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How stories shape
our minds
C2 Level Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours Age: Adults
Lesson goals Students can synthesize and exploit information and arguments from a
complex spoken or written text
Students can present a complex topic confidently and articulately to an
audience unfamiliar with it, structuring and adapting the talk flexibly to
meet the audience's needs.
Flipped classroom lesson* Group lesson
*Flipped classroom teaching is an instructional strategy, which is aimed at increasing student engagement
and learning outcomes. Students learn material at home through online resources, and then use class time
to discuss the material and work on activities related to it. To have this class, assign the "AT HOME" part as
homework 1-2 weeks in advance.
1 At home
Exercise 1: Watch this video “How stories shape our minds”. Answer the
following questions in writing and be ready to use your answers in class during
discussion.
1. How is a story able to change prejudice?
2. What elements of psychology do stories elicit in readers?
3. What is the theory concerning immersion in a story based on?
4. What purpose do individual words serve in telling a story?
5. What is a 'parasocial relationship', as described in the video?
6. What are the positive effects of forming relationships with fictional characters?
7. What is an example of a controversial topic that has been influenced by stories?
“ Stories have the potential to be incredibly powerful. They're able to
change how we relate to each other, to change prejudice, so the
potential for stories to persuade is staggering.
”
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Exercise 2: Read this article. Highlight or write out the main ideas
and be ready to use in class.
Exercise 3. Fill in the gaps with the words below to complete the phrases used
in the article. Self-check by scanning the article once again.
cues virtuous tune out compelling informational resolved
resonate empathic likened simulation affiliated dramatic
The emotionally _____(1) narrative moved us all to tears
He was believed to be _____(2) with a notorious crime organization
She _____(3) him to a loyal puppy dog.
She had difficulty processing the _____(4) stream they were receiving.
The characters in the book made her emotionally _____(5) with the story.
The emotional _____(6) provided by the game is deeply affecting.
Her friends responded appropriately to subtle social _____(7).
She had to _____(8) external distractions in order to focus.
The movie followed a _____(9) arc from beginning to end.
In the end, the story _____(10) itself in an unexpected way.
Our collaborative effort formed a _____(11) cycle of success.
The immersive environment enabled his _____(12) transportation into the fantasy world.
Exercise 4. Synthesize the information from the video and the article and
write out 3 most important points about stories that either of them or both of
them mention (not more than 2 sentences each)*.
Exercise 5. Prepare a presentation based on the main points that you outlined
in the exercise above. Choose one story (from a book, film, TV, fairy tale,
cartoon etc.) and explain how these points can be / are reflected in this
particular story or the experience of its readers.
Requirements:
1. Length: max 10 min
2. Use at least 5 words or phrases from exercise 2
3. Demonstrate 3 points that you outlined in task 4 at the beginning of your presentation
*Model answers to Exercises 4 and 5 can be found in the “Correct answers” section
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2 In class
Exercise 1: Answer these questions relying on your homework materials as well
as your unique experience.
How do stories help us understand the world around us?
What techniques do authors use to make their stories more engaging
How does storytelling help build relationships between people
Do you think that reading stories can help us become more empathetic?
How do you think reading stories can help us develop a better understanding of ourselves?
Exercise 2: Show your presentation. If you are a listener, use this assessment
sheet to provide your classmates with feedback*:
Usage of vocabulary from homework
no words 1 word
2-3 words
4 words
5 or more words
is used are used are used are used
How the key points from homework are addressed
the presentation only 1 point 2 points are 3 points are all 3 points are
does not address is adressed fully explained addressed but fully explained
the ideas more
expressed in HW explanation is
materials needed
Public speaking skills
more work is average
good
confident proficient
needed speaker speaker speaker speaker
*Feedback can be provided openly or anonymously, in the spoken or written form (at the discretion of the
teacher)
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Correct answers
Exercise 1:
Stories have the potential to change prejudice by changing how readers view each other; broadening
perspectives and making people more open to understanding the experiences of others
Stories elicit a sense of full immersion in readers, making them feel as though the events are actually
happening to them.
The theory concerning immersion in a story is based on the mirror neuron system
The individual words of a story serve to create a dynamic world; readers begin to visualize
experiencing the story in an active way.
A 'parasocial relationship' is a false social relationship that readers form with fictional characters, as
though they are real people.
The positive effects of forming relationships with fictional characters include making readers feel
less alone and improving their self-esteem and mood.
An example of a controversial topic influenced by stories is same-sex marriage or immigration.
Exercise 3.
1. compelling
5. resonate
9. dramatic
2. affiliated
6. simulation
10. resolved
3. likened
7. cues
11. virtuous
4. informational
8. tune out 12. empathic
Exercise 4.
Model answer:
Stories have an insane persuasive power on people. They are very effective at producing moral and
even political change
People who read stories affiliate with strangers. We watch or read about an image that we know is
fictional, but evolutionarily old parts of our brain, due to mirror neurons, make us feel as if we were
experiencing this image or event.
The notion of transportation means that people can lose themselves in the story world. Sometimes it
makes them feel less lonely.
Exercise 5.
Example presentation outline based on the model answer
Point 1. Stories have an insane persuasive power on people… (Watching “The Lion King” can be useful
for teaching the value of family ties and lifelong friendship
Point 2. People who read stories affiliate with strangers… (“The Lion King” can help children process
difficult emotions such as grief and prepare them for similar real-life experiences
Point 3. The notion of transportation means that people can lose themselves in the story world…
(Seeing the strong friendship between Simba, Timon and Pumba can help the viewer identify with
their positive feelings)
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