Unicorn
Opening the Mind | Warm-Up Questions
Read each question carefully. Answer in complete sentences
Why do some individuals believe that their lives are controlled by external forces?
How can belief in personal control influence long-term decisions?
Can reliance on fate limit individual potential? Explain your reasoning.
© 2026 GreatMindsInternational online English. All Rights Reserved. GBS™ is a proprietary trademark of Giovanni L. Nerizon. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is strictly prohibited under PH and US Copyright Law.
Snapshot of Reality | Situational Lens
Read the situation once. Imagine you are the student. Pay attention to your instinctive reaction
You encounter a situation where a colleague attributes their lack of progress to circumstances beyond their control. Despite having access to opportunities, they avoid taking initiative and justify inaction by referring to external limitations. You begin to question whether their belief system is influencing their outcomes.
© 2026 GreatMindsInternational online English. All Rights Reserved. GBS™ is a proprietary trademark of Giovanni L. Nerizon. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is strictly prohibited under PH and US Copyright Law.
Language of Nuance | Vocabulary & Expressions
Read each item carefully. Say it aloud once. Then write one paragraph using at least four of the expressions
Agency – the capacity to act independently and make choices
Sentence: Personal agency influences the direction of one’s life.Determinism – the belief that events are controlled by external forces
Sentence: Determinism can reduce motivation to take initiative.Autonomy – the ability to govern one’s own actions
Sentence: Autonomy is essential for responsible decision-making.Constraint – a limitation or restriction
Sentence: Perceived constraints may prevent individuals from acting.Accountability – responsibility for one’s actions
Sentence: Accountability supports personal and professional growth.Choice – the act of selecting between alternatives
Sentence: Every decision reflects an underlying choice.Outcome – the result of an action or decision
Sentence: The outcome often depends on consistent effort.
© 2026 GreatMindsInternational online English. All Rights Reserved. GBS™ is a proprietary trademark of Giovanni L. Nerizon. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is strictly prohibited under PH and US Copyright Law.
The Core Text | Reading
Read the article slowly. Focus on the writer’s argument and examples, not on speed.
Marcus had long believed that his circumstances were determined by factors beyond his control. This perspective shaped his approach to decision-making, limiting his willingness to exercise agency. When opportunities arose, he often attributed potential outcomes to external constraints rather than personal choice.
In a professional development program, Marcus was required to evaluate his patterns of behavior. Through structured reflection, he recognized that his reliance on determinism reduced his accountability. He had avoided taking initiative, assuming that outcomes were predetermined.
As the program progressed, Marcus began to reconsider his autonomy. He started to make deliberate choices, even in situations where results were uncertain. This shift required acknowledging that while external factors exist, they do not fully dictate outcomes.
Over time, his behavior changed. Increased engagement led to measurable improvements in performance. The transition from passive acceptance to active decision-making demonstrated the significance of personal agency. Although not all results were successful, the process reinforced the value of accountability.
This experience illustrated that belief systems directly influence behavior. By challenging the assumption that life is controlled by external forces, individuals can redefine their approach to opportunities and outcomes.
© 2026 GreatMindsInternational online English. All Rights Reserved. GBS™ is a proprietary trademark of Giovanni L. Nerizon. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is strictly prohibited under PH and US Copyright Law.
Beneath the Surface | Discussion Questions
Choose two or three questions. Support your answers with examples, observations, or comparisons.
How does belief in determinism affect personal agency and behavior?
What are the consequences of avoiding accountability in decision-making?
Can individuals maintain autonomy while acknowledging external constraints? Why or why not?
How does shifting from passive to active decision-making influence outcomes?
© 2026 GreatMindsInternational online English. All Rights Reserved. GBS™ is a proprietary trademark of Giovanni L. Nerizon. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is strictly prohibited under PH and US Copyright Law.
Turning Inward | Reflection Questions
Answer honestly. Short answers are acceptable, but aim for clarity and insight.
Do you tend to attribute outcomes to your choices or external factors?
How do you respond when facing constraints or limitations?
What steps can you take to strengthen your sense of agency in daily decisions?
© 2026 GreatMindsInternational online English. All Rights Reserved. GBS™ is a proprietary trademark of Giovanni L. Nerizon. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is strictly prohibited under PH and US Copyright Law.
Precision Matters | G-Notes
Read the structures below.
1. Advanced Grammar Focus: Nominal Relative Clauses
What individuals believe about control influences their actions.
What determines success is often consistent decision-making.
Why this matters:
Nominal relative clauses allow complex ideas to function as subjects or objects within a sentence. This structure enhances precision and cohesion in advanced academic writing.
© 2026 GreatMindsInternational online English. All Rights Reserved. GBS™ is a proprietary trademark of Giovanni L. Nerizon. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is strictly prohibited under PH and US Copyright Law.