Section A: SHAKESPHEARE 30 marks + 4 technical accuracy

Question 1

Introduction:
First Sentence?

Answer 1

First Sentence:
- Introduces the topic of the essay as stated in the question.
(‘Class conflict is a topic that is raised frequently by J.B Priestley in An Inspector calls.)

Question 2

Introduction:
Second Sentence?

Answer 2

Second Sentence:
- Describes what you will argue in your essay.
(‘The tensions between the classes within the didactic play can be seen to reflect the differences between society’s class system.’)

Question 3

Introduction:
Context?

Answer 3

Context:
- Bring in how the context of the play explains/backs up your argument
(‘The play is set in 1912, where a rigid class system was in place, yet it was written in 1945, where societal structure was changing post-war, therefore the views of the characters portray conflicting views of class.)

Question 4

Introduction:
Technique Sentence?

Answer 4

Technique Sentence:
- How does the writer do the things you have argued?
(‘These conflicting time periods are portrayed through the characters opinions; particularly those of Arthur Birling’s and the Inspector. Ultimately, the class system is portrayed as an indirect cause of the death of Eva Smith, who symbolises the lower classes’)

Question 5

Paragraph Structure:
First Sentence (point)?

Answer 5

First Sentence (point):
- Introduces the point you are making in this paragraph and how it relates to the question
(‘The conflict between Mr Birling and the Inspector demonstrates the contrasting views between capitalism and socialism, a class system versus an ‘idealised’ classless system.’)

Question 6

Introduction:
Last Sentence?

Answer 6

Last Sentence:
- Concludes your introduction, what you will be looking at and what the writer is using the piece to do.
(‘This essay will explore how class conflict is a central concern within the essay. Moreover, it will argue that Priestley uses the play to share his socialist views of how he thinks society should be’.)

Question 7

Paragraph Structure:
Technique?

Answer 7

Technique:
- What technique is used to do this?
(‘Priestley’s use of dramatic irony makes the modern day audience object to Mr Birling. Here, Birling’s archaic opinions and arrogant attitude towards the Inspector creates an aggressive tension in the room, which reflects the friction felt within society.’)

Question 8

Paragraph Structure:
Evidence?

Answer 8

Evidence:
- Insert a quote to back up your argument
(‘I don’t like your tone’ (page number) ‘looks down on the Inspector’ (Stage Directions))

Question 9

Paragraph Structure:
Explanation?

Answer 9

Explanation:
- What effect does the technique used have?
(‘The use of stage directions amplifies the conflict between the characters. Although Mr Birling considers himself to have more authority than the Inspector, it is the inspector who represents the voice of reason and morality within the play. He is a spokesperson for the lower classes.’)

Question 10

Paragraph Structure:
Connect to the Writer?

Answer 10

Connect to the Writer:
- Has the writer done this for a specific reason?
(‘The inspector could be seen as a mouthpiece through which Priestley conveys his socialistic views’.)

Question 11

Paragraph Structure:
Signpost?

Answer 11

Signpost:
- How this point has related to the question?
(‘Priestley has used the conflict between the characters in the play to exaggerate the tensions between the classes.”)

Question 12

Conclusion:
First Sentence?

Answer 12

First Sentence:
- What has this essay shown.
(‘To conclude, this essay has examined how Priestley has explored issues of class within An Inspector Calls.’)

Question 13

Conclusion:
Summary?

Answer 13

Summary:
- A sentence per paragraph explaining what you have shown.
(‘First we explored the uneasy interaction between Mr Birling and the Inspector, which Priestley uses to exaggerate the tensions between the classes within the play. It also emphasises the friction between capitalist and socialist views on how society should be structured. Then we examined the character of Eva…’)

Question 14

Conclusion:
Context?

Answer 14

Context:
- Bring a bit of context back into it.
(‘The wider context of the play creates an ideal backdrop for this struggle. The insight the 1945 audience has looking back on the play set in 1912 emphasises the class struggle and need for change.’)

Question 15

Conclusion:
Concluding Sentence?

Answer 15

Concluding Sentence:
- Try to link the specifics of the question to a wider social question.
(‘Ultimately, Priestley has not only exposed the flaws of a class based social hierarchy, but he has also raised questions about the validity of a class system in society at all.’)