1
1 mark
How is Ebenezer Scrooge first described in the novella?
"light and gentle as a feather"
"hard and sharp as flint"
"merry and carefree as a schoolboy"
"stubborn and hard-headed as a ram"
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A Christmas Carol (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions
Exam code: 8702
9 hours172 questions
2
1 mark
Which phrase does Scrooge often use to express his opinion of Christmas?
"God bless us, every one!"
"Merry Christmas!"
"Ho, ho, ho!"
"Bah! Humbug!"
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3
1 mark
Who says, “God bless us, every one!”?
Tiny Tim
Bob Cratchit
Fred
Scrooge
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4
1 mark
What is Scrooge’s relationship to Fred?
uncle
father
brother
cousin
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5
1 mark
How does Dickens describe the Ghost of Christmas Present?
as a “spectral being”
as a “solitary figure”
as a “jolly Giant”
as a “shadowy figure”
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6
1 mark
What is Bob Cratchit’s occupation?
lawyer
clerk
merchant
teacher
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7
1 mark
Who was Jacob Marley in relation to Scrooge?
his brother
his business partner
his father
his best friend
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8
1 mark
How does Scrooge’s attitude towards Tiny Tim reflect his character development?
He remains indifferent, showing his unchanged nature.
He becomes angry, reflecting his frustration with poverty.
He feels superior, reinforcing his sense of importance.
He becomes empathetic, showing his growing concern for others.
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9
1 mark
What role does Jacob Marley’s ghost play in Scrooge’s transformation?
He serves as a warning of the consequences of a selfish life.
He offers Scrooge wealth and power.
He forges a long, metal chain for Scrooge.
He demonstrates that Scrooge is unable to change his fate.
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10
1 mark
What does the simile “as solitary as an oyster” suggest about Scrooge’s character?
It implies that he may still contain a pearl of goodness.
It shows that he is wealthy and well-guarded.
It suggests he is isolated, with a hard exterior but potential for change.
It highlights that his character is as unpredictable as the sea.
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1
1 mark
What does the metaphor “Scrooge’s heart was cold” suggest about his personality?
It implies that Scrooge is unfeeling and lacks compassion.
It suggests that Scrooge is old and frail.
It highlights that Scrooge is logical and calculating.
It implies that Scrooge is fearful of others.
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2
1 mark
How does Bob Cratchit’s reaction to Scrooge during the Christmas toast illustrate his character?
It shows his forgiving and kind nature despite Scrooge’s cruelty.
It reflects his fear of losing his job and being punished.
It demonstrates that he hides his disdain for Scrooge from his family.
It reveals his hope that Scrooge will one day treat him better.
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3
1 mark
What is the significance of the Ghost of Christmas Past’s “bright clear jet of light”?
It shows the spirit’s power to blind Scrooge to his mistakes.
It represents Scrooge’s bright future if he changes.
It serves as a beacon to guide Scrooge through the present.
It symbolises memory and the illumination of Scrooge’s past.
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4
1 mark
How can Bob Cratchit's reaction to Scrooge’s newfound generosity be used to illustrate the theme of forgiveness?
Bob resents Scrooge's transformation and refuses to forgive him for his past mistreatment and poor working conditions.
Bob immediately welcomes Scrooge's change of heart, showing that forgiveness can be given when someone truly repents.
Bob is indifferent to Scrooge's transformation, suggesting that forgiveness is not necessary.
Bob forgives Scrooge after receiving financial compensation, indicating that forgiveness must be rewarded.
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5
1 mark
Suggest how the character of Fan influences Scrooge’s attitude towards his nephew Fred.
Scrooge resents Fred because he blames him for Fan’s early death.
Scrooge’s memories of Fan’s kindness inspire him to embrace Fred’s warmth.
Scrooge treats Fred harshly because Fan was too lenient with Scrooge.
Scrooge ignores Fred because he associates him with Fan’s death.
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6
1 mark
How does Dickens use the contrast between Scrooge and Fezziwig to comment on the treatment of employees?
Fezziwig’s success shows that Scrooge’s methods are ineffective.
Fezziwig’s wealth contrasts with Scrooge’s poverty, justifying Scrooge’s behaviour.
Fezziwig’s kindness highlights the cruelty of Scrooge’s treatment of Bob Cratchit.
Fezziwig’s fear of poverty explains his generosity, unlike Scrooge.
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7
1 mark
What might the Ghost of Christmas Present’s “glowing torch” symbolise in its interaction with Scrooge?
The spreading of warmth and kindness, contrasting with Scrooge’s coldness.
The burden of wealth that Scrooge carries, symbolising the weight of his greed.
The light of truth that reveals Scrooge's wealth and success, emphasising his status.
Tthe power to change time and events, enabling Scrooge to alter his fate.
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8
1 mark
How does the depiction of Ignorance and Want influence Scrooge’s perception of his society’s values?
It reinforces his view that wealth is the ultimate measure of success.
It confirms his belief that the poor are responsible for their own plight.
It reveals to him the consequences of society’s neglect of the poor.
It strengthens his resolve to avoid any involvement in social issues.
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1
1 mark
How does Dickens use the description of Scrooge as “hard and sharp as flint” to establish his character in the novella?
It suggests that Scrooge is a valuable asset to society, like flint is valuable for making fire.
It highlights Scrooge’s tough exterior and inability to connect with others emotionally.
It indicates Scrooge’s sharp business acumen and intelligence.
It foreshadows Scrooge’s transformation into a kinder, gentler person.
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2
1 mark
How does the depiction of Bob Cratchit’s working conditions serve as a critique of the treatment of the lower classes during Dickens’ time?
It reveals that most employers were unaware of their workers’ hardships and would improve conditions if they knew.
It shows that the working class had few responsibilities and were treated leniently by their employers.
It suggests that Bob’s poverty is due to his own lack of ambition rather than the actions of his employer.
It reveals the exploitation of workers and the harsh conditions they endured, reflecting social injustice.
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3
1 mark
Assess the impact of Scrooge’s transformation on the novella’s overall message.
Scrooge’s transformation complicates the novella’s message by implying that wealth and generosity are incompatible.
Scrooge’s transformation undermines the novella’s message by suggesting that change can be sudden and unearned.
Scrooge’s transformation has little impact on the novella’s message, which focuses more on the spirits than on Scrooge.
Scrooge’s transformation reinforces Dickens’ message that change is always possible, regardless of past behaviour.
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4
1 mark
Assess the role of Scrooge’s childhood memories in his ultimate transformation.
Scrooge’s childhood memories are primarily used to provide context and have minimal impact on his eventual transformation.
Scrooge’s childhood memories are less influential, as his transformation is primarily driven by his fear of the future.
Scrooge’s childhood memories play a critical role in his transformation by reminding him of the kindness he once knew and the joy he lost, prompting him to change.
Scrooge’s childhood memories distract him from the main issue of his present behaviour, making them less relevant to his transformation.
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