ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
Omniscient - CORRECT ANSWER - An adjective describing the Inspector meaning that
he is all-knowing.
Perceptive - CORRECT ANSWER - An adjective that suggests that Sheila has strong
powers of insight.
Pompous - CORRECT ANSWER - An adjective suggesting that Mr Birling feels that he is
superior to everyone else.
Supercilious - CORRECT ANSWER - An adjective suggesting that Mrs Birling behaves
like a snob.
"A man has to mind his own business and look after his own."
Explaining the capitalist view. Contrast with the social responsibility the Inspector talks about:
"There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives,
their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, with
what we think and do. We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for
each other." - CORRECT ANSWER - Mr Birling:
He is giving 'advice' to Eric and Gerald just before (inspector) the knock on the door.
"The Titanic- she sails next week ... unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable."
, Dramatic irony: The audience have passed that time and know that it does sink. Represents
capitalism as stupid/ignorant. Shows danger of capitalist view and ignorance. Another example:
"The Germans don't want war." - CORRECT ANSWER - Mr Birling: Whilst giving advice
to the boys, TITANIC.
"If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish."
Prophetic like speech.
Supports "We are members of one body" - CORRECT ANSWER - The Inspector:
His last lesson or parting words. He is referring to people who don't take their social
responsibility
"I'm a hard-headed practical man of business." - CORRECT ANSWER - Birling: Talking
about himself and putting himself in high regards to show his superiority.
"It's better to ask for the earth than to take it."
Implies that the poor may ask for the world, but the capitalists take it. - CORRECT
ANSWER - Inspector: He is replying to Mr Birling. He says that the poor are asking for
the world.
"But the girls aren't cheap labour - they're people."
Socialist view. From naive and spoilt to more understanding. Shows the new generation and old
contrast of socialism and capitalism. - CORRECT ANSWER - Sheila: She is more
socialist (generations = different views). Arguing to her father about when he fired Eva
"We are members of one body." - CORRECT ANSWER - Inspector: A lesson to the
Birlings and socialist comment.