Unicorn
Opening the Mind | Warm-Up Questions
Read each question carefully. Answer in complete sentences
Where do you usually go when you need to buy something important?
How frequently do you visit shops, shopping centres, or online stores?
What characteristics make a business excellent in 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 have been asked to recommend the best shopping destination in your area to a visitor who has never been there before. You must describe its geographical location, explain how frequently you visit it, identify the types of products available, and evaluate the qualities that distinguish the business from its competitors. Your recommendation should be based on clear evidence rather than personal preference alone.
© 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
Retail – the activity of selling goods directly to consumers
Sentence: The retail industry has changed significantly because of online shopping.Merchandise – goods that are available for sale
Sentence: The store regularly updates its merchandise to reflect changing customer preferences.Accessibility – the degree to which a place or service is easy to reach or use
Sentence: The store's central location improves its accessibility for customers.Reputation – the general opinion people have about a person, organization, or business
Sentence: The company has developed a strong reputation for reliable customer service.Variety – a wide range of different types or choices
Sentence: The supermarket offers a considerable variety of products at different prices.Reliability – the quality of being dependable and consistently satisfactory
Sentence: Product reliability is one of the main reasons customers return to the retailer.Value – the usefulness, quality, or benefit received in relation to the cost
Sentence: Customers often compare price and quality before deciding whether a product offers good value.
© 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 Daniel moved to a new city, he initially found it difficult to determine where to purchase everyday necessities. Several shopping centres were located within the city, but each offered a different combination of products and services. After asking colleagues for recommendations, he discovered a family-owned retail business approximately fifteen minutes from his apartment.
The store was situated near a major transportation hub, making it highly accessible to residents from several neighbourhoods. Daniel soon discovered that the business sold a broad range of merchandise, including clothing, household products, electronic accessories, stationery, and locally produced goods. Although the store was not the largest retailer in the area, its variety allowed customers to complete several purchases in one visit.
Daniel typically visited once or twice a month rather than shopping there every week. His frequency depended on his household needs and the availability of specific products. Over time, however, he began to appreciate qualities that went beyond convenience.
The employees were knowledgeable, the prices were clearly displayed, and the business responded quickly when customers raised concerns. The owner also regularly requested feedback and used it to improve the shopping experience. These practices gradually established a strong reputation for reliability and customer service.
Daniel eventually recommended the store to several friends. When asked what made it excellent, he did not simply mention its location or product selection. He explained that its success resulted from several connected factors: accessibility, variety, reliability, fair pricing, and consistent attention to customers.
© 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.
What factors should consumers consider when evaluating a shopping destination?
How does the location of a retail business influence its success?
Is having a wide variety of merchandise always an advantage for a business? Why or why not?
Which is more important for long-term success: low prices or excellent customer service? Defend your position.
© 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 is your favourite place to shop, and what makes it different from other businesses?
How often do you typically go shopping, and what determines the frequency?
What is the most important quality you look for when deciding whether to return to a business?
© 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: "Not Only... But Also..."
The store provides not only a wide variety of products but also reliable customer service.
A successful retailer must offer not only competitive prices but also a convenient shopping experience.
Why this matters:
The structure "not only... but also..." connects two related ideas while placing emphasis on both. It is particularly useful when presenting logical evaluations because it allows speakers to demonstrate that an outcome depends on multiple factors. In formal discussions and academic writing, it can make arguments more structured and persuasive.
© 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.