'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement
I can identify the keywords in an essay question about ‘An Inspector Calls’ and use them to create a thesis statement.
'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement
I can identify the keywords in an essay question about ‘An Inspector Calls’ and use them to create a thesis statement.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Essays are extended pieces of writing in which you establish and explain your own ideas.
- Underlining keywords and annotating an essay question helps direct your thinking.
- It is useful to connect keywords to plot points and themes.
- Essays begin with a thesis.
- 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.
To help you plan your year 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...
To help you plan your year 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.
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.
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
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
A piece of writing that explains and develops an argument.
Overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text.
First sentence of a paragraph, giving it direction/purpose.