Hibiscus Teach · Drama extra
Learn English with Vikings
What do you really want?
Follow two conversations about a possible agreement. Notice what is said, what is implied, and what each person wants.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Before watching: Think of an agreement that worked because both people understood what the other needed.
A little context: In the series, Ragnar and his men are in Wessex. First, a messenger approaches him; later, he meets King Ecbert directly. You do not need detailed historical knowledge.
Adult content: Threats of violence; a bathhouse setting with bare torsos and possible nudity. Preview the complete uploads before use.
On my own: Watch for the main idea, then replay for detail. Check the quiz before revealing the key. Answer one or two speaking questions aloud; self-study time varies.
With my tutor: Work through both clips and discuss the three speaking questions after each. Develop your answers with a reason or example.
Use English captions only if the selected upload provides them. You do not need to understand every word. The vocabulary supports both viewing and discussion; it is not a transcript word list.
A message for Ecbert
An offer of peace, or a warning?
A messenger asks Ragnar about his intentions. Listen for how Ragnar keeps more than one option open.
Listening tip: Notice the question, the condition in the reply, and the message to be taken back.
Try the A message for Ecbert quiz · 6 questions
Watch, then choose one answer for each question. Check your answers for a score and explanation.
Answer key and explanations
- B: How much longer Ragnar intends to stay. The question concerns the intended length of Ragnar’s stay.
- A: What Ecbert is prepared to offer. Ragnar makes the decision conditional on an offer.
- C: Leaving or staying. He introduces staying as well as leaving.
- B: Peace. Peace is his stated aim.
- C: He links peace to avoiding further killing. The reference to further killing adds an implied warning.
- A: Pass the message to Ecbert. He undertakes to carry the message back.
After the quiz: keep talking · 3 questions
Give a reason or example. With a tutor, discuss all three; on your own, choose one or two. There is no single correct opinion.
- Which words make the message sound both peaceful and threatening? Explain the contrast.
- When someone asks you for a decision, what information might you need before answering? Give an example.
- An organiser asks whether you can help at an event. How would you explain politely that your answer depends on the date and the task?
Need an idea? See one example
For question 3: “I’d be happy to consider it. Could you tell me the date and what you need me to do? I can help for a few hours, but I couldn’t commit to a whole weekend.”
With a partner or tutor, add one reason and respond to one follow-up before moving on.
More than treasure
Before making a deal, find out what matters.
Ragnar and Ecbert now speak directly. Notice how questions reveal the interests behind a possible agreement.
Listening tip: Separate an offer, a condition and a firm commitment. They are not the same thing.
Try the More than treasure quiz · 6 questions
Watch, then choose one answer for each question. Check your answers for a score and explanation.
Answer key and explanations
- C: He has already obtained plenty of treasure. Ecbert assumes the treasure could have satisfied Ragnar’s purpose.
- A: Raise a large army. Ecbert refers to time spent assembling an army.
- B: The land and how it is farmed. Ragnar presents an interest in land and farming.
- C: Offering him some land. Land becomes the subject of a possible exchange.
- A: Help from Ragnar and his warriors with his plans. Ecbert wants assistance with his own plans.
- B: He treats an agreement as possible, not settled. His response leaves room for further discussion.
After the quiz: keep talking · 3 questions
Give a reason or example. With a tutor, discuss all three; on your own, choose one or two. There is no single correct opinion.
- How does Ragnar’s explanation differ from Ecbert’s initial assumption? Use one detail from the conversation.
- What should two people clarify before treating a promising offer as an agreement?
- You have an audience for a workshop; your partner has a venue but wants more visitors. What arrangement would you propose, and what would you ask first?
Need an idea? See one example
For question 3: “First, I’d ask how many visitors the venue needs and which dates are available. I could promote the workshop to my audience in return for using the room. That sounds possible, but we would still need to agree on costs and responsibilities.”
With a partner or tutor, try your proposal once, clarify one condition, and give a more precise second response.
Listen and repeat
These are original Hibiscus Teach practice expressions, not quotations from Vikings. Listen, repeat, and use each in a new situation.
Download the full British-English MP3
What matters most to you?
Ask about the other person’s main priority.
You say: You are planning an event with a colleague. Ask about their priority, then listen to the answer.
What would you expect in return?
Ask what someone would want in exchange.
You say: Someone offers to help with a project. Clarify what they would like from you.
We could agree to that, provided that the timing works.
Accept an idea with a condition: the timing must be suitable.
You say: You like a proposal, but you need to check the schedule. Say the expression, then give your own condition.
That sounds possible, but we need to discuss the details.
Show interest without making a final commitment.
You say: You have heard a promising offer. Respond without confirming the agreement yet.