FREE An Inspector Calls (J. B. Priestley) - Act 2 - Context - NO PREP ACTIVITIES + ANSWERS

This FREE no-prep teaching unit is designed to support the teaching of An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley, with a sharp focus on Act 2 and the character of Mrs Birling, as well as broader themes of social responsibility, class, and generational conflict.

The resources guide students through key events, character analysis, and Priestley’s major themes, all within the context of Act 2.

This teaching unit includes:

1. Comprehension: Quick Quiz Activities

Two engaging quick quizzes help students recall and sequence the main events of Act 2. The first quiz checks students’ understanding of character actions and plot developments, while the second uses a gap-fill exercise to reinforce knowledge of character entrances, motivations, and relationships.

2. Character Analysis: Mrs Birling

Students analyze key quotations to explore Mrs Birling’s attitudes, language, and social views. Guided questions prompt deeper discussion about her role in the narrative, her sense of responsibility, and what her dialogue reveals about class prejudice and generational attitudes.

3. Dialogue and Context: Digging Deeper

Through close reading of Mrs Birling’s exchanges with the Inspector, students examine how her dialogue demonstrates a lack of remorse and fairness towards Eva Smith. Activities encourage students to connect Mrs Birling’s actions to the historical context of Edwardian Britain and to Priestley’s critique of superficial charity and entrenched class divisions.

4. Historical Context: Social Class and Change

Contextual exploration activities guide students to consider the significance of the play’s 1912 setting versus its 1945 authorship. Discussion questions and video-based tasks encourage students to reflect on social change, the role of women, and the marginalization of working-class voices, drawing parallels to contemporary issues.

5. Thematic Connections: Group Work and Discussion

Group activities prompt students to link the play’s themes—such as generational conflict, the role of women, and the effectiveness of charity versus systemic change—to modern debates about social justice, youth activism, and collective responsibility.

6. Teacher’s Guide

A detailed teacher’s guide outlines learning objectives, lesson structure, differentiation strategies, assessment opportunities, and discussion points, making lesson delivery straightforward and prep-free.

7. Teaching Slides & Answer Key

Ready-to-use presentation slides and a comprehensive answer key are provided, supporting both classroom teaching and independent student work.

This resource pack offers a comprehensive, skills-based approach to Act 2 of An Inspector Calls, ensuring students engage deeply with character, theme, and context while developing critical reading and analytical writing skills.

Please leave feedback! Happy teaching!