A Christmas Carol , GCSE (AQA) - Practice Question and Model Answer

This GCSE English Literature resource offers a comprehensive analysis of the theme of isolation in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and includes an AQA practice exam question which focuses on the theme of isolation, along with a model answer.

Practice Question and Extract: The extract is taken from Stave 2 where Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past. It portrays the symbolic isolation of Scrooge through the description of his room and situation.

Model Answer: A detailed response to the exam question, discussing Scrooge’s isolation both in the extract and throughout the novel. This includes:

Analysis of the extract’s language, highlighting Scrooge’s physical and emotional isolation.
Exploration of isolation in the broader context of the novel, emphasizing how Scrooge’s materialism contributes to his loneliness.
A conclusion that connects isolation with Victorian social values and the importance of community.

Indicative Content: Provides teachers with clear criteria to assess student responses.

Along with this resource, a picture sequence activity is also provided. This can be used to help students remember the main events which occur at the beginning of Stave 2.

This resource is designed to show students how to respond to an AQA, English Literature question and familiarising them with the theme of isolation.