AQA English Literature GCSE - An Inspector Calls - Guide to answering Questions STUDENT HANDOUT

This is an 8-page student handout with an example of an approach to an examination question, and written by an Examiner with 30-years experience.

This is an invaluable resource and could be used either at the commencement of study of the play OR as the start of a revision programme for the novel.

• The Handout offers strategies and insights for answering exam questions on J.B. Priestley’s play “An Inspector Calls,” covering key themes, characters, and question types.
• Introduction to “An Inspector Calls”: J.B. Priestley’s play is a staple in English literature curriculums, known for its rich themes, complex characters, and social commentary.
• Key Themes: The play explores themes such as social responsibility, class and social status, generational conflict, and hypocrisy.
• Main Characters: Main characters include Arthur Birling, Sybil Birling, Sheila Birling, Eric Birling, Inspector Goole, and Eva Smith, each representing different societal attitudes.
• Types of Exam Questions: Exam questions may include character analysis, theme exploration, contextual analysis, quotation analysis, and comparative analysis, each requiring specific strategies.
• Effective Exam Techniques: To excel, students should plan their answers, use quotations, focus on analysis, stay relevant, and practice past papers.
• Example Exam Question: An example question from the AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 (2023) asks about the different ways older and younger characters respond to the Inspector, illustrating generational differences.