'An Inspector Calls': understanding context and Priestley’s influences
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand the importance of context and use tentative language to make assertions about Priestley's intentions.
Key learning points
- Contextual information can help to deepen an understanding of a writer’s intentions.
- It is a good idea to be tentative with assertions.
- Biographical information can give us clues about a writer’s influences.
- Although writing in 1945, Priestley was influenced by the attitudes and values of Edwardian society.
- Priestley uses the backdrop of 1912 to warn of the dangers of repeating history.
Keywords
Intention - the purpose or aim behind someone’s actions or words; what they plan or hope to achieve
Critique - to give an opinion or judgement
Tentative - not certain or fixed
Assertion - a confident statement or claim about something
Common misconception
Any comments about a writer's intentions or choices must be absolute.
Although we may never know for certain, we can use clues like contextual information to develop ideas around intentions and choices. We can also use tentative language to put forward our ideas.
Teacher tip
This lesson can be adapted and used as a pre-reading lesson for pupils that have not already read the play.
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 sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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 which year is 'An Inspector Calls' set?
Q2.In which year did J.B. Priestley write 'An Inspector Calls' ?
Q3.Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' into chronological order.
Q4.What is the name of the woman who is at the centre of the Inspector's investigation in 'An Inspector Calls'?
Q5.In 'An Inspector Calls' which character first learns about the death from Inspector Goole?
Q6.In 'An Inspector Calls' who is described as both "shy" and "assertive"?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The writer of 'An Inspector Calls', J.B. Priestley, was born in...
Q2.Context can include...
Q3.Which of the following sentences does not use tentative language?
Q4.'An Inspector Calls' is set in 1912 which is considered the period.
Q5.Which word can be described as: 'to give an opinion or judgement?
Q6.In 'An Inspector Calls' which character refers to Eva Smith as a "sort" of girl.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': understanding context and Priestley’s influences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': understanding context and Priestley’s influences, 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.