An Inspector Calls — J.B. Priestley
GCSE English Literature · AQA · Edexcel · OCR · WJEC Eduqas
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An Inspector Calls — Exam Board Guide
AQA
Paper 2, Section A — "Modern texts and poetry" | 2h 15min total | 30 marks + 4 SPaG | One extract-based question from a choice of 2 | 45 minutes recommended
Edexcel
Paper 2, Section A — "Post-1914 Literature" | 2h 15min total | 40 marks | Two questions (extract + whole play) from a choice
OCR
Component 02 (J282/02) — "Modern and Literary Heritage Texts" | 2 hours | Section A: set text question (open book NOT allowed)
WJEC Eduqas
Component 2, Section A — "Post-1914 Prose and Drama" | 2 hours | 40 marks | Choice of essay questions
AO1
Personal response + textual evidence (inference, not just quotation) — Critical interpretation, tracking ideas across whole play
AO2
Analyse language, form and structure — HOW Priestley creates effects (dramatic irony, stage directions, dramatic tension, three-act structure)
AO3
Contextual understanding — 1912 setting vs 1945 writing; Priestley's socialism; post-WW2 audience; Edwardian class hierarchy; women's suffrage; Labour landslide 1945
AO4
SPaG — AQA only, 4 marks
Top Exam Tip
Always connect Birling's confident wrong predictions (Titanic, war) to Priestley's dramatic irony — the 1945 audience knew exactly how wrong he was. This demonstrates AO3 context in a single sharp point.
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