An Inspector Calls - Social Context
English
Year 9
9 questions
~18 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet exploring the social context of J.B. Priestley's play 'An Inspector Calls', focusing on how social issues of the early 20th century are reflected through language and characterisation. Students will analyse a scene summary and contextual guide, then answer a variety of questions to deepen their understanding of the text's social themes and techniques.
Worksheet Preview
Full preview • 9 questions
An Inspector Calls - Social Context
Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
Name:
Date:
TeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizz
Untitled Worksheet
Grade Year 9
A
Scene Summary and Context Guide
‘An Inspector Calls’ is set in 1912, a time of significant social inequality in Britain. The play begins at the Birling family’s home, where they are celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling. The play’s themes revolve around social responsibility, class division, and moral accountability. The character of the Inspector, who arrives unexpectedly, begins to question each family member about their actions, revealing uncomfortable truths about their treatment of others. The play criticises the arrogance of the upper classes and their neglect of social duty. Key phrases such as ‘public men, Mr Birling’ and ‘we are members of one body’ highlight the central social themes. Priestley’s play encourages reflection on the moral responsibilities of individuals within society, contrasting the complacency of the Birlings with the emerging social conscience. The play’s dramatic tension is heightened by the use of dialogue and subtle irony, which serve to critique the social order and advocate for social change.
1.
Identify one phrase in the context guide that indicates Priestley's critique of the upper classes.
[2 marks]2.
What social issue is primarily highlighted in the play?
Aa) Political corruption
Bb) Environmental degradation
Cc) Social inequality
Dd) Economic recession
3.
Explain in one or two sentences how the character of the Inspector acts as a moral voice in the play.
[3 marks]4.
Identify one dramatic technique used in the play to create tension.
[2 marks]5.
Describe how Priestley’s play encourages the audience to reflect on social responsibility.
6.
Find and quote a phrase from the summary that indicates Priestley's advocacy for social change.
[2 marks]7.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘we are members of one body’ in the context of the play?
[3 marks]8.
In your own words, explain why Priestley may have set the play in 1912 and when it was written.
9.
Identify a quote from the summary that reflects the play’s tone of moral urgency.
[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