An Inspector Calls – Big Idea 1: Taking Responsibility

As an AQA examiner, I’ve seen first-hand how many students lose marks by focusing too narrowly on quotations and character sketches, rather than addressing the Big Ideas Priestley wants us to consider. This resource tackles that problem head-on.

This pack explores Big Idea 1: Taking Responsibility, one of the most important themes in An Inspector Calls. Responsibility is at the heart of Priestley’s message, and this theme underpins some of the most powerful exam responses.

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What’s inside:

• A clear overview of responsibility as a Big Idea, with student-friendly explanations and examples.
• An AQA exam-style question: “How does Priestley explore responsibility in An Inspector Calls?” (AQA Specimen Paper 2014).
• A Level 6 example response (~500 words) showing how to meet AO1, AO2, and AO3 at the highest standard.
• A full debate lesson on who takes the most and least responsibility in the play.
• Activities on personal, social, and moral responsibility — linking the play to students’ own world.
• A cross-over Language Paper 2, Q5 task (Writing to express a point of view), giving students practice in shaping arguments about responsibility for a modern audience.
• Designed for 4 full lessons, or as highly effective revision support.

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Why it matters:

Responsibility is one of the most commonly examined themes and is central to Priestley’s socialist message. By focusing on responsibility, students not only improve their ability to write about An Inspector Calls but also strengthen their non-fiction writing skills for AQA Language Paper 2, Q5. Both require critical thinking about society, values, and responsibility — exactly the skills examiners reward.

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Key Features

• Written with examiner insight.
• Includes a genuine AQA question and model Level 6 response.
• Debate, discussion, and real-world connection activities.
• Integrated Language Paper 2, Q5 task for crossover skills.
• Ready-to-teach: can be taught as a mini-scheme (4–5 lessons) or used flexibly for revision.

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