Explore how J.B. Priestley uses the character of Mr Birling to present his ideas about social responsibility.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme. The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Refer to the marking grid for this paper.
2. Candidates should be assessed on their ability to:
3. - AO1: sustain a critical argument and use accurate and relevant textual references to support their comments.
4. - AO2: analyse the language, form and structure used by writers to create meanings and effects.
5. - AO3: explore the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.
6. Indicative content may include comments on:
7. - Mr Birling as an embodiment of capitalist greed and self-interest ('every man for himself').
8. - His dismissive attitude towards the lower classes and the suffering of others (Eva Smith).
9. - His dramatic irony, making his pronouncements on the future and war appear foolish and short-sighted.
10. - His resistance to the Inspector's interrogation and refusal to accept responsibility.
11. - His unchanging nature, highlighting Priestley's critique of the older generation and their inability to learn.
12. - Priestley's use of Mr Birling's language (pompous, dismissive) and stage directions to convey his character.
13. - The symbolic role of Mr Birling within the play's wider message about collective responsibility.
14. Award L5 (18-20 marks) for a sophisticated, perceptive analysis of Mr Birling's role, fully integrated textual evidence, and a sustained critical argument demonstrating excellent understanding of AO1, AO2, AO3.
15. Award L4 (15-17 marks) for a detailed, sustained analysis, effective use of textual evidence, and a clear critical argument demonstrating strong understanding of AO1, AO2, AO3.
16. Award L3 (10-14 marks) for a clear analysis, relevant textual evidence, and a clear argument demonstrating sound understanding of AO1, AO2, AO3.
17. Award L2 (5-9 marks) for some analysis, some textual evidence, and a basic argument demonstrating some understanding of AO1, AO2, AO3.
18. Award L1 (1-4 marks) for limited analysis, simple points, and minimal textual reference demonstrating little understanding of AO1, AO2, AO3.