Literature Paper 2 — Section A: An Inspector Calls essay

What you need to know (An Inspector Calls)

• Revise themes + characters together (quotes in groups).
• For each quote: have 2–3 ready “effect” comments (AO2).
• AO3 works best when it’s linked to intent: why Priestley wrote it + what he wanted the audience to think/do.

Common mistakes

• Treating it like a summary of “who did what” (AO1).
• Writing about “themes” without linking them to Priestley’s message/purpose (AO3).
• Not using stagecraft: stage directions, tension, dramatic irony (AO2).
• Using quotes but not zooming in on key words.
• Mixing characters up / misquoting.

Self-check

• I’ve got a clear view of Priestley’s message (responsibility, class, morality).
• Each paragraph: point → quote → AO2 zoom-in → link to question.
• I’ve referenced at least one dramatic method (stage directions / dramatic irony / structure).
• AO3 is woven in (1912 vs 1945; purpose for audience).
• I end with Priestley’s overall warning/lesson.

Support videos

• Mr Bruff (An Inspector Calls) search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=an+inspector+calls+gcse+mr+bruff
• Mr Salles (An Inspector Calls grade 9) search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=an+inspector+calls+gcse+mr+salles

Practice

• Past paper practice + mark scheme: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse