Language & Literature for the IB MYP 2: by Concept

1 How can we separate fact from

fiction?
Support Activity: Setting the scene – Establishing setting
ATL
Creative-thinking skills: Create original works and ideas; use existing works and ideas in
new ways
Communication skills: Organize and depict information logically
Setting plays an important role in stories. It is tied to the types of character in the text, the
events that happen, the dialogue, the mood, and many other elements. Establishing a
strong setting is also essential in helping readers understand and immerse themselves in the
story.
Look back at the setting described by Pullman in the Setting the scene activity. Instead of his
descriptive text, imagine that he had simply written, ‘There is a district of old docks and
warehouses in London known as Wapping. It is run-down.’ That description still lets us know
the basic elements of setting, but does not have the same effect.
It is important to use descriptive language when writing about setting so our readers can
picture themselves there. Use the graphic organizer below to help you establish a
descriptive setting in your historical fiction piece.
Establishing a descriptive setting
Describe the setting in your story. Think about the language used in Pullman’s excerpt.

In addition to describing setting, authors can also tell readers about setting through the way
the characters look and dress, dialogue between characters, the types of events that
happen, etc. These are more like clues to the setting. We have to make some inferences as
readers. Can you think of any other ways that you might like to tell your readers about your
setting?

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Language & Literature for the IB MYP 2: by Concept

Using your information above, choose a few descriptions that could be stronger. Use the
senses listed below to enrich your writing or to help you think of new ways to describe it.

See Hear Smell Touch Taste

Review the descriptions listed above. Can you use any of the literary elements listed below
to help readers better understand your setting?

Simile: compares Metaphor: Onomatopoiea: Personification:

two things using compares two a word that is a giving inanimate
‘like’ things without sound objects human
using ‘like’ characteristics

Example: The bright Example: The snow Example: Crash, Example: The river
yellow home stood was a white hospital boom, bang, splash, speaks to me each
at the top of the hill blanket, covering kapow… spring as it rushes
like a constant sun. the broken bones of by.
the town.

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Language & Literature for the IB MYP 2: by Concept

Combine your writing into one descriptive setting.

Assessment opportunities
In this activity you have practised skills that are assessed using Criterion B: Organizing;
Criterion C: Producing text and Criterion D: Using language.

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