Big6 Model PowerPoint

2. HOW DO I INCORPORATE REALISTIC SETTINGS
EFFECTIVELY INTO FICTIONAL STORIES?
Task Definition: What is a realistic-setting?
• actual, physical place one can travel to
• documented in books, maps, databases, etc…
• can be researched
What information do I need to complete the task?
• determine which setting(s) will enhance the story idea,
characters, and overall plot
realistic setting
fictional setting

3. INFORMATION SEEKING STRATEGIES:
KNOW YOUR PLACE
What are possible realistic setting sources?
• places you’ve traveled to (first-hand knowledge is helpful when incorporating
realistic settings)
• books, almanacs, photographs, travel brochures, blogs, maps, magazines,
websites, Google Earth, and other travel-related resources
• historical documents and information that depicts a chosen era, time period, or
event connected to the setting
• season and weather sources that provide descriptions of time and place
Which sources are best?
• those that provide useable setting data and will enhance the overall story
• those that provide sensory details (sight, touch, taste, sound, and smell)
Time + Place = setting:

4. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
How do I locate sources?
Determine setting needs, such as geography descriptions, landmarks,
furnishings, clothing, and other time and place descriptors the story requires.
Then utilize specific sources that provide usable data.
• Research actual street names if you use them
• Study pertinent structures and architecture
• Interview people who’ve traveled to your chosen setting
• Watch video clips of actual settings
How do I find the information I need within sources?
• Skim, scan, and view gathered sources closely
• Create a file of usable pictures, video clips, and other resources that
enhance your story idea

5. INFORMATION IS POWER
Engage with the information you’ve found.
• Use applicable senses to engage with material—see, hear,
taste, smell, and touch data from a character’s viewpoint.
• When you connect with gathered research, you’re more likely
to provide setting details that ground the reader in your story.
Extract the most useful material from gathered sources.
• Use only the setting information that is required by the story,
its characters, and accompanying fictional elements.
• Take notes and make lists of usable material.

6. SYNTHESIS
Organize information: synthesize usable setting details
• Select necessary setting descriptors that enhance the story.
• If you include too many setting descriptors, you may lose the story
thread.
Present information: incorporate setting details into story scenes
• Include notes and gathered data into story draft. Place a character in
the researched setting, and allow him to connect with the space,
furniture, layout, landscape, etc.
• When writers utilize realistic settings in fictional stories effectively,
readers visual the story more fully.

7. EVALUATION: WHAT WORKS?
WHAT DOESN’T?
Are realistic setting descriptions effective?
• Have I “grounded” my characters in a time and place?
• Does my setting enhance or detract from my story?
• Have I checked for setting accuracy?
• Does my story setting require more research?
How do I judge a successful setting?
• Ask for feedback from critique partners or additional readers.
• Utilize feedback and revise as necessary
Make your fictional story “real” by
utilizing the Big6 skills for setting
research.