Year 10 - English
Planning and writing an essay on 'An Inspector Calls'
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 plan and write an extended and developed response about 'An Inspector Calls'.
Key Notes
- Use the essay question as a planning tool by annotating its keywords.
- It's helpful to create a detailed plan which includes a clear thesis and focused topic sentences.
- A thesis is your overarching argument.
- A topic sentence states the paragraph's main idea.
- Essays should follow a structure: introduction, main body paragraphs, conclusion.
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
- theme: an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways to fully explore the complexity
- specific: a precise detail
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All planning should be in note form.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Use the essay question as a planning tool by annotating its keywords. It's helpful to create a detailed plan which includes a clear thesis and focused topic sentences.
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: All planning should be in note form. Correction: Foundations of your essay - thesis and topic sentences - should be written in full so you know they are powerful, precise and purposeful.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement Study Guide
- '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
- 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.