How to write a GCSE grade 9 argument for your 'An Inspector Calls' GCSE essay - all exam boards!

Summary

This video provides an insightful guide on how to achieve a grade 9 in an English exam, specifically when analyzing *An Inspector Calls* by J.B. Priestley. The speaker emphasizes the importance of crafting perceptive, evaluative, and exploratory arguments in essays, using detailed evidence to support claims. The focus is on analyzing themes like class and gender, with advice on how to structure essays by tracking characters and themes before, during, and after the inspector’s arrival. The speaker encourages thorough planning, critical thinking, and sustained analysis to ensure success in English literature exams.

Takeaways

• 😀 Developing a Grade 9 argument requires perceptiveness, exploration, evaluation, and sustained focus throughout the essay.
• 😀 A perceptive argument involves presenting a character's presentation in detail, connecting it to themes and context.
• 😀 Exploration can be structured by following a character or theme before, during, and after the Inspector’s arrival to uncover deeper insights.
• 😀 An evaluative approach means examining the significance of themes or events and considering different perspectives to make your argument more complex.
• 😀 To sustain your argument, plan your essay by developing a clear skeleton and fleshing it out with evidence and analysis to maintain focus.
• 😀 Always back up your argument with solid analysis, demonstrating that you have thought critically about the text.
• 😀 Planning is crucial to avoid starting an essay without a clear direction. It ensures the argument stays focused and coherent.
• 😀 Each paragraph should explore an aspect of the play while linking back to the overall argument and context.
• 😀 Structuring your essay around the play’s progression (before, during, and after the Inspector’s appearance) helps highlight character and theme development.
• 😀 Strong essays don't just state ideas; they prove their argument with concrete evidence and insightful analysis of quotes and events.
• 😀 These analytical skills—perceptiveness, exploration, and evaluation—are transferable to any literature or language exam, helping you achieve top grades.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the analysis in 'An Inspector Calls' according to the transcript?

The main focus of the analysis is on social responsibility and how different characters respond to it, with a specific focus on class systems and gender issues. While gender is explored, it is not the primary focus of the play.

How does the speaker suggest you structure an essay for 'An Inspector Calls'?

The speaker recommends structuring the essay by analyzing characters or themes before, during, and after the inspector's arrival. This approach helps to provide a comprehensive and exploratory analysis of the play.

Why is it important to include perceptive analysis in an essay?

Perceptive analysis allows the writer to demonstrate a deeper understanding of how characters are presented, linking their actions and traits to broader themes in the play. This helps build a strong foundation for the argument.

What does the speaker mean by 'sustaining the argument' throughout the essay?

Sustaining the argument refers to maintaining a clear, logical line of reasoning throughout the essay. The speaker emphasizes the importance of planning and ensuring that each point is consistently developed and supported with evidence.

How does the speaker suggest addressing gender issues in 'An Inspector Calls'?

The speaker notes that while gender issues are part of the play, Priestley's main focus is on social equality as a whole. Gender is explored in the context of class systems, but it is not the primary lens through which the play is examined.

What role does the inspector play in the analysis of gender in the play?

The inspector acts as a mediator for the female character, Eva, who does not speak for herself in the narrative. The speaker critiques the inspector's portrayal of Eva, suggesting that he simplifies her as just a victim without fully recognizing her complexity as an individual.

Why is it important to provide analysis for every quote used in the essay?

Providing analysis for each quote is essential to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the text. The speaker stresses that analysis proves the validity of the argument and shows that the writer has thought critically about the material.

What advice does the speaker give for improving the evaluative aspect of the essay?

The speaker advises looking at multiple perspectives on an issue and evaluating their significance. This evaluative approach helps to deepen the argument and showcase a nuanced understanding of the play's themes.

How can you make your essay more exploratory according to the speaker?

To make the essay exploratory, the speaker suggests tracking a character or theme across the entire play, noting how it evolves and develops from before the inspector's arrival to after the investigation. This approach provides a fuller, more dynamic analysis.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of planning an essay?

The speaker emphasizes that planning is crucial to writing a strong essay. Without a clear plan, writers risk drifting off-topic. Proper planning ensures that the argument remains focused, and analysis is consistently linked to context and themes.