Although knowledge of historical context is not required to gain marks in GCSE or IGCSE English Literature exams, understanding the social and political climate that shaped An Inspector Calls can give you a deeper appreciation of Priestley’s message and help you write with greater insight and confidence.
The idea of scoring the very top grade or 8 or 9 for English literature may feel like a stretch for many. And for some just passing would be sufficient, after all not everyone is a fan of analysing commentary or trying to figure out how context influences author’s choices. But if you enjoy English, […]
J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls may be set in Edwardian England, but its structure, characterisation, and message borrow heavily from an older dramatic tradition, the morality play. In this article, we’ll explore what defines a morality play and how Priestley adapts this classic form to challenge a 20th-century audience.
Practising with past exam questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for your English Literature exam. However, to make revision even more efficient, learning and practising writing essays based on themes offers even great opportunity to perfect your essay writing technique. This article brings together samples of real exam-style essay questions on […]
Students preparing for GCSE and IGCSE English Literature must be confident in using key quotations effectively. These ten quotes have been selected for their gravitas, relevance, and flexibility. They can be used across a range of essay questions and are supported by clear analysis and exam strategy tips.
Writing an essay on An Inspector Calls can feel daunting at first. Whether you’re preparing for GCSE English Literature or Edexcel IGCSE Paper 2, a clear paragraph structure is essential for building strong, focused responses. One of the best methods to use when starting out is the PEEL structure. This tried-and-tested format helps you stay […]
Understanding how J.B. Priestley uses language, form and structure in An Inspector Calls is essential for achieving top marks in your IGCSE English Literature exam. These elements are central to AO2 – the exam assessment objective that focuses on the writer’s methods and how they shape meaning.
Inspector Goole is one of the most unusual and compelling figures in An Inspector Calls. He appears without warning, shifts the mood of the play instantly, and directs the action from the moment he arrives. His investigation into the death of Eva Smith becomes a moral interrogation, uncovering not just facts but failures of empathy, […]
An Inspector Calls is more than a mystery play — it’s a call to reflect on society, justice, and how individuals treat one another. Written by J.B. Priestley in 1945, just after the Second World War, and set in 1912, the play explores what happens when people avoid responsibility and ignore inequality. Through the story […]
Whether you’re revising for your Edexcel IGCSE or another English Literature exam board, knowing the characters in An Inspector Calls — and understanding how Priestley uses them — is key to hitting the assessment objectives. Most essay questions will ask you to write about a character, a theme, or both. To do this well, you […]
An Inspector Calls is often described as a detective drama, but at its core, it’s a powerful piece of political theatre. Written by J.B. Priestley in 1945 and set just before the First World War, the play examines class, responsibility, and social change through a carefully structured sequence of revelations. Understanding the plot — not […]
In the Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Paper 1, the Section B poetry comparison question is always shaped around a theme. This theme acts as the lens through which you’re asked to explore and compare two poems from the anthology. Whether you’re working with two named poems or selecting one of your own, understanding the kinds […]
In Section B of Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Paper 1, you will be asked to compare two poems from the anthology. This is a 30-mark question that gives you the chance to explore how poets communicate ideas through language, form, and structure, and to reflect on the choices they make when expressing themes and emotions.
The unseen poetry question in Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Paper 1 gives you the opportunity to read a poem for the first time and respond thoughtfully. It is a chance to demonstrate how you notice detail, interpret meaning, and explore how writers use language to shape ideas and emotions.
Success are GCSE and IGCSE English Literature—especially in the unseen poetry section—relies on understanding what a poem says, and also how it says it. The secret here lies in mastering the literary techniques poets use to shape meaning, mood, and message.
If you’re studying for the Edexcel International GCSE in English Literature, Paper 2 (4ET1/02), you’ll need to tackle Section A: Modern Drama. Whether you’re reading An Inspector Calls, A View from the Bridge, or any other modern text, one of the most common questions students ask is: “Do I need to write about historical or […]
As part of your IGCSE English Literature exam you will be expected to write an essay exploring how writers create meaning and effects through their poetry. In Paper 1 Section A, the question on Unseen Poetry expects you to read a poem and then ‘explore how the writer presents…’ a specific theme relating to the […]
The poetry comparison section of the exam is one that tests several skills. You will need to be able to understand the nuance and meaning for both poems before comparing language form and structure. Practising on past exam questions will allow you to know and understand the style, format and type of questions that may […]
Past exam questions are an excellent tool for revision because they show you exactly the kind of tasks examiners will set. By using them in your practice, you’ll learn how to interpret the wording of questions, shape your ideas into a clear argument, and polish your essay-writing skills. Begin with planning and short writing exercises, […]
Answering past exam questions is one of the most reliable strategies for success in English Literature. Not only does it give you direct experience with the way questions are worded, but it also helps you practise structuring essays that meet assessment criteria. Strong preparation means building up gradually, start with outlines, then practise paragraphs, before […]