Using context effectively in writing about 'An Inspector Calls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand what context is and how to include it effectively in my responses.
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
That context refers only to historical facts.
Interesting context also includes different attitudes and values. How would different audiences respond to the text and why?
Teacher tip
You may wish to adapt the essay question in LC2 and Task B to suit the needs of your pupils and curriculum focus.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In what year is 'An Inspector Calls' set?
Q2.In what year was 'An Inspector Calls' first performed?
Q3.In 'An Inspector Calls', which social class does the Birling family represent?
Q4.In 'An Inspector Calls', which societal issue is central to the play’s themes?
Q5.Which political ideology did J.B. Priestley, the writer of 'An Inspector Calls', strongly support?
Q6.In essay writing, which of the following should a topic sentence do?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In every 'An Inspector Calls' essay, you should include context where relevant. Match the type of context to its definition.
what was happening when the text was written
what influenced the text's style or genre
what the shared values and ideas of the time period were
what the life experiences of the writer were
Q2.J.B. Priestley was influenced by his service in WW1. What type of context is this?
Q3.Is the answer true or false? Context should focus on isolated historical facts.
Q4.Why is it important for contextual points to be anchored to the text in analytical essays?
Q5.Which of the following could allow for meaningful use of context in an English literature essay?
Q6.Which of the following can make for compelling evidence in an English literature essay?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using context effectively in writing about 'An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using context effectively in writing about 'An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.