Read an excerpt of this famous novel. Turn to slide two for some comprehension questions and discussion.

The cellar door flew open with a booming sound, and then he heard the noise much louder, on the floors below, then coming up the stairs, then coming straight towards his door.

His colour changed though, when, without a pause, it came on through the heavy door, and passed into the room before his eyes. (...) "I know him! Marley's Ghost!".

Though he looked the phantom through and through, and saw it standing before him; though he felt the chilling influence of its death-cold eyes; and marked the very texture of the folded kerchief bound about its head and chin (...); he was still incredulous, and fought against his senses.

"How now! said Scrooge, caustic and cold as ever. "What do you want with me?"

"Much!" -- Marley's voice, no doubt about it.

"Who are you?"

"Ask me who I was."

"Who were you, then?" Said Scrooge, raising his voice.

"In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley."

"Can you sit down?" asked Scrooge, looking doubtfully at him.

"I can".

"Do it, then."

Scrooge asked the question, because he didn't know whether a ghost so transparent might find himself in a condition to take a chair; (...)

"You don't believe in me," observed the Ghost.

"I don't," said Scrooge.