A Christmas Carol Essay Assessment Task

Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson we will have completed a quote quest for our essay, and started writing our draft.

Starter ‘I wish to be left alone,’ said Scrooge. ‘Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas, and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned [the Union workhouses, the prisons] – they cost enough: and those who are badly off must go there.’ ‘Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.’ ‘If they would rather die,’ said Scrooge, ‘they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population…’ Using the following section of the text, create a P.E.E paragraph that answers the following question: What do we learn about Victorian society from ‘A Christmas Carol’?

How will you structure P.E.E Paragraphs for the play?? Let’s model a paragraph together!

Guidance Each student has been provided with an essay outline. The essay is made up of six different sections; within each section you should have multiple P.E.E paragraphs. Boxes are provided for you to record relevant quotes, to be used in your good copy. Consult the mark scheme for guidance on how to write a good essay 

Step One Consider how Scrooge changes after meeting each ghost. Sum up his reaction/behaviour in one or two sentences. The first ghost: Shaken, but not very bothered. The second ghost: The third ghost: The fourth ghost:

Now you should be able to write a draft of your introductory paragraph Now you should be able to write a draft of your introductory paragraph. ‘A Christmas Carol’ was written by Charles Dickens. The novel is about…

Step Two Using the play as well as your notes from this unit, ensure that you use relevant quotes for each section of your essay.

Step Three Create P.E.E paragraphs for each section, using your quotes. These will become the basis of your essay.

Step Four Write a draft of your conclusion to the essay. Consider your introduction when writing your conclusion, but do not merely copy it. Your conclusion should be the strongest part of your essay, as it is the last thing that is read. Leave on a good note!

Plenary You should now be ready to write your final copy of the essay. Please ensure that you have: Included relevant quotes, and explained what they show/tell you and their importance. Discussed how Dickens uses language for effect Discussed the historical importance (Victorian attitudes towards the poor and Christmas via Scrooge)