Writing a response on 'An Inspector Calls' and theatrical traditions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a response on ‘An Inspector Calls’ and Priestley's engagement with theatrical traditions.
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
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.
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.In an analytical essay, which of the following is the definition of a thesis statement?
Q2.In an analytical paragraph, which of the following should a topic sentence do?
Q3.Which of the following are true of a main quotation?
Q4.Which of the following are true of a supporting quotation?
Q5.Which of the following are true of a concluding sentence?
Q6.Which word beginning with 'a' can be used to describe the Brechtian technique or effect of 'Verfremdungseffekt'.
Assessment exit quiz
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.
overarching argument to an essay, supported by the whole text
the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea
quotations which support your topic sentence and need analysis
quotations which support your topic sentence but don't need analysis
the final sentence of a paragraph, focusing on the writer's intentions
drawing together your main ideas and thesis
Q2.Which statement below is false about the relationship between thesis statements and topic sentences?
Q3.'Has subtle details that make it complex and interesting' is the definition of which word beginning with 'n'?
Q4.Which of the following means 'involving a lot of different but related parts'?
Q5.Which discourse marker is the most appropriate to begin a concluding sentence?
Q6.Theatrical traditions refer to:
To help you plan your 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...
To help you plan your 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.
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’: Priestley’s theatrical strategy; politics, genre, and form unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.