The First of the Three Spirits
by Charles Dickens from A Christmas Carol
Stave 2 passage: Charles Dickens’ classic story “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of the visits by three spirits to Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and gruff English businessman. In this stave, or chapter, Ebenezer is with the Ghost of Christmas Past. After reading the text, students will answer comprehension questions and compare and contrast old Scrooge with young Scrooge.
Reading Comprehension Passage
The First of the Three Spirits
by Charles Dickens from A Christmas Carol
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- Plenty
- Predicted
- Domestic
- Individually
- Retired
- Corroborate
- former
- gratitude
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “…and there was a great piece of Cold Roast, and there was a great piece of Cold Boiled, and there were mince-pies, and plenty of beer.”
a. barrels b. a great amount c. a small amount d. jugs
2) “You couldn't have predicted, at any given time, what would become of them next.”
a. anticipated b. written c. shared d. wondered
3) “When the clock struck eleven, this domestic ball broke up. “
a. holiday b. household c. heavy d. happy
4) “Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig took their stations, one on either side the door, and, shaking hands with every person individually as he or she went out, wished him or her a Merry Christmas.”
a. at the same time b. one by one c. together d. as a group
5) “When everybody had retired but the two 'prentices, they did the same to them…”
a. quit their jobs b. waited c. danced d. stopped participating
6) He corroborated everything, remembered everything, enjoyed everything, and underwent the strangest agitation.
a. supported b. denied c. recalled d. ate and drank
7) “It was not until now, when the bright faces of his former self and Dick were turned from them, that he remembered the Ghost…”
a. older b. better-looking c. younger d. working
8) 'A small matter,' said the Ghost, 'to make these silly folks so full of gratitude.'
a. love b. concern c. worry d. thankfulness