Writing introductions and conclusions for an 'An Inspector Calls' essay
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create sophisticated introductions and conclusions for an essay about the Birlings and the theme of responsibilty.
Key learning points
- An introduction and conclusion could follow a three part structure.
- An excellent introduction could start with a general statement about the text.
- An introduction could then have a more specific statement about the focus of the question, followed by a thesis.
- A conclusion could consider the timeless nature of the text.
Keywords
Thesis - the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text
Theme - an idea that is explored multiple times in a text
Timeless - a text that remains relevant no matter the time period
Universal - an adjective used to describe a text which, regardless of time period or circumstance, audiences can relate to
Common misconception
The general statement about the text in the introduction can be any fact you know about it.
The general statement, the first sentence of your introduction, should still connect to the essay question.
Teacher tip
You may wish to adapt the essay question to suit your pupils or the focus of your lesson.
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 mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' Mr. and Mrs. Birling take full responsibility for their actions.
Q2.What does the term 'universal' mean in the context of a play's themes?
Q3.Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order. They all link to the theme of responsibility over Eva Smith's fate.
Q4.When given an essay question about 'An Inspector Calls', you should annotate it. What does it mean to annotate an essay question?
Q5.Here is an essay question about 'An Inspector Calls': 'How does Priestley use the character of Gerald to explore ideas about class?' What are the key words in the question?
Q6.'In 'An Inspector Calls' Mr. Birling's characterisation is established by Priestley in the opening stage directions, where he is described as "portentous".' Is this sentence a thesis statement?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The themes in 'An Inspector Calls' could be described as ...
Q2.Which word beginning with 't' describes: 'a statement that provides the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text.'?
Q3.Good introductions for an essay on 'An Inspector Calls' could follow a three part structure. Starting with the first, put the three part structure into the correct order.
Q4.Good conclusions for an essay on 'An Inspector Calls' could follow a three part structure. Staring with the first, put the three part structure into the correct order.
Q5.A pupil wrote an introduction to an essay which included a general statement about the text and a general statement about the essay's chosen theme. What is their introduction missing?
Q6.A pupil wrote a conclusion to a 'An Inspector Calls' essay which included a response to their thesis and a focus on the impact of the text today. What is their conclusion missing?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Writing introductions and conclusions for an 'An Inspector Calls' essay, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Writing introductions and conclusions for an 'An Inspector Calls' essay, 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.