An Inspector Calls – Big Idea 2: Class and Inequality

As an AQA examiner, I’ve seen many students lose marks because they focus on memorising quotations instead of addressing the Big Ideas Priestley builds into An Inspector Calls. One of the most important of these is Class and Inequality.

This resource explores how Priestley presents inequality between rich and poor, men and women, and employers and workers. By linking directly to an official AQA past exam question (2018: “How does Priestley explore the importance of social class in An Inspector Calls?”), it helps students practise exam skills while engaging with the bigger message of the play.

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What’s inside:

• A clear overview of inequality as a Big Idea, with accessible definitions and examples.
• The 2018 AQA question on social class, plus a second exam-style question on inequality.
• A Level 6 example response (~500 words) showing how to achieve the top band with AO1, AO2, and AO3.
• A full debate lesson: Do we still have a class system in the UK?
• Engaging activities including an evidence hunt, inequality scenarios, and a starter on “Who gets what?”
• A Language Paper 2 crossover task (Q5 speech): “Write a speech arguing whether Britain today is still divided by class and inequality.”
• Designed for 4 lessons, or as focused revision support.

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Why it matters:

Inequality runs throughout the play and is one of the most examinable themes. Priestley uses Eva Smith to symbolise the powerless, while characters like Mr and Mrs Birling expose the arrogance of the wealthy. Understanding this theme allows students to make stronger arguments, connect to Priestley’s socialist purpose, and develop ideas that examiners reward.

This lesson also builds crossover skills for AQA Language Paper 2, helping students practise persuasive writing when expressing a point of view — just like the Inspector.

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Key Features

• Written with examiner insight.
• Includes a genuine AQA exam question and model Level 6 response.
• Debate, discussion, and roleplay activities to deepen understanding.
• Integrated Language Paper 2, Q5 task for crossover exam skills.
• Ready-to-teach: works as a mini-scheme (4–5 lessons) or for targeted revision.

Download Big Idea 2: Class and Inequality today to help your students unlock Priestley’s message and write top-band exam responses.

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