Sample Answers - A Christmas Carol (Grades 9

Examiner's Grade

Grades 6–7 The examiner gave this sample answer Grades 6–7.
Now read the comments below to understand why this grade was given.
The examiner also provides tips on how the answer might be improved.

Comment

This shows a sound understanding of some of the key ideas and some personal engagement. Although, some points could be more fully developed, such as the link between Christmas and the ‘transformation’ theme to show a more conceptualised response. The style of writing is generally good, but sometimes there is a lack of fluency, and more ambitious vocabulary could be used.

For Grades 8–⁠9

Engage further with the theme of change by commenting on the transformation affecting other characters, such as Bob Cratchit.
Link themes more explicitly, e.g., how Scrooge’s personal change is also linked to the societal change that Dickens was arguing for.
Underpin points fully with a range of quotations from across the novel.