Irving’s tone and style.
• Your writing might take the form of either prose or poetry.

Finally, present your description to the class.