An infographic showcasing key English phrases and vocabulary for describing someone's height, age, build, and general appearance, tailored for ESL learners aiming to enhance their descriptive language skills.

Introduction to Describing Someone

 

"Describing Someone in English" is a foundational lesson designed to equip ESL learners with the vocabulary and phrases necessary to describe people accurately. From height and age to build and general appearance, this lesson covers essential aspects to help you talk about others in a respectful and comprehensive manner.

Learning Objectives

  • Learn vocabulary related to height, age, build, and general appearance.
  • Practice using descriptive phrases in English to talk about someone.
  • Improve communication skills with accurate and respectful descriptions.

 

How To Describe Someone in English: Vocabulary with Examples

 

HEIGHT

  • Big: "The basketball player is really big, towering over everyone else."
  • Small: "She's quite small, barely reaching my shoulder."
  • Short: "He's a bit short for his age, but he's still growing."
  • Tall: "My sister is tall, making it easy to spot her in a crowd."
  • Medium height: "I'm of medium height, not too tall or too short."

AGE

  • Old: "My grandmother is old but very active and sharp."
  • Middle-aged: "My parents are middle-aged but still enjoy going on adventures."
  • Young: "The young boy showed remarkable skill for his age."

BUILD

  • Skinny: "The artist was skinny, with a delicate frame."
  • Slim/Thin: "She has a slim figure, very graceful and athletic."
  • Muscular: "The personal trainer is quite muscular and fit."
  • Stocky: "The stocky man was strong and solidly built."
  • Chubby: "The chubby toddler had the cutest rosy cheeks."
  • Obese/Overweight: "The patient was advised to lose weight as he was considered obese."
  • Fat: "He jokingly calls his fat cat 'fluffy' instead."

General appearance

  • Pretty: "The pretty girl had a smile that lit up the room."
  • Handsome: "The handsome actor is known for his roles in action movies."
  • Cute: "The cute puppy attracted everyone's attention."
  • Attractive: "She found him very attractive because of his intelligence and humor."
  • Funny: "His funny facial expressions always make us laugh."
  • Elegant: "Dressed in a sleek black dress, she looked elegant and sophisticated."
  • Beautiful/Gorgeous: "The bride was absolutely gorgeous in her wedding gown."
  • Ugly: "He never cared about the ugly scar on his arm; it was a mark of survival."

Describing someone accurately in English involves a combination of height, age, build, and general appearance terms. Using these words appropriately helps convey a vivid image of the person being described. Remember, when describing someone's physical attributes, especially in potentially sensitive areas like body weight or beauty, it's important to choose words that are respectful and considerate of feelings.

Conclusion / Summary and Takeaways

Today's lesson provided you with a solid foundation for describing someone in English, covering key characteristics like height, age, build, and general appearance. Understanding and using this vocabulary allows for more precise and respectful communication about others.

  1. Practice Descriptions: Regularly describe characters from books or movies to practice your new vocabulary.
  2. Visual Memory Aids: Create flashcards with adjectives and their meanings to enhance recall.
  3. Engage in Conversations: Use these descriptions to become comfortable with the vocabulary in your daily conversations.
  4. Respectful Language: Always choose words that respect the individuality and dignity of the person you are describing.
  5. Continuous Learning: Expand your vocabulary by learning synonyms and related adjectives for more diverse descriptions.

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