Unicorn
Opening the Mind | Warm-Up Questions
Read each question carefully. Answer in complete sentences
When did you first learn to ride a bicycle, or would you like to learn if you have not yet done so?
How often do you ride a bicycle, and what situations make cycling practical or enjoyable?
Why should communities encourage more people to use bicycles for transportation?
© 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
Your local government has announced a proposal to expand bicycle lanes throughout the city. During a public consultation, residents are invited to discuss how cycling could improve public health, reduce traffic congestion, and lessen environmental impact. You are asked to share your experiences with cycling and explain whether you support the proposal.
© 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
Sustainability – the ability to maintain practices that protect resources and the environment over time
Sentence: Sustainability has become an important objective in urban transportation planning.Mobility – the ability to move efficiently from one place to another
Sentence: Improved bicycle lanes increased mobility throughout the city.Infrastructure – the physical systems and facilities that support transportation and public services
Sentence: Safe cycling infrastructure encouraged more residents to travel by bicycle.Endurance – the ability to sustain physical effort over an extended period
Sentence: Regular cycling gradually improved her endurance.Accessibility – the ease with which people can reach places or services
Sentence: Better accessibility allowed students to commute safely by bicycle.Congestion – excessive traffic that slows the movement of vehicles and people
Sentence: Bicycle commuting helped reduce congestion during peak travel hours.Well-being – the state of being healthy, comfortable, and satisfied with life
Sentence: Daily physical activity contributed significantly to his overall well-being.
© 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.
When Marcus accepted a teaching position at a secondary school, he initially drove to work every day. Although the journey was relatively short, increasing traffic congestion often caused unnecessary delays and frustration. After noticing that several colleagues regularly cycled to school, he decided to reconsider his daily commute.
Since Marcus had not ridden a bicycle for many years, he spent several weekends practicing until he regained confidence. Gradually, cycling became part of his routine. He soon discovered that the journey provided regular physical activity while allowing him to arrive at work feeling more alert and focused.
As more teachers began cycling, the school administration collaborated with local officials to improve cycling infrastructure near the campus. Additional bicycle parking areas and safer road crossings increased accessibility for both students and staff. These improvements encouraged more families to consider bicycles as a practical means of transportation.
Within one academic year, the school observed reduced traffic around the campus and greater participation in health promotion activities. Many students reported that regular cycling had improved their endurance and overall well-being.
Reflecting on the experience, Marcus realized that choosing a bicycle was more than a transportation decision. It represented a practical commitment to sustainability, healthier living, and responsible participation in the wider community.
© 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.
Why can cycling be an effective solution to traffic congestion in urban areas?
How does improved infrastructure encourage more people to ride bicycles?
Can regular cycling improve both physical health and environmental sustainability? Why or why not?
How can schools and local governments promote bicycle use more effectively?
© 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.
What role does cycling currently play in your daily life?
What challenges might prevent you or others from using a bicycle more frequently?
How could your community encourage healthier and more sustainable transportation habits?
© 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: Result Clauses with "Such... That"
The cycling program was such a success that several neighboring schools adopted similar initiatives.
Marcus demonstrated such commitment to his new routine that many of his colleagues became motivated to cycle as well.
Why this matters:
Result clauses with "such... that" enable advanced speakers to express the consequences of actions or situations with greater emphasis and precision. This structure is commonly used in academic writing, formal discussions, and professional communication to demonstrate clear cause-and-effect relationships.
© 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.