How do the initial stage directions which describe Eric give and indication of what is to be revealed about him later in the play?

shows he likes to impress the older generation, talking with mr birling

Explanation:

he is trying to impress Mr Birling and he wants to show the older generation that the young are more open minded

they insisted that there was not enough time to learn everything.  

explanation:

if they were going to steal the answers that is simply because they insisted that there was not enough time to learn everything.  

it would be offer because the group is offering all at once.