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Year 11 - English

Writing an extended response on 'A Christmas Carol'

'A Christmas Carol': a critique of Victorian values

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore how Dickens presents 'A Christmas Carol' as a critique of dominant Victorian values. They first look at how he presents Victorian London, before looking at how he depicts poverty, suffering, wealth and status. They then look at what Dickens is critiquing in the novella.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to create a written response which meets a success criteria.

Key Notes

  • An excellent introduction could start with a brief summary of the text and its overarching message.
  • It should then have a specific statement about the focus of the question, followed by a thesis (overarching argument).
  • Topic sentences need to be clear, linked to the question and led by key ideas (not feature-spotting).
  • Context can be used to develop arguments.
  • An effective conclusion will summarise key points in the response and consider the writer's intentions.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • subtle: less obvious; nuanced; complex or understated
  • feature-spotting: leading an analytical paragraph by identifying methods or techniques used by a writer
  • tentative language: language which indicates a suggestion or idea (as opposed to a fact)
  • discourse markers: language used to signpost different parts of a text (e.g., 'In conclusion, ...')
  • redraft: rewriting parts of your work to include missing elements or upgrade the quality of your response

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Analytical paragraphs should lead by identifying how a writer uses language, form and/or structure.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

An excellent introduction could start with a brief summary of the text and its overarching message. It should then have a specific statement about the focus of the question, followed by a thesis (overarching argument).

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'subtle'

less obvious; nuanced; complex or understated.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Analytical paragraphs should lead by identifying how a writer uses language, form and/or structure. Correction: The best analytical writing begins by exploring how key ideas or attitudes in a poem link to the question focus, supported by analysis of how the writer uses language, form and/or structure to convey these ideas or attitudes.

More Lessons In This Unit

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