Characterization Exercise

Worksheet Description

The “Amplify It!” worksheet offers an engaging approach to understanding the literary device of amplification, where sentences or statements are expanded upon by adding richer detail. Drawing inspiration from classics, this worksheet specifically utilizes an excerpt from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. The chosen passage is a prime example of how Dickens masterfully employed amplification to paint a vivid picture of the miserly character, Ebenezer Scrooge.

Starting with a concise overview of amplification, the worksheet then immerses the learner in Dickens’ descriptive prowess. Students are encouraged to dissect the text, identifying the central character trait of Scrooge. They are then prompted to think of a character trait, express it in a simple sentence, and subsequently amplify that sentence. This step-by-step process not only helps learners appreciate the depth and richness that amplification brings to writing but also empowers them to implement the technique in their own compositions. By the end of the activity, students will have developed a keen eye for detail and the ability to enrich their narratives, making them more compelling and evocative.