Year 10 - English
Using context effectively in writing about 'An Inspector Calls'
An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility
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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 understand what context is and how to include it effectively in your responses.
Key Notes
- Context refers to historical, social, literary and biographical information.
- Context should not be presented as isolated facts.
- Context should be relevant to the analysis and woven throughout the response.
- Context should develop your ideas and give an insight into the writer's purpose and intention.
Vocabulary To Learn
- literary: related to written works, especially those with artistic or intellectual value
- ideology: a system of ideas, values or beliefs
- socialism: a political ideology that believes in equality and shared ownership of resources and production
- context: background information that helps readers understand a text
- generalisation: a broad statement or idea that applies to a group of people or things, often based on limited evidence
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That context refers only to historical facts.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Context refers to historical, social, literary and biographical information. Context should not be presented as isolated facts.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'literary'
related to written works, especially those with artistic or intellectual value.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: That context refers only to historical facts. Correction: Interesting context also includes different attitudes and values. How would different audiences respond to the text and why?
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
- Planning and writing an essay on '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
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