Worksheet on An Inspector Calls - Mr Birling

English
Grade 6
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet focuses on the character of Mr Birling in 'An Inspector Calls.' It includes a scene summary and context guide, along with grammar analysis questions aimed at understanding literary techniques used by the playwright. Designed for Grade 6 students, the exercises promote critical thinking and comprehension skills.

Worksheet Preview

Full preview • 8 questions

Worksheet on An Inspector Calls - Mr Birling

Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 6
Name:
Date:
TeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizz

Untitled Worksheet

Grade Grade 6
A

Introduction to Mr Birling in 'An Inspector Calls'

Scene Summary: In J.B. Priestley's play 'An Inspector Calls,' Mr. Arthur Birling is portrayed as a self-confident and somewhat arrogant businessman, eager to emphasize individual responsibility and social status. The play takes place in a prosperous Victorian setting, where Birling's opinions reflect his conservative views. Throughout the scene, Birling speaks confidently about his achievements and dismisses concerns about social responsibility, highlighting his belief in personal success. His language often includes formal statements and confident assertions, which serve to establish his authority and worldview. Context Guide: Mr Birling is a key character who embodies the values of capitalism and self-interest. His dialogue frequently includes rhetorical questions and authoritative statements, such as 'I say, there isn't a chance of war.' These phrases reveal his optimism and naive confidence, which are challenged as the play unfolds. Short phrases like 'Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable' demonstrate his tendency to dismiss warnings. Understanding his language helps readers analyze his personality and the social attitudes of the time.
B

Grammar Analysis Tasks

Complete the following questions related to the language and techniques used by Mr Birling to develop his character.
1.
Identify and explain the use of a rhetorical question in the speech of Mr Birling. How does this technique help define his character?
[2 marks]
2.
Find a phrase where Mr Birling uses a metaphor. What does this metaphor suggest about his attitude?
[2 marks]
3.
Analyze the tone of Mr Birling's speech. Is it optimistic, dismissive, or cautious? Provide evidence from the text.
[4 marks]
4.
Identify a phrase that illustrates Mr Birling's social attitude. How does it reflect his views on class?
[2 marks]
5.
Find an example of a formal statement used by Mr Birling. How does this style of language reinforce his character?
[2 marks]
6.
What is the effect of Mr Birling's use of short phrases like 'Absolutely unsinkable'? How does this contribute to audience perception?
[4 marks]
7.
Identify the type of speech technique used when Mr Birling makes definitive statements about the future. How does this reflect his personality?
[2 marks]
8.
Explain how Mr Birling’s language reflects his social status and beliefs about success.
[4 marks]

Unlock Full Worksheet & Answers

Get instant access to the complete worksheet, answer keys, and 1,899 others

Unlimited answer keys for all worksheets
Download clean, formatted PDFs
Customize and remix any worksheet

Cancel anytime • No commitment • Start today

Quick Actions

What is Remix?

Create a new worksheet based on this one. Change the grade level, topic, number of questions, or difficulty - then generate a fresh version.

  • • Change grade level (Grade 6 → Grade 7)
  • • Swap topics (Harry Potter → Macbeth)
  • • Add more questions (10 → 15)
  • • Adjust difficulty

Details

Created
12/31/2025
Updated
12/31/2025
Type
worksheet