B1 – Intermediate Level

DESCRIPTION OF A PERSON

WHAT IS A DESCRIPTION?
Descriptions (descriptive essays) express what a person is like. The
purpose is to create a mental image in the adressee’s mind.

CONTEXTUALISATION
These are used whenever someone wants to tell a story (anecdotes,(anecdotes
narratives,, articles
articles, letters, novels,, etc.), piece of news, literary, works,
etc.

LAYOUT
Section Explanation/Definition
An introduction in which you give general information about
Introduction
the person, for example, saying when, where and how you first
(Paragraph 1)
met them.
A main body in which you describe their physical appearance,
Main body
personal qualities and hobbies/interests. You star
start a new
(Paragraphs 2-3)
paragraph for each topic.
Conclusion A conclusion in which you write your comments and/or
(Paragraph 4) feelings about the person.

CHECKLIST – WHAT YOU SHOULD INCLUDE

 Semi--formal/ Informal (Depends on the context and intended
Register
reader)
 Adjectives
o Physical appearance ((good-looking,
looking, pointed nose, slim, wavy
hair
hair, plump)
o Personal qualities ((immature,
immature, outgoing, bossy, generous)
generous
Lexis
 Mannerisms referring to the way they speak, describing the
gestures they use, mentioning a particular habit they have (He
speaks in a soft voice, she always bites her nails)
 Mild language (seems to, can be rather, to be quite...)
...)
Recommended  Present tenses (when describing someone you know well or see
 B1 – Intermediate Level

grammar often.)
structures  Past tenses (when describing someone who is no longer alive or
someone you knew a long time ago and you do not see any
more.
 Joining ideas  Contrasting qualities
o And o On the other hand
Expressions o In addition o But
o Also o However
o Moreover o Nevertheless

EXAMPLE