A Christmas Carol - Model Answer - AQA - 2025

A Christmas Carol – 2025 AQA GCSE Exam Question Model Answer
GCSE English Literature | Paper 1 | AQA 8702

This resource provides a full Grade 8/9 model answer to the official 2025 AQA GCSE English Literature A Christmas Carol question. Designed to reflect the expectations of the AQA mark scheme, this exemplar response demonstrates how students can construct a sophisticated, well-developed essay under exam conditions.

Perfect for teachers, tutors, parents and students looking for a clear example of what a top-band response looks like.

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What’s Included:

• A complete high-level model essay responding to both the extract and the whole novella
• Clear demonstration of:
• AO1 – developed interpretations and critical argument
• AO2 – detailed analysis of Dickens’ language, structure and methods
• AO3 – thoughtful integration of contextual understanding
• A structured response showing effective introductions, analytical paragraphs, and a purposeful conclusion

How to Use This Resource:

For Teachers
• Use as a post-exam teaching tool or mock feedback model
• Annotate with students to identify features of top-band writing
• Support moderation discussions and standardisation of expectations

For Students
• Compare your own exam response with a Grade 8/9 example
• Identify how quotations are embedded and analysed
• Use as a guide to improve structure, vocabulary and analytical depth

For Parents
• Helps students understand what examiners reward in high-mark essays
• Useful for independent revision and reflection after assessments

Why This Resource?
• Based on the real 2025 AQA exam question
• Written in line with current examiner expectations
• Supports improvement in essay structure, analysis and confidence
• Ideal for revision, intervention, or independent study

A practical and insightful exemplar designed to help students understand how to produce a successful response to A Christmas Carol in the AQA GCSE English Literature exam.