Last-minute Learner
The top 10 things you must remember when revising…
An Inspector Calls
1 Understand and answer the question
Work out exactly what the question is asking and ensure that
everything you write is relevant! For example, if the question is
about Mr Birling’s attitude at the start of the play, you must
focus on Mr Birling in your answer, not the other characters, and
you should remember to discuss only the first part of the play.
Always tie your points back to the question, asking yourself,
‘Does this answer the question?’
2 Know your themes!
The main themes in An Inspector Calls are: An equitable
society; Responsibility; Love; Time. Get your head round
these, and you’ll be well on your way …!
3 Plan, plan, plan!
This is a key exam tip as well as a great revision exercise.
Always jot down a plan before you start your answer.
This gives your essay direction and ensures you’re answering
the question.
4 Language
Focusing on the language used by J. B. Priestley will help you to
understand the characters and the themes, and to respond to
the play effectively and precisely. Contrast the ways characters
speak; who uses provincial language? Which character speaks
‘carefully’? Are there any differences in the way the younger
generation speak compared to the older generation?
Prepare to Succeed!
5 Get to know the characters
There are relatively few characters in this play, so you should
know them inside out! Try linking characters to themes, for
example, Sheila and Gerald with ‘Love’; Mr & Mrs Birling with
‘An equitable society’. This may help you to ‘map’ your ideas
in a more effective and memorable way. Also, don’t forget the
stage directions: these will often tell you a great deal about what
the characters are thinking and feeling! When revising, try to
memorise some relevant quotations – they are the best way to
illustrate a point in your essay!
6 Time yourself
Even the most last-minute of revisers has the opportunity to write
a couple of timed essays. This not only lets you see what you
already know, but shows you where there are gaps in your
knowledge. Moreover, you are getting yourself into the habit
of writing effective, precise and interesting essays under
pressure. Try using the list of ‘Further questions’ at the back of
the York Notes study guide.
7 Context
It is key that you grasp the significance of Priestley writing the
play after the Second World War, yet setting it in 1912. Why
does he do this? Knowing about Priestley’s interest in and
preoccupation with war, society and change will help you to
understand An Inspector Calls fully. Use the ‘Key contexts’
section of our York Notes study guide to help you, and look out
for the launch of our Online revision guide, which has a whole
section dedicated to key contexts!
8 Dramatic techniques
An Inspector Calls is, of course, a play, and will therefore use
a variety of dramatic techniques. Familiarise yourself with
dramatic irony and coups de théâtre – why does Priestley
use these? Also consider the role of dialogue and rhetoric,
and the effects of these. Ask yourself: does the pace of the
play change? Why is the Inspector’s final speech so powerful?
Remember to always consider the effect of Priestley’s
techniques when writing about them. You could even draw up a
simple revision table, like the one below, to organise your ideas!
Technique
Example
Effect?
dramatic irony
9 Proofread!
Always, always, always proofread your answers – do your
sentences make sense? Are you answering the question?
Have you checked your grammar and punctuation? Try to give
yourself 5–10 minutes at the end of your exam or timed essay to
read through your answers …
10 Keep calm and be confident
The best advice in any exam setting is to keep calm. No
matter how difficult the question first appears, break it down,
plan an answer and do not panic. Try to be confident when
approaching the question – you have the knowledge and
capability to do well if you keep cool, calm and collected!
Discover more at www.yorknotes.com