End-of-unit assessment on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (original text). Answer the selected-response questions, then complete the constructed response and writing task using specific evidence from across the novella.
Which theme is most strongly developed across the entire novella A Christmas Carol?
Which details function primarily as symbols (representing bigger ideas) in A Christmas Carol? Select two.
Early in the novella (before the spirits visit), Scrooge’s words and actions most clearly characterize him as…
Match each figure to their main role in Scrooge’s transformation.
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come | arrow_right_alt | Warns Scrooge about consequences |
Ghost of Christmas Present | arrow_right_alt | Reveals formative memories and regrets |
Jacob Marley | arrow_right_alt | Shows current suffering and joy |
Ghost of Christmas Past | arrow_right_alt | Shows possible future if unchanged |
The narrator’s tone in A Christmas Carol is purely objective and never includes commentary or judgment.
Dickens’ frequent use of cold, darkness, and fog in the opening stave most strongly creates a tone of…
Which character most clearly functions as a foil to highlight Scrooge’s early attitude toward Christmas and generosity?
Fezziwig’s Christmas party most strongly helps develop the idea that…
Short constructed response (4–6 sentences): Choose one symbol from the novella (for example: Marley’s chains; Ignorance and Want; the Ghosts; light vs. darkness). Explain what the symbol represents and how it develops a theme across the story. Refer to at least two specific moments from the text (you may paraphrase).
Short constructed response (5–8 sentences): Analyze Scrooge’s characterization by comparing him at the beginning and end of the novella. Explain how Dickens shows his change (through actions, dialogue, interactions, or what others say about him). Include at least two pieces of evidence from different parts of the story (direct quotes or paraphrase).
Writing task (literary analysis): Write a one-paragraph argument (8–12 sentences) responding to the prompt below.
Prompt: How does Dickens use one of the following to develop a major theme in A Christmas Carol?
symbolism
characterization
diction/tone
Requirements:
Clear claim that names a theme
At least two pieces of textual evidence (quotes or paraphrase)
Commentary explaining how the evidence supports your claim
Concluding sentence that ties back to the theme
Short constructed response: Choose one symbol from the novella (for example: Marley’s chains, the Ghosts, Ignorance and Want, Tiny Tim, light/dark imagery). Explain how it develops a theme. Use 1–2 specific moments from the story as evidence.
Analysis: Trace Scrooge’s characterization from the beginning to the end of the novella. What are two key turning points in his change, and what evidence from those moments shows his shift in values?
Writing task (literary analysis): Write a well-developed paragraph (or short essay, if your teacher directs) that argues how Dickens develops a theme in A Christmas Carol through ONE focus:
symbolism
characterization
diction/tone
Requirements: clear claim, at least two pieces of specific evidence from different parts of the novella, and commentary explaining how the evidence supports your claim.