1
1 mark
What role does Inspector Goole play?
He conveys the play’s social message.
He is a police inspector investigating a crime.
He is a family friend of the Birlings.
He is a business associate of Mr Birling.
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An Inspector Calls (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions
Exam code: 8702
15 hours205 questions
2
1 mark
Which character trait best describes Inspector Goole?
commanding and authoritative
quiet and passive
weak and indecisive
anxious and nervous
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3
1 mark
In which Act does the audience find out that Inspector Goole may not be a real police officer?
Act 3
Act 1
Act 2
Act 4
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4
1 mark
What is the significance of Inspector Goole's final speech?
He warns the Birlings about the consequences of ignoring social responsibility.
He congratulates the Birlings on their honesty.
He reveals that he was testing the Birlings' morality.
He apologises to the Birlings for disturbing their evening.
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5
1 mark
Which of the following best describes the Inspector’s approach during the investigation?
He interrogates each character one at a time.
He interviews all of the characters at the same time.
He focuses only on Eric and Sheila.
He ignores Mrs Birling entirely.
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6
1 mark
Which phrase does Inspector Goole use to describe the collective responsibility of society?
“We are members of one body.”
“Every man for himself.”
“Only the strong survive.”
“Help only those who deserve it.”
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7
1 mark
How does the Inspector react when Mr Birling mentions his high social status and connection to the Chief Constable?
He is unimpressed and dismisses it.
He respects Mr Birling more.
He is intimidated and stops questioning.
He apologises to Mr Birling.
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8
1 mark
How does Inspector Goole illustrate J.B. Priestley’s socialist beliefs?
by showing the Birling family how their actions affect the less fortunate
by supporting Mr Birling’s views on capitalism
by encouraging the Birlings to focus on their individual success
by praising the wealth and status of the Birlings
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9
1 mark
Why does the Inspector use the phrase “millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths”?
to emphasise the widespread nature of inequality and suffering in society
to point out that Eva Smith was unique in her experiences
to suggest that the Birlings were only responsible for one person's death
to show that Smith was a common name at the time
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10
1 mark
What is the significance of the Inspector’s arrival immediately after Mr Birling’s speech about self-reliance?
It suggests that Mr Birling was right to focus on himself and his family.
It supports Mr Birling’s belief in independence and self-reliance.
It serves to challenge Mr Birling’s capitalist views about self-interest.
It reinforces the idea that the Birlings have no responsibility for others.
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1
1 mark
How does the Inspector's final speech reflect his role in the play?
He offers a personal opinion about the Birlings' actions.
He acts as a moral teacher, warning of the consequences of ignoring social responsibility.
He apologises to the Birlings for the disruption he caused.
He leaves the family to make their own moral decisions without any guidance.
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2
1 mark
Why does Inspector Goole refer to Eva Smith’s “burnt out inside” when speaking to the Birlings?
to shock them and confront them with the reality of Eva’s suffering
to suggest that Eva Smith was a danger to society
to praise the Birlings for their treatment of Eva Smith
to minimise the seriousness of Eva Smith’s death
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3
1 mark
Based on Inspector Goole's speech in Act 3, how could his final warning be applied to the society of 1945, when the play was first performed?
It encourages the rich to keep their wealth to avoid poverty.
It promotes individuality and independence in society.
It serves as a warning that ignoring social responsibility can lead to future conflicts like World War II.
It suggests that wealth is the key to avoiding conflict.
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4
1 mark
How does the Inspector's use of the phrase “We are members of one body” apply to the relationships between characters in the play?
It indicates that the Birlings should act independently of each other.
It emphasises the importance of economic power in society.
It suggests that only the younger generation should change their behaviour.
It highlights that all of the characters are equally responsible for Eva Smith’s downfall.
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5
1 mark
In what way does Inspector Goole’s ability to get characters to confess their roles in Eva’s life suggest a solution for promoting social responsibility in society?
Limiting social interactions can prevent harm to others.
Encouraging people to reflect on the consequences of their actions can lead to personal accountability.
Isolating people based on their economic status encourages fairness.
Punishing individuals publicly for their mistakes promotes moral behaviour.
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6
1 mark
How does Priestley’s decision to have Inspector Goole confront Mr Birling about his capitalist beliefs support the play’s overall theme of socialism?
It reinforces the idea that wealth and status should be protected.
It challenges the notion that capitalism benefits everyone.
It suggests that capitalism is the only solution to poverty.
It highlights how socialism leads to economic success.
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1
1 mark
How does the Inspector’s method of questioning create tension between the older and younger generations in the Birling family?
It highlights the generational divide as Sheila and Eric are more open to change.
It reinforces the idea that Mr Birling is always right.
It forces Eric to side with his father against Sheila.
It suggests that the younger generation is too naïve to understand complex moral issues.
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2
1 mark
In what way does the lighting change when the Inspector arrives in Act 1 serve as a symbolic contrast to Mr Birling’s speech?
The lighting becomes darker, symbolising the gloom the Inspector brings.
The lighting becomes “brighter and harder,” symbolising the harsh truth the Inspector is about to reveal.
The lighting becomes softer, indicating the Inspector’s calm demeanour.
The lighting remains the same, symbolising no real change in the atmosphere.
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3
1 mark
Evaluate whether Inspector Goole can be considered a "ghost" or a supernatural figure in the play. What is the strongest argument for this interpretation?
His omniscient knowledge of Eva’s life suggests he is more than a police inspector.
His connection to the Chief Constable is never revealed.
His role as an investigator is too realistic to be supernatural.
He behaves like any other character in the play.
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4
1 mark
Analyse how the Inspector uses Eva Smith’s story to critique the attitudes of the upper class in 1912. What is the most critical aspect of this technique?
He focuses on her background to show how Eva never had any potential.
He portrays Eva as a representative of the people exploited by the capitalist system.
He uses Eva’s story to justify the Birlings’ actions.
He dismisses Eva’s story as insignificant.
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5
1 mark
Compare and contrast the reactions of Mr Birling and Sheila to the Inspector’s revelations. What is the most significant difference between them?
Mr Birling sees the Inspector as a threat to his reputation, while Sheila acknowledges her own guilt.
Both Sheila and Mr Birling react with anger towards the Inspector.
Mr Birling blames his children, while Sheila blames her parents.
Both Sheila and Mr Birling are indifferent to the Inspector’s message.
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