Year 10 - English
Writing analytically about Priestley's presentation of the older generation
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 create a thesis statement and topic sentences to explain how Priestley presents the older generation and their attitudes towards social responsibility.
Key Notes
- A thesis statement is an overarching argument and should refer to the writer's intent.
- The thesis statement is also an opportunity to show how your argument relates to the 'bigger picture'.
- A topic sentence explains the main focus of your paragraph.
- An effective analytical essay includes topic sentences, supporting detail, and concluding sentences.
- Priestley uses Mr. and Mrs. Birling to represent the older generation and their attitudes towards social responsibility.
Vocabulary To Learn
- dismissive: showing little respect or consideration for others' ideas or feelings
- self-righteous: believing you are morally better than others and often judging them
- indvidualistic: focused on personal independence and self-interest rather than group needs
- cohesive: when ideas in a paragraph or text flow smoothly and are logically connected
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- An effective essay includes all of your thoughts on the subject.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
A thesis statement is an overarching argument and should refer to the writer's intent. The thesis statement is also an opportunity to show how your argument relates to the 'bigger picture'.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'dismissive'
showing little respect or consideration for others' ideas or feelings.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: An effective essay includes all of your thoughts on the subject. Correction: An effective essay is structured cohesively rather than including every thought.
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
- Using context effectively in writing about 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Writing introductions and conclusions for an 'An Inspector Calls' essay Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.