Key learning points

1. The build-up of ‘A Christmas Carol’ creates an eerie atmosphere leading up to the Ghost of Marley appearing.
2. A key feature of the build-up is the building of suspense for the reader.
3. The build-up will be written over two paragraphs where the suspense gradually increases.
4. The use of precise vocabulary describing a range of sensory details helps to convey an eerie atmosphere.
5. The use of ‘show and tell’ to describe Scrooge’s experiences conveys his emotions and supports in building suspense.

Keywords

• Build-up - the building of action and suspense that leads up to the climax in a narrative

• Suspense - a state of feeling excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen

• Sensory details - descriptions that include touch, sight, taste, sound and smell

• 'show and tell' - a writing technique for showing a character’s feelings with description of their actions and expressions

Common misconception