Prove It+: A Christmas Carol
Points to remember:
You will be given an extract from the novella and asked to analyse it based on a focus – character
or theme.
e.g. ‘How does Dickens present Scrooge in this extract? How is Scrooge presented elsewhere in the
novella?’ (30 marks)
You are assessed for:
AO1: maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response; use textual references,
including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations. (12 marks)
AO2: analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects;
use relevant subject terminology where appropriate. (12 marks)
AO3: show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were
written. (6 marks)
The following tasks will help you prepare for the exam.
1.
​Create​ a timeline to ​sequence​ the key events in the whole novella.
2. Generate​ a list of all the characters in the novella. ​Describe​ who they are, the main events
they are involved in and ​explore​ a relationship they have with another character.
3. Generate​ a list of all the themes in the novella. ​Explore​ how each theme relates to two
events in the novella. ​Evaluate​ how each theme helps communicate Shakespeare's core
messages. How does Shakespeare use his themes to educate his audience and/or
challenge their views? See checklist and focus on these themes.
4. Choose one quotation from below and ​analyse​ the language using PETER to reach a
conclusion as to what is being communicated. Refer to checklist.
5. Generate​ a list of attitudes and values based on the time the text is set. E.g. People
should take greater responsibility for their own accomplishments and achievements. For
each attitude ​identify​ three quotations that support or undermine these values/attitudes.
Refer to checklist.
6. Create​ a list of devices used by the writer. Check you have identified them all by
comparing​ your list to the device sheet. Then choose one exam question below and
annotate​ for any features/devices you can find. ​Transfer​ these quotations to you device
list.
7. You are now ready to answer a question. Introduction: Say what you are going to prove
about the theme/character named in the question. Prove It: PETER paragraphs plus your
knowledge of themes/messages/events in the novella as a whole. Conclusion: Summarise
what you have proved and why Dickens includes this character/theme/message. Now
answer as many exam questions as possible.
8. SA using mark scheme then get your teacher to check your mark.
Prove It+: A Christmas Carol
Your revision checklist:
✓
Plot
Key Character: Scrooge
Key Character: Marley's Ghost
Key Character: Fred
Key Character: Bob Cratchit
Key Character: The Ghost of Christmas Past
Key Character: The Ghost of Christmas Present
Key Character: The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Theme: Redemption
Theme: Social Responsibility
Theme: Education
Theme: Poverty
Theme: The Supernatural
Theme: Isolation
Theme: The Family
Context: Historical - The Author
Context: Historical - Industrial Revolution
Context: Social - Christmas
Context: Social - Poverty and Education
Settings: London, Isolated Places, Happy Homes
Form: A Novella
Structure: A Classical Five Part Structure
Structure: Cyclical Structure
Structure: Blank Verse and Prose
Language: Charactonym
Language: Simile
Language: Personification
Language: Pathetic Fallacy
Language: Sentence Style
Language: Imagery
Language: Adjective and Adverbs
Language: Symbolism
Exam Practice 1
Exam Practice 2
Exam Practice 3
Exam Practice 4
Exam Practice 5
Exam Practice 6
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