ShmoopTube

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[Dino and Coop singing]

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When you apply to college, you may be asked to write a narrative as part of your application.

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Which is totally normal, because a narrative is actually just a story! [Guy in a suit tells prospective student to tell him a story he's never heard before]

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If you're asked to do a ballet blindfolded while juggling torches…that's a little less [Ballerina drops the torches and two flame balls appear]

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normal…and…mildly terrifying…

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Anyway, we know that you’re not applying to college yet… [Man shrinks and becomes a kid]

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… but it’s never too early to practice good story-telling – or, in this case, good

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story-writing!

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Narratives can be real or imagined, but for the purposes of this video, we're going the [Coop pointing at a blackboard]

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imaaaaaginary route.

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Ooh, sorry.

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No unicorns.

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We promise, we'll call you guys up whenever we tackle creative writing. [Unicorn in space]

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For this assignment, you’re going to use research and imagination to practice putting [Guy walking up to a bookshelf]

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yourself in someone else’s shoes.

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Um, that’s metaphorically putting yourself in other's shoes. [Guy wearing high heels]

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Don't actually do it…that's kinda gross...

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After you’ve researched your subject, you’ll have notes on all the qualities that are unique [Kid unrolls giant list of notes]

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to him or her.

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Your job is to combine those elements into a story worth telling.

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This might seem daunting at first –

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-- but, surprise!

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You actually do this sort of thing all the time. [Kid looks shocked]

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For example, when your friend tells you his dog Mr. Pugsworth is sick, you feel sad because [A dog wrapped up in a blanket]

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you understand the worry and anxiety he's feeling.

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But when Mr. Pugsworth gets better, you feel excited and overjoyed! [The dog spits the thermometer out it's mouth]

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And you're full of belly rubs, which Mr. Pugsworth certainly appreciates! [Guy rubbing his own belly]

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So, with a little bit of creative thinking, you can definitely get into the head – and

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heart – of anyone you choose!

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Again: metaphorically.

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We're not in some sort of creepy sci-fi movie here… [An alien appears]

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So the next time you write a narrative, start by looking at the things your subject does [Dino pointing at a blackboard]

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each day.

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Then picture how you might feel in those situations.

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Put it all together and boom!

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You've got yourself an awesome narrative. [Dino looks excited and drops his pointer]

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And yes, unicorns.

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We'll pay you for being in this video…ugh. [Unicorns queuing at the payroll office]

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They're so hard to work with…

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