Hibiscus Teach · Vids
Game of Thrones 1: Advice, wisdom and influence
Who should you listen to?
Follow an argument, distinguish a stated claim from an interpretation, and question advice politely.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Content note: Adult drama: bereavement and a body on display in the first scene; references to killing, execution and sexual behaviour may occur in the selected uploads. Preview the complete videos. The language activities concern fictional characters, not historical evidence.
A little context: Tywin advises Tommen as he prepares to become king. In a separate, earlier conversation, Varys presents Tyrion with a puzzle. These scenes are paired by theme, not as consecutive events.
Before you start: Think of one piece of useful advice. What made you take it seriously?
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.
Tywin advises Tommen
An experienced adviser asks a young person a deceptively simple question. Notice how examples change the direction of the conversation.
Watch the complete upload.
Listening tip: Follow the argument rather than trying to remember the names of every ruler.
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. Becoming king. He is about to inherit the throne.
- A. She objects to its place and timing. She considers the discussion inappropriate at that moment.
- C. None is sufficient on its own. His examples challenge the idea that one such quality is enough.
- B. Winning a struggle and governing afterwards. He separates victory from the work of ruling.
- C. He lacks the relevant experience. He admits that he has not dealt with the matters listed.
- A. Continue listening even after reaching adulthood. Tywin says that listening should continue beyond youth.
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.
- How does Tywin use questions and examples to make his point? Choose one moment that helps explain his method.
- Could the advice help Tommen and also benefit Tywin? Explain your interpretation without assuming you know every private motive.
- You have just started a new job and two experienced colleagues give conflicting advice. What would you ask before deciding what to do?
Model for question 3
I would ask each colleague to explain the reason for the advice. One might know the current procedure, while the other is remembering an older one. I would check which information applies now rather than simply follow the more confident person.
Ask for one example or an alternative interpretation. Models illustrate language, not the only acceptable opinion.
Varys poses a riddle
Varys describes a situation with several powerful people and one difficult choice. Listen to how Tyrion answers and how Varys challenges him.
Watch the complete upload.
Listening tip: Keep track of who gives orders, who can act, and what the final metaphor suggests.
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
- C. A king, a priest and a wealthy man. They represent different possible sources of authority.
- A. Kill the other two. Each wants the other two removed by the armed man.
- B. The sellsword’s. Tyrion focuses on the person who can act directly.
- C. It gives its holder immediate power over life and death. His argument concerns the ability to use force.
- A. People’s belief in where it lies. His answer shifts the focus to belief.
- B. Someone’s influence can exceed their apparent size or status. The image is figurative, not a claim about physical size.
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.
- How do Tyrion’s first answer and Varys’s final explanation differ? Explain each in your own words.
- Can someone influence a group without having an important job title? Give an invented or everyday example.
- A team dismisses a new colleague’s idea because she has no senior title. How could you help the group evaluate her idea fairly?
Model for question 3
I would suggest examining the proposal before discussing who presented it. We could ask what evidence supports it and test it on a small scale. Experience matters, but a junior colleague may notice something the rest of the group has missed.
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.
What are you basing that on?
Ask for the evidence or reasoning behind a claim.
Someone recommends a course without explaining why. Ask the question and add a specific follow-up.
I see your point, but I am not fully convinced.
Acknowledge an argument while expressing doubt politely.
Respond to a suggestion and explain one reservation.
That does not necessarily follow.
Explain that a conclusion is not guaranteed by the information given.
Someone assumes that a confident speaker must be correct. Challenge the connection.
I would get a second opinion.
Suggest asking another knowledgeable person before deciding.
A decision is important and the advice is uncertain. Suggest a sensible next step.