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Year 10 English Literature: An Inspector Calls: responsibility lesson pack

A complete, ready-to-teach GCSE lesson on an inspector calls: responsibility. Below is a real sample of what ChalkHour makes: the full pack adds three levels of worksheet, model answers, a teaching explainer and print-ready PDF and Word files.

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Real sample

An Inspector Calls: The Theme of Responsibility

This lesson explores the central theme of 'An Inspector Calls': social responsibility. Students will examine how Priestley uses the Birling family's interrogation to critique Edwardian selfishness and promote a socialist message of collective care.

Learning objectives

  • Explain the differing attitudes towards responsibility held by the older and younger generations in the play.
  • Analyze how Priestley uses the character of Inspector Goole to voice his own socialist message.
  • Evaluate the significance of the final 'Fire and Blood and Anguish' speech in relation to the theme of social responsibility.

Lesson plan (60 minutes)

  1. Introduction · 5 min

    Do Now: Students list three things they feel responsible for in their daily lives. Mini-discussion on what 'responsibility' means.

  2. Instruction · 10 min

    Teacher Explainer: Delivery of the 6-step script on Priestley's views on responsibility and vocabulary introduction.

  3. Analysis · 10 min

    Direct Instruction: Analysis of the 'Fire and Blood and Anguish' speech. Worked example of how to track the theme in a quote.

  4. Independent Practice · 20 min

    Differentiated Worksheet Task: Students complete Support, Core, or Stretch questions based on prior attainment.

  5. Assessment · 10 min

    Multiple Choice Quiz: Quick assessment of key concepts and quotes.

  6. Consolidation · 5 min

    Plenary: Summary of the 'Older vs Younger' generation divide regarding responsibility.

Key vocabulary

Socialism
A social system where the means of production are owned by the state/community to ensure equality.
Capitalism
An economic system where private individuals own businesses for profit.
Collective Responsibility
The idea that we are all interconnected and responsible for each other.
Individualism
Prioritising one's own interests over the needs of society.
Remorse
The feeling of guilt or regret for doing something wrong.

Core worksheet (first questions)

  1. Explain how Priestley uses the Inspector to promote Socialism.
  2. Why is the timing of the Inspector's arrival (the doorbell) significant?
  3. How does Mrs Birling’s treatment of Eva Smith at the charity demonstrate a lack of responsibility?
  4. Analyze the significance of the Inspector's 'chain of events' metaphor.

Quiz (sample)

  1. 1. Which character says, 'a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own'?

    • A. Sheila
    • B. Mr Birling
    • C. Eric
    • D. Inspector Goole

  2. 2. What is the 'lesson' that Inspector Goole wants the family to learn?

    • A. Individualism
    • B. Social responsibility
    • C. Capitalism
    • D. Romantic love

  3. 3. How does Sheila’s reaction to her responsibility differ from her mother’s?

    • A. She blames her father.
    • B. She denies knowing Eva Smith.
    • C. She accepts her role and feels deep guilt.
    • D. She laughs it off.

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