Hibiscus Teach · Vids
Game of Thrones 2: Learning is a strength
A useful skill can change what you can do.
Follow an explanation, understand an analogy, and offer practical encouragement to a learner.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Content note: Adult drama: the first scene discusses prejudice, disability, family pressure and death, and the full upload may include insults. The second concerns imprisonment and disobedience. Do not ask learners to disclose personal experiences of discrimination or literacy difficulties.
A little context: Tyrion and Jon discuss reading during a journey. In a separate storyline, Shireen visits Davos in prison. No detailed knowledge of the series is needed.
Before you start: Name one skill you would like to improve. What would make the first step easier?
On my own: Watch for the situation, then replay for detail. Check your answers and choose a speaking question. Self-study time varies.
With my tutor: Compare answers, explain the evidence and develop one or two speaking responses after each clip.
Vocabulary supports discussion of the scene. Not every item is spoken in the video.
Why Tyrion reads
Jon asks about Tyrion’s reading habit. Notice how a personal explanation develops into a comparison between two kinds of ability.
Selected extract: 0:40–1:51. The source link opens the full upload.
Listening tip: Listen for what Tyrion is expected to contribute and how he develops his own strength.
Watch and check · 6 questions
Watch first, then choose one answer per question.
Use the answer key to check your choices.
Answer key and explanations
- B. His habit of reading. Jon asks about the activity Tyrion does so often.
- A. He asks Jon to look at him and describe what he sees. He starts with how Jon perceives him.
- C. It brings expectations about what he should contribute. His family background comes with obligations.
- B. Twenty years. He gives a period of twenty years.
- A. His own mind. He identifies a different personal resource.
- C. They help keep his mind effective, as a stone sharpens a blade. Reading is presented as a way to develop his mental ability.
Speaking · 3 questions
Choose one or two questions. Give a reason or example, then develop your answer with your tutor. On your own, speak for 45–60 seconds and try again more clearly.
- Why is Tyrion’s comparison with a sword useful? Explain the idea without repeating his wording.
- How can people with different strengths contribute to the same task? Give an example without assuming that one ability is always superior.
- Choose a skill you want to develop. What practical activity would help you improve it, and how would you notice progress?
Model for question 3
I would like to explain complex ideas more clearly. I could read a short article, summarise it aloud and ask someone which part was confusing. Progress would mean that I can explain the main point accurately without relying on a long script.
Ask for one example or an alternative interpretation. Models illustrate language, not the only acceptable opinion.
Shireen offers to teach Davos
Shireen brings a gift for Davos. A difficulty emerges, and she suggests a way forward. Notice how the conversation changes after his admission.
Watch the complete upload.
Listening tip: Follow the problem, the offer of help and the first action they take.
Watch and check · 6 questions
Watch first, then choose one answer per question.
Use the answer key to check your choices.
Answer key and explanations
- B. He disobeyed the king. He acknowledges going against her father’s command.
- C. She still regards him as her friend. She puts their friendship ahead of the label.
- A. A book about Aegon and his dragons. The gift is a history book.
- B. He cannot read the words. He explains that he lacks the reading skill.
- C. She will teach him herself. She responds with a practical offer of help.
- A. She helps him recognise the first word. She begins with a small reading step.
Speaking · 3 questions
Choose one or two questions. Give a reason or example, then develop your answer with your tutor. On your own, speak for 45–60 seconds and try again more clearly.
- What does Shireen do that makes it easier for Davos to admit his difficulty? Point to one part of the exchange.
- Can telling a beginner that something is easy be helpful? When might a different kind of encouragement work better?
- Someone asks you to teach a skill you know well. How would you introduce the first step and encourage an imperfect first attempt?
Model for question 3
I would start with one small action and demonstrate it slowly. Then I would let the learner try without interrupting every mistake. I might say that the first attempt does not need to be perfect, and point out one thing that already works.
Ask for one example or an alternative interpretation. Models illustrate language, not the only acceptable opinion.
Listen and repeat
Practise these original expressions, then use one in a situation of your own. They are practice language, not quotations from the programme.
Could you show me how to begin?
Ask for help with the first step.
You are trying an unfamiliar task. Ask for a demonstration.
Let us take it one step at a time.
Suggest dividing a task into manageable stages.
A learner feels overwhelmed. Offer a calm starting point.
There is no need to get it right immediately.
Reassure someone that an initial mistake is acceptable.
Someone is embarrassed after a first attempt. Encourage another try.
I am still learning, but I am making progress.
Describe improvement without claiming mastery.
Explain how your chosen skill is developing, then give one example.