Examiners Will FAIL You For Doing This In Inspector Calls..

There’s a fair chance of MR BIRLING coming up as the character question in this year’s Inspector Calls exams.

Now, GCSE students often use weak or overly simplistic words to describe Mr. Birling in An Inspector Calls. Here are some of the worst choices and better alternatives to use instead - IF he comes up: 

✨PS: I’m running INSPECTOR CALLS Last Minute Revision Class TODAY at 5pm - join here: https://www.firstratetutors.com/literature

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❌ Weak Adjectives → ✅ Stronger, More Precise Alternatives

Mr. Birling’s Personality and Attitudes

1. ❌ Rude → ✅ Arrogant, Condescending, Dismissive

   • “Rude” is too basic. “Condescending” highlights how he looks down on others.

2. ❌ Selfish → ✅ Capitalistic, Self-serving, Exploitative

   • “Selfish” is vague. “Exploitative” emphasizes how he profits at others’ expense.

3. ❌ Proud → ✅ Hubristic, Overconfident, Self-important

   • “Proud” doesn’t capture his excessive arrogance. “Hubristic” links to the idea of tragic downfall.

4. ❌ Uncaring → ✅ Callous, Unsympathetic, Oblivious

   • “Uncaring” is too broad. “Callous” shows he lacks empathy for Eva Smith.

Mr. Birling’s Views on Society and Responsibility

1. ❌ Dumb → ✅ Shortsighted, Naïve, Ignorant

   • “Dumb” is informal and vague. “Shortsighted” suggests he lacks awareness of the bigger picture.

2. ❌ Wrong → ✅ Misguided, Complacent, Deluded

   • “Wrong” is too simple. “Complacent” suggests he is too comfortable to see change coming.

3. ❌ Greedy → ✅ Materialistic, Status-obsessed, Mercenary

   • “Greedy” is overused. “Mercenary” suggests he values profit over people.

Mr. Birling’s Response to the Inspector

1. ❌ Nervous → ✅ Defensive, Evasive, Resentful

   • “Nervous” suggests fear, but “defensive” and “resentful” highlight his unwillingness to take responsibility.

2. ❌ Stubborn → ✅ Intransigent, Unyielding, Unrepentant

   • “Stubborn” is too simple. “Unrepentant” shows he refuses to change even at the end.

✨PS: If you’re stressing about 🕵️‍♂️INSPECTOR CALLS🕵️‍♂️ - join my class today at 5pm, ask me as many questions: https://www.firstratetutors.com/literature

Everyday this week, I’ll cover Literature Paper 1 & 2 exams and you’ll get:

✅ Model answers for the Literature Paper 1 & 2 exams

✅ Answers to any final questions you have

✅ You’ll leave each class feeling CONFIDENT 7 READY for your exams!

KEEN TO KNOW MORE?

🔸 Read about the upcoming Literature Week here:

https://www.firstratetutors.com/literature 

Happy Revision,

Barbara