A Christmas Carol (AQA GCSE English Literature)

Exam Questions

7 hours167 questions
11 mark

What is Scrooge’s attitude towards Christmas at the beginning of the novella?

  • He is indifferent to it, but appreciates that it is a profitable time for businesses.

  • He loves and celebrates it, but rejects the materialism that it engenders.

  • He finds it bothersome and pointless.

  • He believes everyone should celebrate it in their own way.

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21 mark

How does Scrooge respond when two men ask him for a charitable donation in Stave 1?

  • He refuses and suggests that the poor should go to prison or die.

  • He donates a small amount of money, but asks for change.

  • He expresses sympathy, but claims he has no money to give.

  • He promises to donate later, but does not really mean it.

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31 mark

What is Scrooge’s initial reaction when Marley’s ghost appears?

  • He is terrified and immediately believes it is real.

  • He tries to extinguish its light by throwing a drink at it.

  • He thinks it is a trick or the result of indigestion.

  • He runs away in fear.

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41 mark

In which stave does Scrooge begin to understand the meaning of Christmas?

  • Stave 1

  • Stave 3

  • Stave 4

  • Stave 5

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51 mark

Which spirit shows Scrooge his own lonely death in the future?

  • the Ghost of Christmas Past

  • the Ghost of Christmas Present

  • Marley’s ghost

  • the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

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61 mark

What is Scrooge’s relationship with Fred, his nephew?

  • Scrooge is affectionate and caring towards Fred.

  • Scrooge ignores Fred but does not mind his company.

  • Scrooge dismisses Fred and mocks his love for Christmas.

  • Scrooge tries to help Fred financially but does not visit him.

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71 mark

In Stave 5, how does Scrooge demonstrate his transformation?

  • He moves to a different city to start fresh, inspired by the visions from the three spirits.

  • He becomes Fred’s business partner, and they donate gifts to the local orphanage.

  • He donates to charity, raises Bob Cratchit’s salary, and celebrates Christmas with Fred.

  • He retires from business to live a quiet life alone and reflect on his prior mistakes.

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81 mark

How does the Ghost of Christmas Past help Scrooge begin his transformation?

  • by showing Scrooge images of his future

  • by reminding Scrooge of moments from his childhood and past

  • by confronting Scrooge with the suffering of the Cratchit family

  • by showing Scrooge his gravestone

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91 mark

What is the main message that the Ghost of Christmas Present conveys to Scrooge?

  • that death is inevitable

  • that generosity and goodwill should be shared during Christmas

  • that wealth should be hoarded for future security

  • that memories cannot be changed

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101 mark

Why does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come remain silent throughout Scrooge’s encounter?

  • to create a sense of mystery and fear about the future

  • to indicate that Scrooge will not have any chance to change his fate

  • to show that death does not need to be feared

  • to remind Scrooge of his happy childhood

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11 mark

What does the appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Past, being both young and old, symbolise?

  • the balance between Scrooge’s childhood and old age

  • the conflict between wealth and poverty

  • the idea that memories are timeless and span all ages

  • Scrooge’s inability to remember his youth

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21 mark

How does the Ghost of Christmas Present challenge Scrooge’s previous attitudes?

  • by showing him his gravestone

  • by confronting him with his own childhood mistakes

  • by encouraging Scrooge to relive his past joys

  • by using Scrooge’s own words against him

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31 mark

What role does the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come play in Scrooge’s transformation?

  • It comforts Scrooge by reminding him of his family’s love.

  • It forces Scrooge to confront the consequences of his future actions.

  • It shows Scrooge that he cannot change his destiny.

  • It encourages Scrooge to live a selfish life to avoid future suffering.

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41 mark

How does the Ghost of Christmas Present illustrate the concept of social inequality?

  • by showing Scrooge the wealthy’s celebrations and the Cratchit family’s struggles

  • by focusing on Scrooge’s financial success and how the wealthy celebrate Christmas

  • by confronting Scrooge with his own childhood memories of past Christmas celebrations

  • by showing Scrooge scenes associated with his own death

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51 mark

What does Dickens suggest by using the metaphorical children, Ignorance and Want, in Stave 5?

  • that poverty and ignorance are natural consequences of society

  • that poverty and ignorance are the real enemies of society

  • that children should be feared for their future mistakes

  • that Scrooge’s wealth can protect him from a fate similar to theirs

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61 mark

How would Scrooge’s reaction to seeing his own death with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come likely affect his relationship with his community?

  • He might distance himself further, feeling that he cannot change people’s opinions of him.

  • He might ignore the vision, believing it is inevitable and beyond his control.

  • He might seek forgiveness from those he has wronged to improve his legacy.

  • He might try to bribe people for a better reputation before his death.

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11 mark

How does the appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Past symbolise the nature of memory?

  • The ghost’s ambiguous appearance reflects the unclear and shifting nature of memory.

  • The ghost’s size emphasises that memories are larger than life.

  • The bright jet of light from the ghost’s head shows how memories are always clear and vivid.

  • The ghost’s youthful appearance suggests that memories focus on childhood.

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21 mark

Analyse the symbolism of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come’s silence. What does this silence represent in the context of Scrooge’s transformation?

  • The silence represents Scrooge’s finality in accepting his death.

  • The silence symbolises Scrooge’s inability to influence his own future.

  • The silence emphasises the uncertain future and Scrooge’s fear of judgment.

  • The silence suggests that there is no hope for Scrooge’s redemption.

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31 mark

Evaluate the importance of the Ghost of Christmas Present’s interaction with Ignorance and Want in conveying Dickens’ social message.

  • It highlights the idea that poverty is the fault of the poor themselves.

  • It reflects the themes of social responsibility, poverty and inequality.

  •  It implies that wealthier individuals should feel no guilt for the suffering of the poor.

  • It suggests that Christmas is the time to show concern for those less fortunate.

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41 mark

Compare the way Scrooge reacts to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come with his reactions to the other spirits. What is the significance of this difference?

  • Scrooge is amused by this spirit, showing his disbelief in its message.

  • Scrooge is angry at this spirit because it shows him a future he cannot change.

  • Scrooge is indifferent to this spirit, as he already accepts his fate.

  • Scrooge is fearful of this spirit, which symbolises death and judgment.

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51 mark

Assess the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present in showing Scrooge the consequences of social inequality. What is the most important lesson Scrooge learns from this spirit?

  • Scrooge learns that celebrating Christmas is pointless for the poor.

  • Scrooge learns that his wealth has no impact on others’ happiness.

  • Scrooge learns that Christmas should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of wealth.

  • Scrooge learns that social inequality is too complex to be addressed through individual actions.

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