New
New
Year 11
AQA

Writing a response on 'An Inspector Calls' and theatrical traditions

I can write a response on ‘An Inspector Calls’ and Priestley's engagement with theatrical traditions.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Writing a response on 'An Inspector Calls' and theatrical traditions

I can write a response on ‘An Inspector Calls’ and Priestley's engagement with theatrical traditions.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A nuanced response means going beyond surface-level analysis and considering multiple layers of meaning in the text.
  2. When planning a response, your thesis should present a clear argument.
  3. Topic sentences should focus on individual paragraph points.
  4. Supporting details should include relevant text references and analysis of methods.
  5. 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

  • Alienate - to make someone feel isolated or distanced from others, often by challenging their views

  • Theatrical traditions - established practices and techniques used in theatre, often linked to specific styles or movements

Common misconception

You must stick to a single interpretation or approach throughout your essay to make a strong argument.

Whilst you should have an overarching argument, embracing nuance by exploring multiple interpretations deepens your analysis. This approach strengthens your argument by showing the text’s complexity and layers.


To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Writing a response on 'An Inspector Calls' and theatrical traditions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
In an analytical essay, which of the following is the definition of a thesis statement?
explains the focus of the individual paragraph
summarises the individual paragraph
Correct answer: explains the overarching argument
Q2.
In an analytical paragraph, which of the following should a topic sentence do?
include analysis of methods
Correct answer: explain the focus of the paragraph
summarise the paragraph
Q3.
Which of the following are true of a main quotation?
Correct answer: It requires in-depth analysis and is central to the argument
It is briefly mentioned and doesn't need much explanation
Correct answer: It helps illustrate key dramatic methods in the play
It only appears in the introduction or conclusion
Q4.
Which of the following are true of a supporting quotation?
Correct answer: it reinforces the argument without needing detailed analysis
it is used to analyse the playwright’s methods deeply
Correct answer: it provides additional evidence to back up a main point
Correct answer: it can be embedded within sentences to support ideas briefly
Q5.
Which of the following are true of a concluding sentence?
Correct answer: It summarises the main idea of the paragraph
It introduces new ideas or evidence to support the argument
Correct answer: It signals the end of a paragraph and reflects on the writer’s intentions
Q6.
Which word beginning with 'a' can be used to describe the Brechtian technique or effect of 'Verfremdungseffekt'.
Correct Answer: alienation, alienate, Alienation

6 Questions

Q1.
When writing an essay, it's important to know some key terms that will help structure your planning and response. Match the key terms to their definitions.
Correct Answer:thesis,overarching argument to an essay, supported by the whole text

overarching argument to an essay, supported by the whole text

Correct Answer:topic sentence,the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea

the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea

Correct Answer:main quotation,quotations which support your topic sentence and need analysis

quotations which support your topic sentence and need analysis

Correct Answer:supporting quotation,quotations which support your topic sentence but don't need analysis

quotations which support your topic sentence but don't need analysis

Correct Answer:concluding sentence,the final sentence of a paragraph, focusing on the writer's intentions

the final sentence of a paragraph, focusing on the writer's intentions

Correct Answer:conclusion,drawing together your main ideas and thesis

drawing together your main ideas and thesis

Q2.
Which statement below is false about the relationship between thesis statements and topic sentences?
A thesis introduces the essay’s argument; topic sentences develop points.
Correct answer: A thesis statement is supported by moments in the text.
Topic sentences help explain main ideas in individual paragraphs.
A thesis is broader than any single topic sentence.
Q3.
'Has subtle details that make it complex and interesting' is the definition of which word beginning with 'n'?
Correct Answer: nuanced, nuance, Nuanced
Q4.
Which of the following means 'involving a lot of different but related parts'?
complete
Correct answer: complex
compatible
Q5.
Which discourse marker is the most appropriate to begin a concluding sentence?
Moreover
On the other hand
Correct answer: Thus
Q6.
Theatrical traditions refer to:
The evolution of dramatic texts over time.
Correct answer: Established practices and techniques in theatre, linked to styles or movements.
The financial structure behind theatre productions.
The way theatre adapts to modern technologies and digital media.