An Inspector Calls (AQA GCSE English Literature)

Exam Questions

8 hours192 questions
11 mark

Which character expresses the idea that "a man has to make his own way"?

  • Gerald Croft

  • Inspector Goole

  • Arthur Birling

  • Eric Birling

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21 mark

Who says, "Public men have responsibilities as well as privileges"?

  • Arthur Birling

  • Eric Birling

  • Gerald Croft

  • Inspector Goole

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31 mark

Which theme is highlighted by the Inspector’s quotation, "We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other"?

  • generational divide

  • capitalism versus socialism

  • responsibility

  • gender

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41 mark

"Girls of that class" is a phrase used by which character to reveal their prejudice?

  • Eric Birling

  • Arthur Birling

  • Gerald Croft

  • Sybil Birling

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51 mark

What is the context of Gerald Croft saying, "Everything’s all right now, Sheila"?

  • He wants to convince Sheila to take him back after the Inspector leaves.

  • He is discussing business with Mr. Birling, and assures Sheila that they will not lose money.

  • He is concerned about his reputation, but pretends not to be.

  • He is trying to apologise for his affair by demonstrating that it was only a one-off.

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61 mark

Which character is described as not showing guilt or remorse by stating, "I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame"?

  • Arthur Birling

  • Sybil Birling

  • Sheila Birling

  • Eric Birling

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71 mark

How does Priestley use Arthur Birling’s quotation, "a man has to make his own way," to convey the theme of individualism versus social responsibility?

  • It demonstrates Arthur’s awareness of the needs of others, showing his understanding of how hard they work.

  • It highlights Arthur’s progressive views on social welfare, as he believes that everyone can find a way.

  • It shows that Arthur cares deeply about his community and the value of hard work.

  • It contrasts Arthur’s self-centred views with the Inspector’s message of collective responsibility.

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81 mark

What does Sheila’s interruption of her father with, "but these girls aren’t cheap labour, they’re people," suggest about her character development?

  • It shows her growing empathy and moral awareness.

  • It reveals her confusion about the situation.

  • It indicates her support for her father’s business practices.

  • It suggests she is indifferent to her father’s views.

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91 mark

Why is the Inspector’s final speech, where he says, "We are members of one body," significant to the overall message of the play?

  • It suggests that the Inspector believes in a strict social hierarchy.

  • It signals the Inspector’s personal beliefs and support for capitalism.

  • It encapsulates the play’s message about the importance of social responsibility.

  • It implies that the Inspector is advocating for a return to traditional family values.

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11 mark

In the Inspector’s final speech, how is his reference to the "millions and millions and millions of John Smiths and Eva Smiths" significant to the overall message of the play?

  • It suggests Eva Smith is easily replaceable in Mr Birling's factory and society at large.

  • It emphasises the Inspector's belief in gender equality within the social structure.

  • It highlights the widespread nature of suffering, reinforcing the idea of social responsibility.

  • It shows that the Birlings have affected millions and millions of people without even realising.

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21 mark

How does the “sharp ring” of the doorbell in Act 1 reflect a key theme of the play?

  • The doorbell reflects the themes of guilt, signalling the arrival of a real police inspector.

  • The doorbell highlights the lack of opportunities in society: as one door opens, another closes.

  • The doorbell reflects the distinctions between social classes, as Mr Birling answers the door.

  • The doorbell interrupts Mr Birling’s speech, indicating the Inspector will challenge Arthur’s views.

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31 mark

How does Priestley’s foreshadowing affect the mood of the play when, in Act 1, Gerald tells Sheila that he was “awfully busy at the works all that time”?

  • by revealing that Gerald is a tireless worker, Priestley suggests that his work will never end and so encourages sympathy

  • by hinting at Gerald’s strained relationship with Sheila, Priestley creates tension and implies that Gerald is keeping secrets from her

  • by giving the audience no reason to suspect Gerald’s behaviour, Priestley generates real shock when the Inspector reveals the truth

  • by focusing on Gerald’s working conditions, he implies that Mr Birling will be forced to work even harder in partnership with his future son-in-law

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41 mark

Based on the Inspector’s statement, "We are members of one body," how might he view the societal impact of wealth inequality?

  • He would likely see it as a natural and acceptable part of society.

  • He would view it as a moral failing that harms society as a whole.

  • He would argue that inequality encourages competition and innovation.

  • He would believe it is the responsibility of the poor to improve their conditions.

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51 mark

If Gerald Croft sincerely believed in the Inspector’s message of "fire and blood and anguish," how might this have changed his response to the events of the play?

  • He would have been more willing to accept responsibility for his actions.

  • He would have remained indifferent to the Inspector's warnings.

  • He would have focused on hiding his involvement rather than reflecting on it.

  • He would have distanced himself further from the Birlings to avoid scandal.

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61 mark

Suggest how the change in lighting from “pink and intimate” to “brighter and harder” symbolises a change in the play’s atmosphere.

  • The lighting change reflects the family’s increasing happiness and unity, and their bright prospects.

  • The lighting change represents the shift from evening to morning as the interrogation continues through the night.

  • The lighting change indicates that the Inspector will force the family to view life through rose-tinted spectacles.

  • The lighting change reflects a growing tension and scrutiny as the Inspector begins his questioning.

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