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How to Create a Setting - Exercises

You have read about how to create a setting, but now it is time to make your own. These exercises will train you so that you can not only get the idea of how to make a setting, but to make a specific setting for your own story.

A. Fill in the Blanks

Some of the sentences are missing important parts! Using your creative mind, come up with some words that can fit in each blank. The first one has been done for you.

Example: Paul entered a fast food restaurant for lunch. He smelled fries in the air, and so he decided that it was what he wanted to order. As he walked towards the counter to order, Paul heard shouting behind him. It was his co-worker, Dan. “Hey, buddy!” shouted Dan. Dan punched Paul’s shoulder playfully and offered to buy lunch.


1. Lawrence walked inside the_____________. He heard___________, so he decided to see what was going on. He sees his little brother Mike ___________________. “May I join you?” asked Lawrence. “Yeah,” responded Mike. Both brothers___________________ ; that strengthened the bond between them.


2. Andy lost his bag that was filled with ______________. So, he drives to the _______________ to replace the ones he lost. He has never been inside the ______________, so he asks someone who works there for some help. The gentleman shows Andy where to find _________________. “I’ll help you at the register,” he says. Andy drives back home and places his new____________ in the back seat of his car. His bag of ________________ was there the whole time.

B. Creating a Setting

Create a setting with the given key word or phrase. Remember to use any of the five senses (see, hear, taste, smell, touch) to describe the setting. The first example has been given to you.

Example: A new classroom

The new classroom has a chalkboard, the teacher’s desk and chair, and five groups of four desks. Each desk has a red, apple-shaped nametag with a child’s name on it. The window was cracked and let in the aroma of fresh trees into the room. The feeling of the breeze is cool. I hear other students entering the classroom and trying to figure out where to sit.

Now try it yourself with the following phrases:

  1. A hospital
  2. An Italian restaurant
  3. A shoe store
  4. A barbecue in June

C. Five Words

Read each situation below. For each situation, come up with five words or phrases that come to mind that can be used to create a setting. The first one has been done for you.

1. Michael is having his 14th birthday party.

  1. Friday
  2. Bowling alley
  3. Laughing
  4. Pizza
  5. Pepperoni

2. Michelle is visiting her grandmother.

  1. ____________________
  2. ____________________
  3. ____________________
  4. ____________________
  5. ____________________

3. Vanessa is cleaning her room.

  1. ____________________
  2. ____________________
  3. ____________________
  4. ____________________
  5. ____________________