An inspector Calls – key notes, quotes and points
The inspector
During the exam, you will be expected to write an introduction, x3 paragraphs and finally a
conclusion.
In your introduction, you must make your point of view clear so that the examiner clearly
understands the basis of your essay. Your ‘An Inspector Calls’ question should be treated as an
essay-based question in order to reach the top end of the mark scheme. So you must always
remember – you must argue your point. I like to think of your introduction as thesis – in which
you state your point of view and outline why you think that. With my points further in this
document, you will realise that to make it easier you can pre-plan your thesis in advance for
each character; and so regardless the question, you know your point of view and where you
stand. By having a thesis prepared and truly believing in it, you are able to write more clearly
and quickly which will allow you to write more. Your point of view should be summarized into
one sentence and then outlined in the following sentences. You introduction should only be max
5 sentences long.
Example introduction
In Priestley’s 1945 play, An Inspector Calls, the character of The Inspector, is used as a mouthpiece for
Priestley’s own socialist views. At the beginning of the play, the Inspector embodies a disruptive and powerful
force which stirs the dynamic of the family, however at the end we sense his quasi-supernatural persona as he
leaves the originally esteemed family divided after highlighting the fact that the upper classes take advantage
of those lower in society: even participating in criminal activity in order to stay at the top of the class system.
Therefore, the Inspector becomes a symbol of socialism and that those who put themselves above others will
always be uncovered for their true selfish, pompous selves.
In this example intro, I have used key vocabulary specific to the inspector and outlined my point of view
using this vocabulary. It is essential you use more ‘sophisticated’ language, as you would when writing an
essay, as this gives you more marks as your writing is more developed. I have also showed my knowledge
of the play by highlighting the difference in the Inspector at the start of the play compared to the end of
the play and this allows the examiner to see that I know the play well and thought out my ideas
thoroughly. I have also used different punctuation types to also show the examiner that I am able to use a
variety of different types of sentences and punctuation. Remember – your introduction leaves a lasting
theme on your entire essay so ensure that you are confident and write clearly!
The main body of your argument should consist of 3 paragraphs where you argue your point of
view. At the start of each paragraph you must make a point – something that you argue and
show the examiner throughout the paragraph. In order to do this, you must show the examiner
that you are able to analyse quotes deeply giving at least 2 different interpretations of the quote
and how both the 1945 and modern audience would react to this. In these main paragraphs you
have the ability to show off your knowledge of the play, therefore you must set yourself apart
from the rest of students (remember you are competing against other students to get the top
marks so you must make yourself stand out to the examiner). Also you can compare how the
different audiences would react as you will have to learn context to bring into your essay. Below
is my pre-prepared points that I would have in the exam as well as the context you will need to
know and bring into your essay.
1
The inspector
During the exam, you will be expected to write an introduction, x3 paragraphs and finally a
conclusion.
In your introduction, you must make your point of view clear so that the examiner clearly
understands the basis of your essay. Your ‘An Inspector Calls’ question should be treated as an
essay-based question in order to reach the top end of the mark scheme. So you must always
remember – you must argue your point. I like to think of your introduction as thesis – in which
you state your point of view and outline why you think that. With my points further in this
document, you will realise that to make it easier you can pre-plan your thesis in advance for
each character; and so regardless the question, you know your point of view and where you
stand. By having a thesis prepared and truly believing in it, you are able to write more clearly
and quickly which will allow you to write more. Your point of view should be summarized into
one sentence and then outlined in the following sentences. You introduction should only be max
5 sentences long.
Example introduction
In Priestley’s 1945 play, An Inspector Calls, the character of The Inspector, is used as a mouthpiece for
Priestley’s own socialist views. At the beginning of the play, the Inspector embodies a disruptive and powerful
force which stirs the dynamic of the family, however at the end we sense his quasi-supernatural persona as he
leaves the originally esteemed family divided after highlighting the fact that the upper classes take advantage
of those lower in society: even participating in criminal activity in order to stay at the top of the class system.
Therefore, the Inspector becomes a symbol of socialism and that those who put themselves above others will
always be uncovered for their true selfish, pompous selves.
In this example intro, I have used key vocabulary specific to the inspector and outlined my point of view
using this vocabulary. It is essential you use more ‘sophisticated’ language, as you would when writing an
essay, as this gives you more marks as your writing is more developed. I have also showed my knowledge
of the play by highlighting the difference in the Inspector at the start of the play compared to the end of
the play and this allows the examiner to see that I know the play well and thought out my ideas
thoroughly. I have also used different punctuation types to also show the examiner that I am able to use a
variety of different types of sentences and punctuation. Remember – your introduction leaves a lasting
theme on your entire essay so ensure that you are confident and write clearly!
The main body of your argument should consist of 3 paragraphs where you argue your point of
view. At the start of each paragraph you must make a point – something that you argue and
show the examiner throughout the paragraph. In order to do this, you must show the examiner
that you are able to analyse quotes deeply giving at least 2 different interpretations of the quote
and how both the 1945 and modern audience would react to this. In these main paragraphs you
have the ability to show off your knowledge of the play, therefore you must set yourself apart
from the rest of students (remember you are competing against other students to get the top
marks so you must make yourself stand out to the examiner). Also you can compare how the
different audiences would react as you will have to learn context to bring into your essay. Below
is my pre-prepared points that I would have in the exam as well as the context you will need to
know and bring into your essay.
1
