the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text

a piece of writing that explains and develops your own argument

the tools a playwright uses to create drama. Examples are: setting, stage directions, dialogue and language choices

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

Planning and writing an essay on 'An Inspector Calls'

English

In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils develop a clear understanding of the plot, main characters and themes of the novella. In the second exploration unit, 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils undertake more nuanced analysis of the pigs grasp for power.

In 'Lord of the Flies', pupils explore how power corrupts and destroys communities. 'In Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils focus on how power corrupts the pigs, leading to the downfall of their utopian dream.

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of the characters, themes and ideas in 'An Inspector Calls'. They first look at the key context behind the play, before exploring each of the main characters and themes. They finally plan and write an essay about the role of responsibility in the play.

Modern text: first study

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

main body paragraph 1, starting with a clear topic sentence

main body paragraph 2, starting with a clear topic sentence

main body paragraph 3, starting with a clear topic sentence

 Starting with the first element, put the essay structure for analytical writing on 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order.

in your introduction, and then repeated, word for word, in your conclusion

When writing essays on 'An Inspector Calls', you will include a thesis. Where should your thesis be found?

moves from the general to the specific, includes your thesis

first sentence of each paragraph stating its main idea

exploration of moments, quotations and methods from the text

last sentence of each paragraph; focus on writer's intention

moves from the specific to the general; focus on the writer's impact

Essays are made up of different elements. Match each element to its definition and purpose.

making a list of all the dramatic methods you can remember

starting the essay, refining ideas in the editing stage

When you read an essay question on 'An Inspector Calls', what is the first step of the planning process?

overarching argument supported by the whole text 

first sentence of the paragraph stating your main idea

final sentence of a paragraph, concluding your idea

When planning an essay on 'An Inspector Calls', you should complete a detailed plan. Match each section of the planning grid to its definition.

thesis - it is about the character of Eric and no-one else

thesis - it begins with Priestley's name showing he crafted the character

neither - this is analysis because it refers to a particular scene

topic sentence - it is focused on one clear idea

topic sentence - one idea supported by a moment in text rather than whole text

A pupil drafts a sentence answering a question about Eric in 'An Inspector Calls': "Priestley reveals Eric's relationship to responsibility in Act 3." Is this a topic sentence or a thesis statement?

Which word beginning with 't' can be used to describe a statement that presents your overarching argument in an essay and is found in the introduction?

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

In 'An Inspector Calls', which character had Eva Smith fired from her job a the department store Milwards?

Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling refuses help to Eva Smith because of her social status.

Here is an essay question about 'An Inspector Calls': 'How does Priestley use the character of Mr. Birling to comment on ideas about power?' What are the key words in the question?

He denies any involvement and deflects blame.

He takes full responsibility for his actions.

He confesses but argues he was justified.

He tries to cover up his connection with Eva Smith.

In 'An Inspector Calls', how does Gerald Croft react to the Inspector’s investigation?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz