11 mark
Which character refuses to believe that Eva Smith would reject stolen money because of her moral standards?
Sybil Birling
Arthur Birling
Sheila Birling
Gerald Croft
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An Inspector Calls (AQA GCSE English Literature)
Exam Questions
8 hours192 questions21 mark
How is Sybil Birling first described?
as a playful and cheerful mother
as a charming and warm-hearted woman
as a shy and retiring woman
as a rather cold woman and her husband’s superior
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31 mark
What role does Sybil Birling have in her local community?
She is a political activist.
She runs a local business.
She is a member of a women’s charity.
She leads a local church group.
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41 mark
How is Eric Birling described at the beginning of the play?
shy and assertive
confident and sociable
introverted and quiet
cheerful and outgoing
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51 mark
What is Gerald Croft’s initial reaction when the Inspector first mentions Eva Smith’s death?
He accuses the Inspector of lying.
He admits immediately to knowing Eva.
He distances himself from the situation.
He sorrowfully breaks down in tears.
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61 mark
Who is the first character to recognise the inauthenticity of Inspector Goole?
Sheila Birling
Eric Birling
Gerald Croft
Arthur Birling
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71 mark
How does Sheila react when she first sees a photograph of Eva Smith?
She remains largely indifferent.
She laughs at the photograph.
She denies ever knowing Eva.
She dramatically exits the stage.
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81 mark
How does Sybil Birling’s treatment of Eva Smith reveal her views on the working class?
Sybil sees the working class as morally inferior and treats Eva with prejudice and disdain.
Sybil believes the working class deserves better opportunities and actively tries to help Eva.
Sybil views the working class as equals and makes genuine efforts to assist Eva's situation.
Sybil feels sympathy for Eva's plight but is constrained by societal norms in offering help.
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91 mark
Why does Eric Birling accuse his mother, Sybil, of killing Eva Smith in Act 3?
because Sybil forced Eric to confess his actions
because Sybil refused to give Eva financial aid
because Sybil asked Eva to take money from Eric
because Sybil supported Eva in her relationship with Eric
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101 mark
How does Gerald Croft’s affair with Eva Smith reflect the social hypocrisy of the upper classes?
Gerald’s affair shows the upper class’s tendency to exploit and discard the working class.
Gerald’s affair highlights his total love for Eva despite her lower social status.
Gerald’s relationship shows how the upper class always seeks to protect the working class.
Gerald's affair demonstrates the upper class's belief in social equality and fairness.
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11 mark
How does Sybil Birling’s attitude towards the Inspector reflect her character?
She treats him as socially inferior due to her elevated status.
She respects his authority and cooperates fully with him.
She feels guilty and immediately confesses her role in Eva's death.
She tries to help the Inspector understand her perspective.
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21 mark
How does Sheila Birling’s reaction to Eva Smith’s photograph illustrate her development in the play?
It shows her initial indifference to the situation.
It demonstrates her belief that the Inspector is a fraud.
It highlights her genuine regret and empathy for Eva.
It reveals her defiance against her family’s attitudes.
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31 mark
Why does Eric Birling express anger towards his mother in Act 3?
He accuses her of treating him unfairly throughout his childhood.
He is angry because she abandoned the family in a time of crisis.
He resents her for choosing Gerald over him in a family dispute.
He blames her for refusing help to Eva, who was carrying his child.
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41 mark
How might the audience's perception of Sybil Birling change after her confrontation with the Inspector in Act 3?
They might view her as a compassionate figure concerned for her family's well-being.
They might become more sympathetic towards her struggles as a mother.
They might see her as a callous figure who refuses to accept any personal responsibility.
They might begin to admire her strength in facing difficult truths.
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51 mark
If Gerald’s relationship with Eva Smith is seen as a symbol of upper-class hypocrisy, how does his behaviour after the Inspector leaves further reinforce this interpretation?
He feels deep and lasting guilt and tries to make amends.
He quickly dismisses Eva’s death and celebrates avoiding a scandal.
He decides to leave the Birling family and pursue a better path in life.
He reveals that he was always honest about his feelings for Eva.
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61 mark
Suggest why Sheila chooses not to accept Gerald’s engagement ring again at the end of the play, even though he offers it to her.
She no longer loves Gerald and has decided to leave him.
She believes the family must keep a respectable façade.
She does not trust him to be faithful in the future.
She wants to demonstrate her independence and personal growth.
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71 mark
How does the Inspector’s final speech serve as a warning to both the characters and the audience?
It focuses on the importance of maintaining appearances in society.
It congratulates the characters for learning a valuable lesson.
It advises the characters to forget the past and move forward.
It emphasises the need for social equality and responsibility.
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81 mark
Comment on the significance of Eric’s development by the end of the play compared to his initial portrayal.
Eric becomes the most dominant and aggressive character in the family.
Eric remains just as weak and passive as he was at the beginning.
Eric shows signs of emotional maturity and regret for his actions.
Eric becomes indifferent to the lessons taught by the Inspector.
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11 mark
How does Priestley contrast the characters of Sybil and Arthur Birling through their reactions to the Inspector’s investigation?
Sybil is more compassionate towards Eva than her husband Arthur.
Sybil is more concerned with social status, while Arthur is concerned with business.
Arthur takes responsibility for his actions, while Sybil refuses to accept any blame.
Sybil supports the Inspector's social message, while Arthur dismisses it.
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21 mark
In what way does Sheila’s transformation in the play highlight generational differences between her and her parents?
Sheila becomes more concerned with appearances, like her parents.
Sheila learns from the Inspector, while her parents remain unchanged.
Sheila becomes significantly more manipulative, like her father.
Sheila aligns herself with her parents’ values by the end of the play.
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31 mark
Compare Eric’s and Gerald’s treatment of Eva Smith. How do their actions reflect their social positions?
Both characters exploit Eva, but Gerald’s treatment is more self-serving.
Eric is portrayed as more caring than Gerald throughout the play.
Gerald is more directly responsible for Eva’s death than Eric.
Eric’s actions are excusable due to his lack of maturity, unlike Gerald’s.
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41 mark
Evaluate the significance of Sybil Birling’s role as the least affected character by the tragedy.
It shows her strong moral principles and commitment to helping others in need.
It highlights her inability to empathise with those outside her social class.
It suggests that she learns from the Inspector’s message more than the other characters.
It indicates that she feels more guilt than the rest of her family but hides it well.
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51 mark
Assess the effectiveness of Priestley’s use of Inspector Goole as a device to deliver his message of social responsibility.
The Inspector’s harsh tone alienates the audience, reducing his effectiveness.
The Inspector’s role as an authority figure makes him more credible and persuasive.
The Inspector’s lack of emotional connection with the characters makes him less impactful.
The Inspector’s moralistic tone makes the characters more defensive and less open to change.
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