Unicorn
Opening the Mind | Warm-Up Questions
Read each question carefully. Answer in complete sentences
What types of food do you enjoy eating most, and why?
What is the most common staple food in your country, and why is it so important?
Do you think fast food has improved or harmed modern lifestyles? Explain your opinion.
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Snapshot of Reality | Situational Lens
Read the situation once. Imagine you are the student. Pay attention to your instinctive reaction
You are participating in an international food and culture exhibition where each country presents its traditional cuisine. During a discussion, participants describe their favourite foods, explain the importance of staple meals in their culture, debate the growing influence of fast-food restaurants, and share practical ways to maintain a healthy diet. You want to contribute thoughtful ideas while appreciating different culinary traditions and perspectives.
© 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
Cuisine – the characteristic style of cooking associated with a particular country or region
Sentence: Italian cuisine is admired for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple preparation.Nutrition – the process of obtaining the nutrients necessary for health and growth
Sentence: Good nutrition supports both physical health and mental performance.Moderation – the practice of avoiding excess and maintaining balance
Sentence: Enjoying desserts in moderation contributes to a healthier lifestyle.Ingredient – one of the foods or substances used to prepare a meal
Sentence: Fresh ingredients often improve both the flavour and nutritional value of a dish.Consumption – the act of eating or drinking something
Sentence: Excessive consumption of sugary drinks may affect long-term health.Diversity – the presence of variety or differences within a group or category
Sentence: Dietary diversity helps ensure that the body receives a wide range of nutrients.Sustainability – the practice of using resources in ways that can continue without causing long-term harm
Sentence: Many families now choose locally produced food to support sustainability.
© 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.
Every autumn, Westbridge International College organised a Global Food Festival where students prepared dishes representing their cultural backgrounds. Rather than competing for the most popular recipe, participants explained the history, ingredients, and traditions behind each meal. The event demonstrated that food serves not only as nourishment but also as a meaningful expression of identity and community.
During one presentation, students discussed the importance of staple foods in different countries. Rice, bread, maize, potatoes, and noodles all played essential roles depending on the region. Although these staples differed considerably, each reflected local agriculture, climate, and historical development.
The discussion later shifted to the increasing influence of the fast-food industry. Some students appreciated its convenience for busy schedules, while others expressed concern about excessive consumption of highly processed meals. The school's nutrition teacher encouraged a balanced perspective, explaining that occasional fast food can fit within a healthy lifestyle when combined with moderation, dietary diversity, and regular physical activity.
Inspired by the conversation, several student organisations began preparing healthier versions of traditional recipes using fresh ingredients while preserving their cultural character. The project demonstrated that respecting culinary traditions and making nutritious choices do not have to be conflicting goals.
By the end of the festival, students recognised that every meal tells a story about history, family, culture, and health. They concluded that thoughtful food choices nourish both the body and the appreciation of cultural diversity.
© 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 do staple foods become central to a country's culture and identity?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the fast-food industry?
How can people maintain good nutrition without completely avoiding their favourite foods?
Why is dietary diversity important for long-term health?
© 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.
Which meal best represents your culture or family tradition, and why?
How would you describe your current eating habits?
What small change could you make to improve your nutritional health?
© 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: "Rather than + Verb (-ing)"
Rather than relying on fast food every day, many families prepare nutritious meals at home.
Rather than eliminating favourite foods completely, nutritionists often recommend enjoying them in moderation.
Why this matters:
The structure "rather than + verb (-ing)" allows advanced speakers to compare two alternative actions while emphasizing a preferred choice. It is widely used in academic writing, professional communication, and formal discussions because it presents balanced recommendations and clear contrasts with precision and sophistication.
© 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.