is mocking or copying someone or something a good way to learn?

Question

an example can be when you're trying to write a good article and there happens to be a really good article in the local magazine, would copying and mocking the style of that writer actually improve your own writing...etc

Answer 1

Absolutely! One of the best ways to improve as a writer is to read the work of others and try to understand what makes it good. By copying their words and trying to break down how they construct sentences and paragraphs, you begin to understand the thought process behind the written word. Many authors confess to learning to write in exactly this way: Joseph Conrad, Francine Prose, Jack Gantos, etc.

Of course, you don't ever want to copy someone else's words or ideas and claim them as your own, but if you are just trying to learn what makes something good, this is a great personal exercise.

Answer 2

No, it's better to find your own style. If it is for an assignment and you have already something for that teacher and you copy someone else's writing the teacher can tell. You can take tips from the writing but no copying. That would be considered cheating and plagarism.

Answer 3

a million. not to pass judgement on folks by way of heresay (boo) two. There are continuously sunglasses of grey in well and evil (while the mob went after her father, she knew and stopped that one guy) three. Racism can result in horrible matters four. You can't continuously believe different's critiques --racism i'm hoping the ones four support!!

Answer 4

That's sort of plagiarism. Not a good idea. Imitation isn't always the sincerest form of flattery. You need to find your own voice.