How would I tackle questions regarding the depiction of education in Alan Bennet's play The History Boys?

Remember to always structure your essay as Point Evidence Explain.For example:(Point:)In The History Boys, the playwright Alan Bennet uses the characters of Hector, Irwin and the Headmaster to portray juxtaposing views of education and the ways in which the educational system generally functions. This is achieved through each teacher's attitudes towards lesson plans and their overall relationships with the students. (Evidence:)More specifically, Hector represents a holistic approach to education as he utters to his class: 'All knowledge is precious whether or not it serves the slightest human use' (page no.) (Explain) This quote summarises Hector's philosophy in light of education, and throughout the play he spends his lessons equipping his students for the world outside the school environment, providing them with a vast variety of literary knowledge that some would criticise as somewhat futile in terms of upcoming examinations. Another example of Hector's 'directionless' educational approach is found in Act 3, wherein he gets the students to re-enact a theatrical play in French. Proceed with evidence followed by an explanation and so on.Now that I have given you an example, how would you continue the essay explaining Irwin's educational philosophies?

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Answered by Nina P. English Literature tutor

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