1
English Literature
Exploring Modern Texts:
An Inspector Calls
Unit 1
Year 11
2
What is this exam about?
 It is called ‘Exploring Modern Texts’
 It has Section A and Section B
 1 ½ hours long
 Section A is an essay question on ‘An Inspector Calls’
 Section B is a question on ‘Of Mice and Men’
3
What do we need to know?
1.
2.
3.
4.
What format is the question?
How do I craft a good answer?
What is the success criteria?
What should I revise?
4
The format is a CHOICE between
TWO essay questions
(34 marks; 4 marks are for SPAG)
EITHER
How does Priestley present the idea of family in this play? Are Mr
and Mrs Birling good parents?
OR
The Inspector says: ‘We don’t live alone. We are members of one
body. We are responsible for each other…the time will soon come
when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in
fire and blood and anguish.’ In what ways do you think that Mr
and Mrs Birling need to learn ‘that lesson’?
5
What do I do next?
1. Choose the question you feel most comfortable answering
2. Quickly plan 5 key points in response to the question –
with quotes if you can!
3. Write up your 5 points as 5 PEE/PQA paragraphs
4. You will need to include a brief introduction and a brief
conclusion as the examiner is looking for an essay answer
6
What does a PQA/PEE paragraph
look like?
Firstly, Mr Birling needs to learn ‘that lesson’ as he does not feel
remorseful about his actions towards Eva Smith. Birling states ‘The girl
had been causing some trouble in the works. I was quite justified”. This
quote shows that Birling displays a capitalist attitude towards Eva as he
cares more about his business and profit than he does about ‘the girl’.
Furthermore the fact that he refers to her as ‘the girl’ suggests a lack of
concern or care as he doesn’t refer to her by her name. The use of the
short sentence, ‘I was quite justified’, shows that he feels no guilt or
shame and the intensifier ‘quite’ reinforces this point. This links to the
context of the play as both women and the lower class were seen as
inferior and expendable people. Finally, this quote also links to the genre
of the play as it is ironic that by the end of the play, Birling has learnt
nothing about social responsibility.
7
Key Sentence Starters
Key Sentence Starters
Point
Answer the question in a FULL sentence, e.g. Priestley
presents the idea of family in this play by/through the use
of…
Quote/Evidence
The quote that shows this is…
Birling (or a different character) states…
REMEMBER TO USE QUOTATION MARKS
Analysis/Explanation
This quote shows/implies/suggests/proposes…
The use of (insert writing technique here) emphasises…
The word ‘responsibility’ suggests…
This links to the genre…
This links to the context of the time…
8
Success Criteria
Analyse quotes rather than tell the story
Comment on STRUCTURE and FORM
Comment on setting and themes/ideas
DO NOT describe characters – use quotes to support your points and analyse
the language they use. What is each character’s purpose?
Explore Priestley’s intentions in creating this play and its characters
Use PQA
Use close word analysis, e.g. The word “…” suggests…
Use evaluative comments, e.g. This quote could also mean…
Include context of the time if relevant, e.g. This links to context because…
Comment on the didactic nature of the text
You are awarded up to 4 marks for SPAG
9
Introductions
 It is a good idea for each person to create a model
introduction to use in the exam.
Answer the following questions:
1. What is the form and structure of the text?
2. What are the key points in answer to the question?
3. What are 2-3 key context issues you need to consider
when analysing the text?
10
Conclusions
 Start with In Conclusion…
 Sum up your answer to the essay
 Discuss Priestley’s intentions in creating the play
11
Top tips!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Use the clock – timing was an issue for almost everyone
Revise thoroughly so you don’t waste time looking for
quotes
Use PQA throughout and ensure you complete AT LEAST
4 of these for each question
Comment on form and structure and why it’s used as well
as the effect on the reader
Use phrases such as: Priestley describes Sheila as…
Link context into your answer
12
Remember that both texts…
 Are set around the same time
 Have cyclical structures
 Are presenting microcosms of society to make serious moral
points about society in general
 Have a moral message attached to them; one is a morality
play and the other is a novella
13
Revision Ideas
Take a single or double page in
your exercise book…
Firstly…
1.
2.
3.
At the top, write the title:
Of Mice and Men
Underneath the title, sum
up the text in no more
than 10 words
Then list the key events
and why they are
important
14
Secondly…
Space the following subheadings out
around your double page and add 5 key
points to each (apart from characters):
 Themes and quotes
 Characters – who are they and what is
their role? What do they symbolise?
The underdog? Attitudes to racism?
 Form and structure
 Context
 Symbolism (dramatic devices for AIC)
 Writer’s intentions
Then do the same for An Inspector Calls
15
Continued…
Themes and Quotes
Form and Structure
Symbolism (Dramatic
Devices for AIC)
Characters
Context
Writer’s intentions
16
Now do the same for
An Inspector Calls!