'An Inspector Calls': exploring Priestley's use of structure
I can understand and explain how Priestley uses structure for effect in ‘An Inspector Calls’.
'An Inspector Calls': exploring Priestley's use of structure
I can understand and explain how Priestley uses structure for effect in ‘An Inspector Calls’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The cliffhanger at the end of the play gives the play an ambiguous and unresolved ending.
- Priestley uses cliffhangers to create suspense and tension throughout the play.
- Priestley uses a cyclical structure to impact the audience and provoke reflection.
- The cyclical structure of the play links to the themes of social responsibility, class and societal change.
Keywords
Suspsense - the excitement or nervousness an audience feels while waiting to see what will happen next in the play
Tension - the feeling of unease or stress an audience feels at moments of conflict or uncertainty
Cliffhanger - where a story or text ends suddenly with ,no explanation it often leaves an audience in suspense
Ambiguous - something that is unclear or has more than one possible meaning; open to interpretation
Cyclical - going in circles or returning to the same point over and over again
Common misconception
If a play is not resolved or offers a clear conclusion it is not effective and just feels uncomfortable for the audience.
Arguably, this is what the writer wants you to feel with an ambiguous ending. An unresolved ending may provoke more questions and be used by the writer to make a point.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring Priestley's use of structure, 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': exploring Priestley's use of structure, 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 mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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