The aspects of language must be employed appropriately while attempting to discuss the subject of personality and people. The aspects one needs to take care of are appropriate vocabulary, diction, and style. The three aspects are intertwined and come with a variety of knowledge as needed by the learners.
To speak with a high English vocabulary, you must use not only content words to strengthen the meaning of your piece but also functional and transitional words to support them with the appropriate expression.
This will assist you to overcome any hesitancy in speaking effectively as well as any distractions in the way the conversations are constructed, allowing the examiner to gain a deeper understanding of the value given in your words.
List of Words to Describe a Person’s Character: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
Having a rich vocabulary to describe a person’s character is essential for the IELTS exam. It allows you to:
- Express Nuanced Descriptions: Using specific terms helps you articulate complex personality traits accurately, making your descriptions more vivid and precise.
- Demonstrate Lexical Resource: A varied vocabulary showcases your ability to use a wide range of words, a key criterion in the IELTS scoring system for both writing and speaking.
Here’s a comprehensive list of words to describe a person’s character, categorised into positive and negative traits:
Positive Character Traits: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Trait | Description | Example Sentence |
| Ambitious | Having a strong desire for success or achievement | She is very ambitious and always aims to be the best in her field. |
| Compassionate | Showing empathy and concern for others | He is compassionate and often volunteers at the local shelter. |
| Diligent | Hardworking and meticulous | Her diligent efforts in her studies earned her top grades. |
| Empathetic | Able to understand and share the feelings of others | Being empathetic, she could easily understand her friend’s pain. |
| Generous | Willing to give and share unselfishly | He is generous with his time and often helps his neighbors. |
| Honest | Truthful and sincere | An honest person, she always tells the truth even when it’s difficult. |
| Innovative | Creative and able to think of new ideas | His innovative solutions to the problems impressed everyone. |
| Kind | Friendly and considerate | She is kind to everyone and always ready to lend a hand. |
| Resilient | Able to recover quickly from difficulties | Despite the setbacks, he remained resilient and never gave up. |
| Trustworthy | Reliable and dependable | She is trustworthy and can be relied on to keep a secret. |
| Charismatic | Charming and able to attract others | His charismatic personality makes him a natural leader. |
| Optimistic | Hopeful and confident about the future | Even in tough times, he stays optimistic and hopeful. |
| Loyal | Faithful and devoted | Her loyal nature makes her a great friend who stands by you. |
| Courteous | Polite and respectful | He is always courteous, never forgetting to say please and thank you. |
| Patient | Able to accept or tolerate delays without becoming annoyed | As a teacher, she is patient and never gets frustrated with her students. |
Negative Character Traits: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Trait | Description | Example Sentence |
| Arrogant | Having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance | He was so arrogant that he refused to listen to anyone else’s opinion. |
| Callous | Emotionally hardened, insensitive | Her callous remarks hurt everyone’s feelings. |
| Deceitful | Dishonest and misleading | The deceitful salesman tricked the customers into buying faulty products. |
| Indifferent | Unconcerned; showing no interest | She was indifferent to the plight of the homeless people around her. |
| Lazy | Unwilling to work or use energy | He lost his job due to his lazy attitude and lack of effort. |
| Manipulative | Controlling others for one’s own advantage | Her manipulative behavior caused a lot of distrust among her colleagues. |
| Narcissistic | Excessively self-centered | His narcissistic tendencies made it difficult for him to maintain relationships. |
| Pessimistic | Always expecting the worst | Her pessimistic outlook made her believe that nothing good would come from her efforts. |
| Selfish | Concerned only with one’s own benefit | He was too selfish to share his resources with anyone else. |
| Stubborn | Unwilling to change one’s attitude or position on something | Her stubborn nature made it impossible to reach a compromise. |
| Aloof | Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant | He remained aloof, avoiding any social interactions at the party. |
| Impulsive | Acting without thought or planning | His impulsive decisions often led to unnecessary trouble. |
| Vindictive | Seeking revenge | She was vindictive and always sought to get back at those who wronged her. |
| Ruthless | Having no compassion or pity | His ruthless business practices earned him many enemies. |
| Critical | Tending to find fault or judge harshly | She was critical of everything, rarely offering any positive feedback. |
Physical characteristics: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
Physical characteristics are another essential aspect of expanding your vocabulary for the IELTS exam. Here are some useful words and phrases categorised by different features:
General Appearance: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Term/Phrase | Description | Example Sentence |
| Athletic | Having a strong, fit, and muscular body | He has an athletic build due to his regular workouts. |
| Slender | Slim and gracefully thin | She has a slender figure that makes her look elegant. |
| Stocky | Broad and sturdily built | He has a stocky frame, which makes him look very robust. |
| Petite | Small and delicate in stature | She is petite, with a small frame and delicate features. |
| Chubby | Slightly overweight, often in a pleasant way | The baby has chubby cheeks that everyone loves to pinch. |
| Plump | Slightly fat in a pleasant way | She has a plump figure that suits her cheerful personality. |
Skin: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Term/Phrase | Description | Example Sentence |
| Fair skin | Light-colored skin | She has fair skin that needs extra protection from the sun. |
| Tanned skin | Skin that has been darkened by exposure to the sun | He has tanned skin from spending so much time outdoors. |
| Olive skin | Light brown skin typical of Mediterranean descent | Her olive skin glows in the sunlight. |
| Dark skin | Deep brown or black skin | He has dark skin that looks smooth and healthy. |
| Freckled skin | Skin that has small brown spots | Her freckled skin gives her a distinctive look. |
| Wrinkled skin | Skin that has many lines or creases | His wrinkled skin tells the story of his long life. |
Eyes: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Term/Phrase | Description | Example Sentence |
| Blue eyes | Eyes that are blue in color | He has piercing blue eyes that capture everyone’s attention. |
| Brown eyes | Eyes that are brown in color | Her warm brown eyes make her look very approachable. |
| Hazel eyes | Eyes that are a mix of green and brown | He has hazel eyes that change color in different lighting. |
| Sparkling eyes | Eyes that appear bright and lively | Her sparkling eyes reveal her excitement and joy. |
| Almond-shaped eyes | Eyes that are oval and resemble an almond | She has almond-shaped eyes that add to her exotic appearance. |
Hair: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Term/Phrase | Description | Example Sentence |
| Blonde | Hair that is light yellow in color | She has long, blonde hair that shines in the sunlight. |
| Brunette | Hair that is dark brown in color | He is a brunette with thick, wavy hair. |
| Curly hair | Hair that forms curls or ringlets | Her curly hair bounces with every step she takes. |
| Straight hair | Hair that has no curls or waves | He prefers to keep his straight hair neatly combed. |
| Bald | Having no hair on the head | He is bald, which gives him a distinguished look. |
| Gray hair | Hair that is gray, often due to aging | She has beautiful gray hair that gives her a wise appearance. |
Facial Features: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Term/Phrase | Description | Example Sentence |
| Oval face | A face shaped like an egg | She has an oval face that looks very proportionate. |
| Round face | A face that is circular in shape | His round face gives him a youthful appearance. |
| Sharp features | Distinct and well-defined facial features | Her sharp features make her look very striking. |
| Rosy cheeks | Cheeks that are pink and healthy-looking | He has rosy cheeks that make him look vibrant. |
| Freckles | Small brown spots on the skin | Her freckles add a unique charm to her face. |
| Wrinkles | Lines on the skin caused by aging | His face has wrinkles that show his years of experience. |
List of Idioms & Phrases: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
Using idioms or phrases can amp up your scores in speaking and writing tests. Following are some words, idioms, and phrases that can be counted in personality vocabulary IELTS:
Positive Character Traits: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| A heart of gold | A very kind and good-natured person | Despite her busy schedule, Sarah always takes the time to help others in need. She truly has a heart of gold. |
| A ray of sunshine | Someone who brings happiness and positivity to others | My grandma, with her infectious smile and optimistic outlook, is a ray of sunshine. |
| Cool as a cucumber | Someone who remains calm and composed under stress | Even during the presentation crisis, the team leader stayed cool as a cucumber and found a solution. |
| Down to earth | Practical and realistic; not pretentious | Despite his success, the actor remains down to earth and appreciates his fans. |
| A go-getter | Someone who is ambitious and determined to succeed | She’s a real go-getter – she always sets high goals and works hard to achieve them. |
| The salt of the earth | A very good and honest person | The old neighbour was a kind and generous soul, truly the salt of the earth. |
| A people person | Someone who enjoys and is good at interacting with others | As a natural people person, he thrives in social settings and easily makes friends. |
| Full of beans | Very lively and energetic | My young nephew is always full of beans, bouncing around with endless energy. |
| A born leader | Someone who naturally takes charge and inspires others | With her charisma and vision, she’s a born leader who motivates everyone around her. |
| As good as gold | Very well-behaved and obedient (often used for children) | The children were as good as gold while we were at the restaurant, quietly playing with their toys. |
Negative Character Traits: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| A cold fish | Someone who is unemotional and detached | During the emotional movie scene, he remained a cold fish, showing no reaction. |
| A loose cannon | Someone who is unpredictable and can cause problems | He’s a bit of a loose cannon at work – you never know what he might say or do. |
| A wet blanket | Someone who dampens others’ enjoyment or enthusiasm | Don’t be a wet blanket! Come join us for some fun! |
| Full of hot air | Someone who talks a lot without saying anything meaningful | He was full of hot air during the meeting, all talk and no action. |
| A tough nut to crack | A difficult person to understand or deal with | My boss is a tough nut to crack, it’s hard to know what they’re thinking. |
| As stubborn as a mule | Very stubborn and unwilling to change | She’s as stubborn as a mule – once she makes up her mind, there’s no changing it. |
| A pain in the neck | Someone who is very annoying | My constant internet connection problems are a real pain in the neck. |
| A control freak | Someone who needs to control everything and everyone | She’s such a control freak, she can’t relax and let others make decisions. |
| A know-it-all | Someone who thinks they know everything | He’s such a know-it-all, it’s impossible to have a conversation without him interrupting. |
| Two-faced | Someone who is insincere or hypocritical | Be careful, she can be two-faced – nice to your face but gossiping behind your back. |
Neutral Character Traits: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| An open book | Someone who is easy to understand and has no secrets | She’s an open book – you always know what she’s thinking and feeling. |
| A dark horse | Someone who has hidden talents or abilities | Don’t underestimate her – she could be a dark horse in this competition. |
| A lone wolf | Someone who prefers to act alone | He’s a bit of a lone wolf, preferring to work on projects by himself. |
| A creature of habit | Someone who always does the same thing in the same way | My dad is a creature of habit – he eats breakfast at the same time every morning. |
| Set in their ways | Unwilling to change their habits or opinions | My grandparents are a bit set in their ways, but they mean well. |
Describing Intelligence and Skills: Personality Vocabulary IELTS
| Idiom/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Sharp as a tack | Very intelligent and quick-thinking | She’s as sharp as a tack – she figured out the puzzle in seconds. |
| A quick study | Someone who learns new things quickly | He’s a quick study – he picked up the new software program very quickly. |
| A smart cookie | An intelligent and clever person | Don’t try to fool her, she’s a smart cookie and will see right through you. |
| A jack of all trades | Someone who is good at many different things | He’s a jack of all trades – he can fix a car, bake a cake, and write a computer program. |
| A natural | Someone who is naturally good at something | She’s a natural athlete – she picked up gymnastics with ease. |
Personality Vocabulary IELTS Speaking: Sample Questions
The speaking test will evaluate your ability to communicate in English. You will have 11 to 14 minutes to talk about a variety of subjects with an IELTS examiner during the test. Your exam will be conducted in a silent place, along with an examiner who will motivate you to continue speaking. They can also decipher your accent, ensuring that you receive the highest possible grade. The speaking test is divided into three sections.
The examiner will ask you basic questions about yourself and inquire about your home, family, work, studies, and hobbies.
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Part 1 Questions: Introduction Round
- How would you describe yourself?
Suggested Vocabulary: ambitious, diligent, empathetic, optimistic, resilient
Example Answer: I would describe myself as ambitious and diligent. I always set high goals for myself and work hard to achieve them. Additionally, I believe I’m empathetic, as I often understand and share the feelings of others.
- Do you think you have a good sense of humor?
Suggested Vocabulary: cheerful, witty, entertaining, jovial, humorous
Example Answer: Yes, I think I have a good sense of humor. I’m often told that I’m witty and entertaining, and I enjoy making others laugh with my jovial nature.
- Can you tell me about a friend you admire?
Suggested Vocabulary: loyal, trustworthy, compassionate, supportive, dependable
Example Answer: I admire my friend Ravi because he is incredibly loyal and trustworthy. He is always there to offer compassionate support and I can depend on him in any situation.
Part 2 Questions: Cue Card Round
- Describe a person you know who is very intelligent.
Suggested Vocabulary: sharp, quick-witted, knowledgeable, insightful, resourceful
Example Answer: I’d like to talk about my professor, Dr. Mehta. She is incredibly sharp and quick-witted. Her vast knowledge and insightful ideas always leave us students inspired. She’s also very resourceful, often finding innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Describe someone you know who has a strong work ethic.
Suggested Vocabulary: diligent, hardworking, dedicated, responsible, perseverant
Example Answer: My colleague Anjali is the epitome of a strong work ethic. She is diligent and hardworking, often staying late to ensure everything is perfect. Her dedication and sense of responsibility are truly admirable, and she never gives up, no matter how challenging the task.
Part 3 Questions: Two- way discussion
- How do personality traits influence career success?
Suggested Vocabulary: ambitious, driven, adaptable, charismatic, determined
Example Answer: Personality traits play a crucial role in career success. Ambitious and driven individuals are more likely to set and achieve high goals. Being adaptable allows one to handle changes effectively, while charismatic people can inspire and lead teams successfully. Determination ensures persistence in the face of challenges.
- Do you think people’s personalities change over time?
Suggested Vocabulary: evolve, mature, influenced, adaptable, flexible
Example Answer: Yes, I believe people’s personalities can change over time. As we grow and face different experiences, our personalities evolve and mature. Various influences such as environment, experiences, and relationships shape us. Being adaptable and flexible can lead to positive changes in personality traits.
To Sum Up
Using all of the above personality vocabulary IELTS and structuring your sentences around them, telling what you like and dislike about people and personalities to answer all of the questions, as well as proper visualisation and mind mapping techniques, any speaker could spend two minutes without running out of words or failing to deliver or speak the content for the IELTS exam. For more details about preparing for IELTS, head on to LeapScholar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it permissible to use slang during the IELTS speaking exam?
Ans. No, because you will be speaking with an examiner rather than a friend. It is important to retain a level of formality. Furthermore, neither negatively nor positively, slang is addressed in the public band descriptions. However, in such a crucial exam, it is advised not to take any chances.
Q. In the IELTS exam, may I use phrases like ‘floccinaucinihilipilification’?
Ans. You should not use it unless you are writing a semi-formal or informal letter. Continue to use it during the speaking exam. But make sure you say it correctly.
Q. Is it important to use a lot of jargon in the IELTS exam?
Ans. No, to earn a high band score in the IELTS writing and speaking tests, you do not need to use fancy words. You can also effectively express your thoughts in writing and speaking by using simple, everyday terms.
Q. What is the importance of learning personality vocabulary for the IELTS exam?
Ans. Understanding personality vocabulary is important for the IELTS exam as it allows you to describe people’s characteristics and traits, which is a valuable skill for the speaking and writing sections of the test.
Q. How can I effectively learn and remember personality vocabulary for the IELTS exam?
Ans. One effective way to learn and remember personality vocabulary is to create flashcards with the words, meanings, and example sentences. Additionally, using the vocabulary in context through speaking and writing practice can help reinforce memorisation.
Q. Are there any specific idioms or phrases related to describing intelligence and skills that I should focus on for the IELTS exam?
Ans. Yes, there are several idioms and phrases related to intelligence and skills that can be useful for the IELTS exam. Some examples include “sharp as a tack,” “a quick study,” “a smart cookie,” “a jack of all trades,” and “a natural.” Understanding and being able to use these idioms and phrases can enhance your language proficiency.
Q. How can I incorporate personality vocabulary into my IELTS preparation?
Ans. To incorporate personality vocabulary into your IELTS preparation, you can practice using these words and phrases in sample speaking and writing tasks. Additionally, reading articles or watching videos related to human behaviour and characteristics can help you encounter and understand personality vocabulary in context.
Q. What are some essential vocabulary words related to personality for the IELTS exam?
Ans. Essential vocabulary words related to personality for the IELTS exam include:
1. extroverted (outgoing and sociable)
2. introverted (shy and reserved)
3. conscientious (diligent and careful)
4. empathetic (understanding and sharing others’ feelings)
5. charismatic (charming and able to attract others).
Using these terms accurately can help articulate complex descriptions and analyses of people’s characters.
Q. How can I enhance my vocabulary for describing people and personalities in the IELTS exam?
Ans. Enhance your vocabulary for describing people and personalities in the IELTS exam by reading diverse materials such as books, articles, and character profiles. Practice using new words in sentences and essays, engage in conversations that require personality descriptions, and use vocabulary apps or flashcards to reinforce learning. Regularly incorporating these words into your practice will help solidify your understanding and usage.
Q. Can you provide a list of positive and negative character traits vocabulary for the IELTS exam?
Ans. Here are some positive and negative character traits vocabulary for the IELTS exam:
1. Positive Traits: Ambitious, compassionate, diligent, empathetic, generous, honest, innovative, kind, resilient, trustworthy.
2. Negative Traits: Arrogant, callous, deceitful, indifferent, lazy, manipulative, narcissistic, pessimistic, selfish, stubborn.
Using these terms effectively can help you provide detailed and nuanced descriptions of people in your IELTS responses.
Q. How important is vocabulary for the IELTS exam?
Ans. Vocabulary is crucial for the IELTS exam as it directly impacts your scores in all four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. A rich and varied vocabulary allows you to express ideas clearly, understand a wide range of texts, and engage in more nuanced and sophisticated discussions. Demonstrating a strong lexical resource can significantly enhance your overall band score.
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