Year 10 - English
'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement
An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils start their exploration of the characters, themes and ideas in 'An Inspector Calls'. They first look at the key context behind the play, before exploring each of the main characters and themes. They finally plan and write an essay about the role of responsibility in the play.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify the keywords in an essay question about 'An Inspector Calls' and use them to create a thesis statement.
Key Notes
- Essays are extended pieces of writing in which you establish and explain your own ideas.
- Underlining keywords and annotating an essay question helps direct your thinking.
- It is useful to connect keywords to plot points and themes.
- Essays begin with a thesis.
- A thesis is an idea supported by the whole text.
Vocabulary To Learn
- thesis: the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text
- essay: a piece of writing that explains and develops your own argument
- dramatic methods: the tools a playwright uses to create drama. Examples are setting, stage directions, dialogue and language choices
- annotate: to make and add notes or short explanations to texts or images
- theme: an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways to fully explore the complexity
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Spending too much time reading the question wastes time when you could be writing the essay.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Essays are extended pieces of writing in which you establish and explain your own ideas. Underlining keywords and annotating an essay question helps direct your thinking.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'thesis'
the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Spending too much time reading the question wastes time when you could be writing the essay. Correction: Spending time reading the question allows us to select what is relevant. It is just as important to know what not to include in a well argued response.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring class and power in a model essay Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring class and power through Gerald and Eva Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring Priestley's use of structure Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Eric Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mr. Birling Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mrs. Birling Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of the Inspector Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': the importance of setting and stage directions Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': understanding and exploring key themes Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': understanding context and Priestley's influences Study Guide
- Planning and writing an essay on 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Using context effectively in writing about 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Writing analytically about Priestley's presentation of the older generation Study Guide
- Writing introductions and conclusions for an 'An Inspector Calls' essay Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.