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      'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement

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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify the keywords in an essay question about ‘An Inspector Calls’ and use them to create a thesis statement.

      Key learning points

      1. Essays are extended pieces of writing in which you establish and explain your own ideas.
      2. Underlining keywords and annotating an essay question helps direct your thinking.
      3. It is useful to connect keywords to plot points and themes.
      4. Essays begin with a thesis.
      5. A thesis is an idea supported by the whole text.

      Keywords

      • Thesis - the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text

      • Essay - a piece of writing that explains and develops your own argument

      • Dramatic methods - the tools a playwright uses to create drama. Examples are setting, stage directions, dialogue and language choices

      • Annotate - to make and add notes or short explanations to texts or images

      • Theme - an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways to fully explore the complexity

      Common misconception

      Spending too much time reading the question wastes time when you could be writing the essay.

      Spending time reading the question allows us to select what is relevant. It is just as important to know what not to include in a well argued response.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to change the essay question to suit the needs of your pupils.

      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 mental health issues

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      Download starter quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' into chronological order.

      1 - The Birlings celebrate Sheila and Gerald’s engagement.
      2 - Inspector Goole arrives, announcing Eva Smith’s suicide.
      3 - Mr. Birling admits he fired Eva from his factory.
      4 - Sheila confesses to having Eva fired out of jealousy.
      5 - Gerald reveals his affair with Eva, straining his engagement.
      6 - Mrs. Birling rejects Eva’s plea for help at the charity.
      7 - Eric admits responsibility for Eva’s pregnancy and theft of his father's money.

      Q2.
      Many themes are explored in 'An Inspector Calls. What is a theme?

      a character the writer creates
      the dialogue a writer includes to express the characters' thoughts and feelings
      a synonym for a 'motif' - a recurring symbol in a text
      the plot the writer creates
      Correct answer: an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways

      Q3.
      Which character from 'An Inspector Calls' is described as both "shy" and "assertive" in the stage directions?

      Correct Answer: Eric Birling, Eric

      Q4.
      In 'An Inspector Calls' which character admits to feeling "ashamed" about their involvement with Eva Smith?

      Correct Answer: Sheila Birling, Sheila

      Q5.
      In 'An Inspector Calls', which character dismisses the idea of community and social responsibility as "nonsense"?

      Correct answer: Mr. Birling
      Mrs. Birling
      Sheila
      Eric
      Gerald

      Q6.
      Which of the following is an example of prejudice in 'An Inspector Calls'?

      Sheila's remorse after discovering her role in Eva's death.
      Correct answer: Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva Smith because of her social status.
      The Inspector’s criticism of the Birlings' lack of social responsibility.
      Eric’s anger at his family’s treatment of Eva Smith.

      Assessment exit quiz

      Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      You will write a number of essays about the play 'An Inspector Calls'. Match the essay term to its definition.

      Correct Answer:essay,A piece of writing that explains and develops an argument.

      A piece of writing that explains and develops an argument.

      Correct Answer:thesis,Overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text.

      Overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text.

      Correct Answer:topic sentence,First sentence of a paragraph, giving it direction/purpose.

      First sentence of a paragraph, giving it direction/purpose.

      Q2.
      When given an essay question about 'An Inspector Calls', you should annotate it. What does it mean to annotate an essay question?

      to write topic sentences you can use in an essay
      Correct answer: to make and add notes or short explanations
      to create a thesis statement
      to write down the notes you made on the play onto the essay question
      to re-write the essay question in your own words

      Q3.
      Many essay questions about 'An Inspector Calls' will start with the word "How". What does the "How" in an essay question refer to?

      themes
      Correct answer: dramatic methods
      annotations
      the writer

      Q4.
      Here is an essay question about 'An Inspector Calls': 'How does Priestley use the character of Eric to explore ideas about responsibility?' What are the key words in the question?

      Correct answer: How
      Priestley
      Correct answer: Eric
      ideas
      Correct answer: responsibility

      Q5.
      In what ways is a thesis statement different to a topic sentence?

      a thesis statement is shorter
      Correct answer: a thesis statement is supported by the whole text
      a thesis statement must include quotations
      Correct answer: a topic sentence will focus on one specific idea in a text
      a topic sentence shouldn't be argumentative, unlike a thesis

      Q6.
      "An Inspector Calls' begins in the Birlings' "comfortable" dining room, immediately establishing the characters' class and wealth.' Is this sentence a thesis statement?

      Yes - it looks at dramatic methods
      Yes - it looks at an important theme
      Correct answer: No - it is not supported by the whole text
      No - it mentions Priestley's name
      No - it doesn't include quotations

      To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...