An Inspector Calls Worksheet - GCSE - Beginner

An Inspector Calls worksheet for GCSE (Key Stage 4 / GCSE (Ages 14-16)). Beginner level english practice, aligned to the UK National Curriculum. Print-ready with answer key included.

English•Key Stage 4 / GCSE (Ages 14-16)•An Inspector Callsbeginner

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Responsibility, Power and Persuasion in An Inspector Calls

GCSE English Literature | Key Stage 4 | Beginner

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Instructions: Work through the activities in order. Use precise references to the play and explain how Priestley’s choices shape meaning; where you are unsure, use the prompts to build a clear point, evidence and explanation.

Core ideas: the Inspector’s message

Answer each question in a clear sentence. Use your knowledge of the play and its context. Aim to explain an idea rather than simply name a character.

1. Which character insists that people are “members of one body”?

2. What does the Inspector reveal about Eva Smith’s treatment at the Birling factory?

3. Give one way Mr Birling’s attitude to social class affects his treatment of Eva.

4. Identify one way Sheila changes her attitude towards responsibility during the play.

Quotation focus: evidence and meaning

For each quotation, identify the speaker and explain what the words suggest. Keep your explanation focused on Priestley’s ideas about responsibility, class or gender.

1. “We are members of one body.” Who says this, and what idea does it express?

2. “Girls of that class—” What does Mr Birling’s phrase reveal about his attitude to class?

3. “I was in a furious temper.” What does Sheila’s admission reveal about her actions and growing self-awareness?

4. “The famous younger generation who know it all.” How does Mrs Birling use this phrase to dismiss Sheila and Eric?

Character change and responsibility

Use the completed comparison to help you answer the questions. Consider what each character accepts or rejects, and how Priestley uses their reactions to communicate his message.

Character	Response to the Inspector	What this suggests
Mr Birling	Rejects blame and focuses on reputation	Protects wealth and status
Sheila	Admits her part and shows remorse	Becomes more socially aware
Mrs Birling	Denies responsibility and judges Eva	Uses status to avoid self-examination
Eric	Admits his actions and accepts blame	Recognises the harm he caused

1. Which two characters show the clearest willingness to accept responsibility?

2. How does Mr Birling’s response contrast with Sheila’s?

3. Explain one way the characters’ differing reactions support Priestley’s message.

The Inspector’s role and dramatic methods

Analyse how the Inspector influences the audience and the action of the play. Refer to the methods in each question, such as structure, contrast, stage presence or dramatic irony.

1. Describe one way the Inspector controls the pace or order of the questioning.

2. Explain how the Inspector’s final speech encourages the audience to think about collective responsibility.

3. How does Priestley use the Inspector as a contrast to Mr Birling’s capitalist outlook?

4. What is the effect of ending the play with a telephone call announcing that a real inspector is on the way?

Build an essay plan: gender and power

Plan one response to the question. Write a clear argument, select relevant evidence and explain how Priestley presents gender and power. You could consider Sheila, Eva Smith, Mrs Birling and the social expectations placed on women.

How does Priestley present the ways women are treated in An Inspector Calls? [6 marks]

Thesis / main argument:

Point 1 and relevant quotation:

Point 2 and relevant quotation:

What Priestley wants the audience to consider:

AQA-style essay response

Write one developed response to the question. Start with a clear argument, use relevant quotations, analyse Priestley’s methods and link your ideas to the play’s message and context. A brief plan before writing may help.

How does Priestley present responsibility in An Inspector Calls? In your answer, refer to at least two characters and analyse the methods Priestley uses. [6 marks]

Answer Key

Activity 1: 1. Inspector Goole ; 2. He dismisses her from the factory after she asks for higher wages ; 3. He sees her as a worker of lower status and treats her as replaceable ; 4. She recognises that her actions harmed Eva and accepts responsibility

Activity 2: 1. Inspector Goole; it expresses collective responsibility and human interdependence ; 2. It is dismissive and reduces Eva to her social class ; 3. Sheila acknowledges her anger and accepts that she misused her power over Eva ; 4. Mrs Birling mocks the younger characters’ confidence and dismisses their moral concerns

Activity 3: 1. Sheila and Eric ; 2. Mr Birling rejects blame and worries about reputation, whereas Sheila admits her actions and shows remorse ; 3. The contrast suggests that accepting responsibility is morally better than protecting status or reputation

Activity 4: 1. He questions the characters one at a time and reveals information gradually ; 2. It presents people as interconnected and warns that society must take responsibility for others ; 3. The Inspector promotes collective responsibility, while Mr Birling prioritises business, wealth and individual success ; 4. It creates a shocking cliff-hanger and suggests the family cannot simply escape accountability

Activity 5: A suitable plan argues that Priestley exposes women’s limited power and unequal treatment; it may use Sheila’s change, Eva’s vulnerability, Mrs Birling’s judgement or expectations of women, with relevant quotations and explanation of Priestley’s purpose

Activity 6: A suitable response argues that Priestley presents responsibility as collective; it may analyse Inspector Goole’s “members of one body” speech and contrast Sheila or Eric accepting blame with Mr and Mrs Birling rejecting it, linking this contrast to Priestley’s social message