A Christmas Carol Stave 1-3 Comprehension Questions

The door of Scrooge’s counting-house was open that he might keep his eye upon his clerk, who in a dismal little cell beyond, a sort of tank, was copying letters. Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk’s fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal. But he couldn’t replenish it, for Scrooge kept the coal-box in his own room; and so surely as the clerk came in with the shovel, the master predicted that it would be necessary for them in part.

1) What do Scrooge’s actions toward his clerk suggest about their relationship?

• A. Scrooge keeps the door open to communicate better with his clerk.

• B. Scrooge keeps the door open because he does not trust his clerk.

• C. Scrooge keeps the door open to share the fire with his clerk.

• D. Scrooge keeps the door open to force his clerk to ask for the shovel.

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1 Part B

The door of Scrooge’s counting-house was open that he might keep his eye upon his clerk, who in a dismal little cell beyond, a sort of tank, was copying letters. Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk’s fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal. But he couldn’t replenish it, for Scrooge kept the coal-box in his own room; and so surely as the clerk came in with the shovel, the master predicted that it would be necessary for them in part.

Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• A. “The door of Scrooge’s counting-house was open that he might keep his eye upon his clerk…”

• B. “Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk’s fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal.”

• C. “But he couldn’t replenish it, for Scrooge kept the coal-box in his own room…”

• D. “…so surely as the clerk came in with the shovel, the master predicted that it would be necessary for them in part.”

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CCSS.RI.6.1

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2 Part A

How does Scrooge’s nephew perceive his uncle?

• A. Scrooge’s nephew believes that his uncle should be spending his money on Christmas.

• B. Scrooge’s nephew understands why his uncle wants to keep his office open on Christmas.

• C. Scrooge’s nephew feels like his uncle does not take the holidays as seriously as he should.

• D. Scrooge’s nephew does not understand why his uncle is disgruntled with the holidays

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2 Part B

Which quotation from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• A. “Christmas a humbug, uncle!” said Scrooge’s nephew.”

• B. “You don’t mean that, I am sure.”

• C. “What reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough.”

• D. “What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose?

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

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Who said the following line in Stave 1:

"I forged this chain, link by link."

• Fred

• Jacob Marley

• Belle

• Tiny Tim

• Scrooge

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4. What impact does the author’s use of repetition and sound devices have on the reader’s understanding of Scrooge’s character?

• A. The use of repetition and sound devices help the reader better understand Scrooge’s anxiety and uncertainty.

• B. The use of repetition and sound devices help the reader better understand Scrooge’s doubt and frustration.

• C. The use of repetition and sound devices help the reader better understand Scrooge’s loneliness and solitude.

• D. The use of repetition and sound devices help the reader better understand Scrooge’s ignorance and bewilderment.

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5. How does the Ghost of Christmas Past’s perspective about Fezziwig affect Scrooge?

• A. Scrooge says to the Ghost that Fezziwig was a good businessman, revealing that Scrooge wants to run his office differently.

• B. Scrooge says that the Ghost is wrong about Fezziwig, revealing that Scrooge remembers his own youth better than he thought he did.

• C. Scrooge explains to the Ghost why Fezziwig’s actions are so important, revealing that Scrooge is starting to value the importance of treating others kindly.

• D. Scrooge begs the Ghost to let him stay at the party, revealing that Scrooge misses the company and friendship of others.

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6. What does Scrooge’s physical reaction to the Ghost of Christmas Present reveal about Scrooge’s perspective?

• A. Scrooge shows remorse for his previous lack of compassion.

• B. Scrooge cannot bear to watch the Cratchit family celebrate Christmas.

• C. Scrooge realizes that he needs to provide better working conditions in his office.

• D. Scrooge shows pity for the Cratchit family members and their living situation

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7 Part A

“I was only going to say,” said Scrooge’s nephew, “that the consequences of his taking a dislike to us, and not making merry with us, is, as I think, that he loses some pleasant moments, which could do him no harm. I am sure he loses pleasanter companions than he can find in his own thoughts, either in his moldy old office, or his dusty chambers. I mean to give him the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him. He may rail at Christmas till he dies, but he can’t help thinking better of it – I defy him – if he finds me going there, in good temper, year after year, and saying Uncle Scrooge, how are you? If it only puts him in the vein to leave his poor clerk fifty pounds, that’s something; and I think I shook him yesterday.”

How does Fred’s perception of Scrooge differ from the perception of the other characters?

• A. Fred knows that Scrooge is sad and disappoints by not having a family with whom to share the holidays.

• B. Fred persists and believes that even if he can make a small impact on Scrooge and Scrooge’s actions toward others, it would be worth it.

• C. Fred feels that Scrooge wants to treat those around him kindly, but just does not know how to act.

• D. Fred thinks that Scrooge only treats those around him without care because no one has ever truly cared about him.

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True or False: Scrooge and Belle ended their engagement because Belle fell in love with someone else.

• True

• False

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