An Inspector Calls: Sybil and Eric Birling - Double Lesson!

This interesting and engaging double lesson enables students to build their understanding of Sybil and Eric Birling, two of the main characters in ‘An Inspector Calls.’ In particular, students learn about how both characters contribute to the downfall of Eva Smith, and note the variation in their sense of responsibility. This is linked to Priestley’s overall message regarding community and responsibility in Edwardian Britain.

The lesson follows a clear, logical, bite-size learning journey, which guides students towards differentiated learning objectives. Over the course of this journey, they become able to:
- Recall and understand the key features of Sybil and Eric's character profiles;
- Link Sybil and Eric to the historical context of the play;
- Read and understand the sections of the play in which Sybil and Eric are interviewed by the inspector;
- Analyse each of the characters in response to key questions;
- Compare the two characters, in terms of: their attitudes to the working classes; their attitudes towards the inspector, and their sense of responsibility for Eva Smith's death;
-Peer/self-assess learning attempts.

This resource pack includes:
- A visually engaging whole-lesson PowerPoint presentation;
- A clear and interesting worksheet on interpreting Mrs. Birling's character (with answer sheet);
- Extracts from Act 2 and Act 3 of the play for students to read and interpret;
- A scaffolded template for students to complete the comparison task;
- A detailed lesson plan, complete with what the teacher and students should aim to achieve at each stage of the lesson.

All images are licensed for commercial use, and are cited on the final slide of the PowerPoint.