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Year 10
Edexcel

Writing analytically about Priestley's presentation of the older generation

I can create a thesis statement and topic sentences to explain how Priestley presents the older generation and their attitudes towards social responsibility.

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Year 10
Edexcel

Writing analytically about Priestley's presentation of the older generation

I can create a thesis statement and topic sentences to explain how Priestley presents the older generation and their attitudes towards social responsibility.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A thesis statement is an overarching argument and should refer to the writer’s intent.
  2. The thesis statement is also an opportunity to show how your argument relates to the ‘bigger picture’.
  3. A topic sentence explains the main focus of your paragraph.
  4. An effective analytical essay includes topic sentences, supporting detail, and concluding sentences.
  5. Priestley uses Mr. and Mrs. Birling to represent the older generation and their attitudes towards social responsibility.

Keywords

  • Dismissive - showing little respect or consideration for others' ideas or feelings

  • Self-righteous - believing you are morally better than others and often judging them

  • Indvidualistic - focused on personal independence and self-interest rather than group needs

  • Cohesive - when ideas in a paragraph or text flow smoothly and are logically connected

Common misconception

An effective essay includes all of your thoughts on the subject.

An effective essay is structured cohesively rather than including every thought.

You might like to ask pupils to write up the analytical paragraph that they create a single paragraph outline for in Task C either in the lesson if you have time or as homework.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is the definition of a topic sentence?
A sentence that shows the overarching argument of your essay.
Correct answer: A sentence that explains the main focus of your paragraph.
A sentence that summarises and concludes your paragraph.
Q2.
Which of the following is the definition of a thesis statement?
Correct answer: It shows the overarching argument of your essay.
It summarises and concludes your paragraph.
It analyses a quotation in depth.
Q3.
Starting with the first, put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order. They all refer to Mr. and Mrs. Birling.
1 - Mr. Birling dismisses social responsibility as "nonsense".
2 - Mr. Birling boasts about his influence and claims the Titanic is "unsinkable".
3 - Sheila pleads with her mother not to build a "wall".
4 - Mrs. Birling refuses to help Eva Smith at the charity, blaming the girl.
5 - Mrs. Birling accuses the father of Eva’s child, refusing to acknowledge Eric.
6 - Both Mr. and Mrs. Birling remain unrepentant, emphasising their social status.
Q4.
In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', which words does Mr. Birling use to describe the idea of social responsibility and those that advocate for it?
"essential"
Correct answer: "nonsense"
Correct answer: "cranks"
"heroes"
"radicals"
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', which of the following does Mrs. Birling suggest about the father of Eva’s child?
Correct answer: He should take full responsibility and be punished.
He is innocent and should be left alone.
He was misled by Eva and should not be blamed.
Mrs. Birling does not care who the father is.
Q6.
In 'An Inspector Calls', what is a key similarity in Mr. and Mrs. Birling’s attitudes towards social responsibility?
They both feel a strong duty to help the working class.
They both take responsibility for their actions.
Correct answer: They both prioritise their reputation over morality.
They both change their views by the end of the play.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the elements of a single paragraph outline with their definitions.
Correct Answer:topic sentence,explains the main focus of the paragraph
tick

explains the main focus of the paragraph

Correct Answer:supporting detail,analysis of methods and includes quotations
tick

analysis of methods and includes quotations

Correct Answer:concluding sentence,summarises the main focus of the paragraph
tick

summarises the main focus of the paragraph

Q2.
In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling says that the father of Eva Smith's baby should be dealt with...
"strictly"
Correct answer: "severely"
"firmly"
"seriously"
"harshly"
Q3.
Which word beginning with 'i' can be described as: 'focused on personal independence and self-interest rather than group needs.'?
Correct Answer: individualistic
Q4.
Is the answer true or false? You will include more than one thesis statement in an essay.
Correct Answer: False, f
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', what does Priestley want the audience to understand about the older generation through Mr. and Mrs. Birling?
They are open to change and improvement.
Correct answer: They represent the complacency and selfishness of the upper class.
They are deeply concerned about the welfare of the working class.
They are the only characters who take responsibility for their actions.
Q6.
In 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling admits she was towards Eva's case.
Correct Answer: prejudiced, prejudice