'An Inspector Calls': writing an essay on punishment, justice and The Inspector
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a nuanced response on how Priestley uses the Inspector to challenge traditional notions of justice and punishment.
Key learning points
- A nuanced response means going beyond surface-level analysis and considering multiple layers of meaning in the text.
- When planning a response, your thesis should present a clear argument.
- Topic sentences should focus on individual paragraph points.
- Supporting details should include relevant text references and analysis of methods.
- All comments in an essay should link tightly to your overarching argument.
Keywords
Nuanced - has subtle details that make it complex and interesting
Complex - involving a lot of different but related parts
Evaluative - making an informed judgment based on careful analysis and consideration of the text
Critical response - a thorough explanation of your understanding of a text
Common misconception
Rewording or summarising the main points of a question will lead to a developed response.
A nuanced response goes beyond rewording the question. It requires you to engage deeply with the text, offering detailed analysis and considering multiple layers of meaning.
Teacher tip
You could ask pupils to write their response as homework or during the next lesson if you would like to spend more time conceptualising and planning the response.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence: when writing an essay you should always aim to link back to the writer's
Q2.In an analytical essay, which of the following is the definition of a thesis statement?
Q3.In an analytical paragraph, which of the following should a topic sentence do?
Q4.When writing about 'An Inspector Calls', your main body paragraphs will include concluding sentences. What should a good concluding sentence do?
Q5.Which statements are true of supporting quotations?
Q6.When using context in an essay you should ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which discourse marker is the most appropriate to begin a concluding sentence?
Q2.Match the single paragraph outline component with the definition.
overarching argument of the entire essay
explains the focus of an individual paragraph
analysis of methods
summarises the individual paragraph
Q3.Which of the following means 'involving a lot of different but related parts'?
Q4.'Has subtle details that make it complex and interesting' is the definition of which word beginning with 'n'?
Q5.A pupil said, "Here is my thesis about justice in 'An Inspector Calls': Priestley uses Act 2 to emphasise Mrs Birling's disregard for justice." How would you correct them?
Q6.When writing an essay on 'An Inspector Calls', your quotations should ...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': writing an essay on punishment, justice and The Inspector, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': writing an essay on punishment, justice and The Inspector, 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: perspectives on crime, justice and the role of the Inspector unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.