Imagine that you wake up tomorrow to find that you are now 80 years old. Can you write a 1-3 paragraph personal narrative about your first 20 minutes as an 80-year-old?

Yes, I can.

I can write such a paragraph by getting on the Internet and searching for “interviews with seniors” or “interviews with octogenarians.” I might even look specifically for the question “what does it feel like to be 80?”

I would read the hits and take notes about the responses I see. Perhaps octogenarians emphasize physical ailments. Maybe they talk about emotional issues. Perhaps they have regular routines. Some may have pets.

Once I did my research and took my notes, I’d use my imagination and composition skills to complete the homework assignment I’d been given, and not try to get some internet stranger to do my homework for me.