Analysis & Annotation: Social Context in An Inspector Calls
English
Year 9
9 questions
~18 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet designed to develop understanding of the social context depicted in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. Students will analyse key passages and explore how social issues of the time are reflected in the play.
Worksheet Preview
Full preview • 9 questions
Analysis & Annotation: Social Context in An Inspector Calls
Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
Name:
Date:
TeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizz
Untitled Worksheet
Grade Year 9
A
Scene Summary and Context Guide
In the opening act of 'An Inspector Calls', the Birling family celebrates a dinner in their affluent home. The scene is set with descriptions of their social standing, wealth, and attitudes towards society. Priestley uses lighting and stage directions to contrast the comfort of the family with the impending arrival of the inspector, foreshadowing the play’s moral themes. The era is the early 20th century, a time of social change and class tensions in Britain. The characters embody varying attitudes to social responsibility: Mr. Birling exemplifies capitalist individualism, while Eva Smith represents the exploited working class. The phrase 'community and all that nonsense' encapsulates the dismissive attitude of the upper classes towards social responsibility. Priestley's subtle use of dialogue and stagecraft underscores the play’s critique of social inequality and arrogance, inviting the audience to reflect on moral accountability and societal duty.
1.
Identify the phrase that reflects Mr. Birling’s dismissive attitude towards social responsibility.
[2 marks]2.
Explain how Priestley’s description of the setting helps establish the social themes of the play.
[4 marks]3.
What stage directions hint at the foreshadowing of future events?
[2 marks]4.
Identify the social class of Mr. Birling and Eva Smith, and describe how Priestley contrasts their situations.
[4 marks]5.
Choose the correct statement about the play’s setting:
Aa) It takes place in a rural village.
Bb) It is set during the Victorian era.
Cc) It occurs in a wealthy household in 1912 Britain.
Dd) It is set in the future.
6.
Annotate the phrase 'unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable' and discuss its significance in the context of social attitude.
[2 marks]7.
Identify the stage directions that suggest a change in mood after the inspector’s arrival.
[2 marks]8.
Describe how the social attitudes of the characters reflect the wider societal tensions of early 20th century Britain.
[4 marks]9.
How does Priestley’s use of dialogue reinforce the themes of social responsibility?
[2 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