Contents

1. Vocabulary Homework
2. Introduction
3. Writing Homework
4. Examples from Film and Literature
5. Guess Who
6. Character Creation

1. Vocabulary Homework

First things first!

Here are two PDFs which you can take a look at, they have vocabulary and some exercises for you to try... they will help you with this week's topic. Feel free to download them and have a go at the exercises.

2 - Introduction

There are many different ways that you can describe people, from their nationality to their personality, from their appearance to their preferences. There are also many different situations in which it would be useful to describe a person (or people).

In more formal settings, you could have just interviewed a candidate for a job and now you need to do a write-up on them. You may use this evaluation (or report) to assess and compare them with other candidates, discuss your first impressions of them with a colleague (or perhaps the hiring manager of your company), and if you're organised, you'd use your notes to provide the applicant with some detailed feedback... (to help them on the long slog of a job-hunt which they are likely in the middle of).

[hire] • [consider] • [no hire]

When it comes to assessing people for a job or an important role, I suppose you'd be less interested in their hair colour, and more interested in their strengths, weaknesses, and whether they'd make a good culture fit for your company. Or at least, I hope you would.

Now... there are of course, much more informal scenarios in which you could describe a person.

My first thought is good old 'people watching' and a game which has become a favourite amongst my family. 'Which famous person does that stranger look like?"

Imagine this, you're out having a meal on Saturday night when a short guy with scruffy hair walks in, takes off his leather jacket, keeps his sunglasses on, and picks up a menu. You spot him from across the room, nudge your friend and say, "Oh look, Bono's just walked in." Looking up, they reply, "Oh yeah, I wonder if he'll find what he's looking for..."

Later on, you say "I'm pretty sure Ozzy's back from the dead, can you hear that guy with a thick Bimingham accent from the back of the room?"

Yes, the game is a little silly and superficial, but not judgemental... okay maybe a little. The point is, there are "important" moments in which you'll need to describe people and less important, formal and informal... here are a few more examples:

• Describing yourself in an interview
• Describing someone from a story or anecdote.
• Telling a friend or family member about your partner or someone you just met.
• Giving a wedding speech
• Writing a letter of recommendation
• Describing yourself on a dating profile..?

One instance, that we hope doesn't occur regularly is describing a criminal... In fact, it's in such an instance when describing a person is a very important task. The police ask you for a statement, and you give them a description of the person who stole you car. You say "He was about 75, long black hair, wearing a Black Sabbath t-shirt". The police officer responds... "Did he look a bit high?" You nod.

Below is a true story of how a ridiculous drawing of a suspect, actually helped the police to find the criminal.

3. Writing Homework

'Discuss some of the qualities of people you admire'

Suggestions to get you thinking...

• Describe (or create) a role model for yourself.
• Who do you look up to? Or who have you looked up to in the past?
• What kind of person inspires you?
• What qualities do they have that you admire? (e.g. courage, humour, patience, honesty, creativity…)
• Do you try to show any of those same qualities in your own life?
• Has your idea of a “role model” changed over time?
• Is there a person in your life (past or present) who influenced you?

My Response:

It took me a little bit of time to come up with an answer for this question... and my first thought was, 'There isn't, nor has there ever been just one person who I've looked up to... it's usually a mix of traits or characteristics, or qualities... taken from different people".

I first thought of Ted Talk speakers like Simon Sinek, Dr. Gabor Mate, Sir Ken Robinson... I admire storytellers who can get up on stage and deliver moving, powerful, deep or insightful speeches, or all of the above, whilst being relatable, witty, and at the same time... successfully connecting people to themselves or those around them.

I look up to intellectuals, public speakers, deep thinkers and those who can deliver both a moving and funny story simultaneously. I admire authors, filmmakers, musicians... so creativity for sure! On a more personal level... I can tell you what traits I would not want my role model to have. A lack of consideration, or complete thoughtlessness for others. For example, those people on planes or public transport who have zero self-awareness. Those who play their music loud and talk as if everyone else was either interested in their conversation or didn't actually exist.

Back to something a little more serious...

Now I remember, my favourite debate on YouTube! It was between Jordan Peterson and Richard Dawkins. Both scientists, researchers, public figures, highly intelligent... yet, their worldviews are very different. Peterson's view of the world, shown throughout the debate, values mythology, religion, stories and the meaning behind them, and how they reveal the truth to us all. Whilst he does come across a little mad sometimes, even in this debate (or especially in this debate), there is an undeniable passion and colour to his philosophy. He has certainly woke up ideas in me whilst watching and listening to his lectures.

On the other hand, Dawkins is the pragmatist, much more straightforward, and admirable in the sense that he'll use evidence (and only evidence) to support his views. I've long enjoyed his ability to cut through arguments like a knife through butter. I enjoy how sharp his mind is, even if he comes across as a little cold sometimes.

I enjoyed this debate a lot, because of the pay-off at the end... Peterson does finally get through to Dawkins, somehow. And this battle of 'worldviews' is fascinating to me. Mytholigical creatures, religion and story... vs well, science and empiracal evidence, delivered by a man sees the world through data, logic, and observable fact.

Whilst I wouldn't choose either one of them to represent a single role model of mine, I would certainly include both of them in a collection of people whom I look up to.

4. Examples from Film and Literature

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) by Roald Darl

The very next day, the first Golden Ticket was found. The finder was a boy called Augustus Gloop, and Mr Bucket’s evening newspaper carried a large picture of him on the front page. The picture showed a nine-yearold boy who was so enormously fat he looked as though he had been blown up with a powerful pump. Great flabby folds of fat bulged out from every part of his body, and his face was like a monstrous ball of dough with two small greedy curranty eyes peering out upon the world. The town in which Augustus Gloop lived, the newspaper said, had gone wild with excitement over their hero. Flags were flying from all the windows, children had been given a holiday from school, and a parade was being organized in honour of the famous youth.

‘I just knew Augustus would find a Golden Ticket,’ his mother had told the newspapermen. ‘He eats so many bars of chocolate a day that it was almost impossible for him not to find one. Eating is his hobby, you know. That’s all he’s interested in. But still, that’s better than being a hooligan and shooting off zip guns and things like that in his spare time, isn’t it? And what I always say is, he wouldn’t go on eating like he does unless he needed nourishment, would he? It’s all vitamins, anyway. What a thrill it will be for him to visit Mr Wonka’s marvellous factory! We’re just as proud as anything!'

The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald

‘This is an unusual party for me. I haven’t even seen the host. I live over there——’ I waved my hand at the invisible hedge in the distance, ‘and this man Gatsby sent over his chauffeur with an invitation.’

For a moment he looked at me as if he failed to under stand.

‘I’m Gatsby,’ he said suddenly.

‘What!’ I exclaimed.

‘Oh, I beg your pardon.’

‘I thought you knew, old sport. I’m afraid I’m not a very good host.’

He smiled understandingly—much more than under standingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced—or seemed to face—the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on YOU with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just so far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.

Precisely at that point it vanished—and I was looking at an elegant young rough-neck, a year or two over thirty, whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd. Some time before he introduced himself I’d got a strong impression that he was picking his words with care.

Almost at the moment when Mr. Gatsby identified him self a butler hurried toward him with the information that Chicago was calling him on the wire. He excused himself with a small bow that included each of us in turn.

‘If you want anything just ask for it, old sport,’ he urged me. ‘Excuse me. I will rejoin you later.’

When he was gone I turned immediately to Jordan— constrained to assure her of my surprise. I had expected that Mr. Gatsby would be a florid and corpulent person in his middle years.

‘Who is he?’ I demanded. ‘Do you know?’

‘He’s just a man named Gatsby.’

‘Where is he from, I mean? And what does he do?’

‘Now you’re started on the subject,’ she answered with a wan smile. ‘Well,—he told me once he was an Oxford man.’

A dim background started to take shape behind him but at her next remark it faded away.

‘However, I don’t believe it.’

‘Why not?’

‘I don’t know,’ she insisted, ‘I just don’t think he went there.’

5. Guess Who

6. Character Creation

7. Descriptions

🔍 Appearance

• Height: Tall / short / medium height / average build
• Build: Slim / fit / athletic / well-rounded / stocky / broad-shouldered / petite / big-boned / overweight
• Hair: Long / short / shoulder-length / curly / straight / wavy / dyed / shaved / tied in a bun / in a ponytail
• Facial Hair: Beard / moustache / goatee / clean-shaven / stubble
• Skin/Face: Freckles / scar / birthmark / clear skin / acne / rosy cheeks / pale complexion / tanned / wrinkled
• Other Features: Wears glasses / has tattoos / has piercings / braces / wears makeup / always smiling / serious-looking
• Style: Always well-dressed / usually casual / effortlessly stylish / has a unique look / wears bright colours / prefers dark clothing

🗣 “She’s of medium height, with long wavy hair and a warm smile.”
🗣 “He’s quite muscular and often wears fitted shirts that show his build.”

Fixed Expressions

• Dressed to impress
• Looks can be deceiving
• Has a distinctive look
• Carries themself well
• Has a strong presence
• Easy on the eyes (informal – attractive)
• A walking fashion statement
• Neat as a pin (very tidy)

👔 Clothing

• Casual: Wearing a hoodie / dressed in jeans and a T-shirt / in shorts and sandals / wearing comfy clothes / often wears trainers
• Formal: Wearing a suit and tie / dressed in business attire / often seen in smart trousers and a shirt / in a blazer and loafers
• Trendy/Fashionable: Wears designer brands / follows fashion trends / always looks put-together / accessorises well / wears bold patterns
• Cultural/Practical: Wears traditional clothing / dresses modestly / wears layers / dressed for the weather
• Style Adjectives: Smart / neat / scruffy / casual / stylish / elegant / practical / eye-catching / plain / colourful

🗣 “Today she’s wearing a flowy dress with sandals and sunglasses.”
🗣 “He’s dressed in a smart jacket, dark jeans and brown boots.”

💼 Job / Daily Routine

• Occupation: Works as a... / Is a... / Employed at... / Self-employed / Freelancer / Student / Retired
• Work Hours: Full-time / part-time / works remotely / does shift work / freelances / runs their own business
• Tasks: Is responsible for... / Handles... / Deals with... / Helps with... / Takes care of... / Works on...
• Leadership: Manages a team / Leads meetings / Coordinates projects / Trains new staff
• Daily Activities: Commutes to work / Starts early / Works with clients / Attends meetings / Writes reports / Travels a lot
• Job Adjectives: Demanding / rewarding / repetitive / creative / stressful / satisfying / challenging / flexible

🗣 “She works full-time as a graphic designer and usually works from home.”
🗣 “His job involves managing schedules, speaking to clients, and solving technical problems.”

😄 Personality & Character

• Social Traits: Outgoing / introverted / friendly / shy / charming / sociable / confident
• Work Ethic: Hardworking / reliable / disciplined / ambitious / goal-oriented / driven / focused / responsible
• Attitude: Kind / generous / humble / patient / warm / easy-going / laid-back / open-minded
• Negative Traits (if relevant): Stubborn / impatient / disorganised / perfectionist / impulsive
• Other Traits: Detail-oriented / creative / curious / logical / calm under pressure / a good listener / team player

🗣 “She’s friendly and easy to talk to, but very focused when it comes to work.”
🗣 “He’s ambitious and always looking for ways to improve himself.”

❤️ Likes / Interests

• General Interests: Keen on / interested in / passionate about / obsessed with / really into / a fan of…
• Activities: Enjoys reading / watching films / playing football / going for walks / doing yoga / baking / learning languages
• Topics: Fascinated by history / follows tech news / has a soft spot for animals / loves fashion / enjoys nature
• Lifestyle: Loves travelling / prefers staying at home / often goes hiking / always trying new food / likes visiting museums
• Hobbies: Plays the guitar / draws in her free time / collects records / does photography / volunteers at weekends

🗣 “He’s into gaming and spends most of his evenings streaming or playing with friends.”
🗣 “She’s passionate about sustainability and enjoys gardening and making her own clothes.”

✨ Unique Details / Life Story

• Background: Grew up in a small town / comes from a multicultural family / moved around a lot as a child / has dual nationality
• Education: Studied engineering / graduated in psychology / dropped out of university / is currently doing a master’s
• Aspirations: Dreams of opening a café / secretly wants to write a book / hopes to live by the sea one day
• Experiences: Was once on TV / has lived in four countries / used to be a professional athlete / once met a famous person
• Values/Beliefs: Strongly believes in equality / cares deeply about the environment / loves helping others

🗣 “She used to work in fashion before switching to teaching – a big career change.”
🗣 “He grew up in a rural village but always dreamed of living in the city.”

🧠 Intelligence & Skills

• Sharp as a tack (very intelligent)
• Knows their stuff
• Has a head for [numbers / strategy / business]
• Quick on the uptake
• Thinks outside the box
• A jack of all trades
• A natural at [something]

❤️ Character & Personality

• Salt of the earth (humble, honest, good person)
• Heart of gold
• Wears their heart on their sleeve (shows emotions easily)
• A bit of a control freak (informal)
• Marches to the beat of their own drum (independent/quirky)
• Set in their ways
• All bark and no bite (seems tough but isn’t)
• The life of the party
• A people person
• Not one to make a fuss

💬 Habits & Behaviour

• Sticks to their guns (doesn’t give up easily)
• Goes the extra mile
• Takes everything in their stride
• Keeps to themself
• Always on the go
• Speaks their mind
• Has a short fuse (gets angry quickly)
• Lights up the room (brings positive energy)

🧊 First Impressions / Vibe

• Comes across as confident
• Leaves a lasting impression
• Rubs people the wrong way (can be irritating)
• Gives off good vibes
• Has something about them (can’t define but appealing)
• Hard to pin down (mysterious or private)
• An open book (easy to read)

Relative Clauses

She is a teacher. She speaks four languages.
→ She is a teacher who speaks four languages.

That’s the house. I grew up there.
→ That’s the house where I grew up.

I met a man. His brother is a pilot.
→ I met a man whose brother is a pilot.

This is the book. It changed my life.
→ This is the book that changed my life.

who – for people
which – for things
that – for people or things (informal)
whose – to show possession
where – for places
when – for times

1. He’s an actor. He won an Oscar last year.
2. That’s the teacher. Her lessons are always fun.
3. I met a man. He knows three languages fluently.
4. She’s the kind of person. Everyone wants to work with her.
5. This is the city. I was born there.
6. They’re students. They always arrive on time.
7. This is the dog. It bit my cousin.
8. She’s the girl. Her brother is a famous musician.
9. I remember the day. We first met on that day.
10. He’s the kind of friend. You can always count on him.

✅ WHO = used for people

It introduces a clause that gives more information about the subject (the person doing something).

Examples:

• I spoke to a teacher who works in London.
• She’s a student who always asks great questions.
• He’s the kind of manager who listens to everyone.
• That’s the guy who helped me at the station.
• We need someone who knows how to solve problems.

✅ WHOSE = shows possession (like "his", "her", or "their")

It describes someone by something they own or are connected to.

Examples:

• She’s the woman whose phone was stolen.
• I have a friend whose dad is a pilot.
• That’s the boy whose dog keeps barking.
• We hired a designer whose work impressed us.
• He’s the speaker whose ideas changed my mind.

🔹 1. Using “more / less + adjective + than”

Use this when the adjective is long (more than one syllable).

Structure:
Subject + is + more/less + adjective + than + other person

Examples:

• I’m more confident than Noah.
• Noah is less talkative than I am.

🔹 2. Using “-er + than”

Use this when the adjective is short (one syllable or ends in –y).

Structure:
Subject + is + adjective(-er) + than + other person

Examples:

• I’m taller than Noah.
• He’s quieter than me.

🔹 3. Using “as + adjective + as”

Use this when you are equal in something.

Structure:
Subject + is + as + adjective + as + other person

Examples:

• I’m as patient as Noah.
• He’s not as organised as I am.

🔹 4. Using full comparison phrases

You can also describe differences more naturally:

Examples:

• His strength is patience. Mine is speed and adaptability.
• I speak more emotionally. He speaks more logically.
• We both value family, but in different ways.
• Noah focuses on long-term goals. I think more about the present.
  

Contrast Words

• but
• however
• although
• though
• while
• whereas
• on the other hand
• unlike

Similarity Words

• both
• similarly
• just like
• as well
• too

Natural Speaking Phrases

• in a different way
• compared to
• at the same time

Work Ethic

• hard-working, lazy, productive, focused, motivated, dedicated

Confidence

• confident, shy, reserved, self-assured, insecure, brave

Decision-Making

• decisive, hesitant, impulsive, thoughtful, careful, quick-thinking

Style and Clothing

• traditional, modern, casual, formal, elegant, simple, flashy, stylish

Social Life

• sociable, outgoing, introverted, talkative, quiet, friendly

Ambition

• ambitious, content, driven, goal-oriented, competitive, relaxed

Hobbies

• active, calm, creative, sporty, artistic, outdoorsy, tech-focused

Language Skills

• fluent, accurate, expressive, confident speaker, struggling with grammar, clear pronunciation

Patience

• patient, impatient, calm, relaxed, short-tempered, even-tempered

Family Role

• responsible, supportive, independent, leader, helper, dependent

Speaking Style

• slow, fast, clear, emotional, logical, quiet, loud, formal, casual

Cultural Background

• modern, traditional, conservative, liberal, religious, multicultural

Daily Routine

• structured, flexible, disciplined, spontaneous, busy, routine-based

Problem Solving

• logical, emotional, practical, creative, calm, stressed

Leadership Style

• quiet leader, motivator, observer, active leader, supportive, commanding

🔸 Strong opinions (Confident)

• “I’m convinced that…”
• “There’s no doubt in my mind that…”
• “It’s evident to me that…”
• “He undoubtedly has the traits of…”

Talking about a first impression:

• "She struck me as someone who..."
• "He came across as quite..."
• "Initially, I thought they were..."
• "He looked like the kind of person who..."

General assumptions:

• "I’d guess that he’s..."
• "She looks like someone who..."
• "He probably works in..."
• "She must be (a teacher / very organised)..."

Adding nuance or uncertainty:

• "I might be wrong, but..."
• "I could be way off, but..."
• "Just a guess, but I think..."