Last Updated on January 31, 2025
IELTS, being the widely renowned English proficiency test, requires good preparation to clear the exam with a sufficient band score in one go. The aspects of language must be utilised appropriately while trying to discuss the subject of people or personalities. The content the candidate needs to be sure of is the correct vocabulary, style and how it is delivered and structured. To write or speak with a high English vocabulary, one must not only use uncommon words to strengthen one’s answer but also collocations and transitional words to support them with the perfect expression. This blog will help you to handle any trouble you might face in speaking effectively by providing you with words and the way the conversations are constructed, allowing the IELTS examiner to gain a better understanding of the value given by the words you use.
List of Words to Describe a Character
Having a rich vocabulary to describe a person’s character is crucial for the IELTS examination. This allows us to express nuanced descriptions by using specific terms, helping to articulate complex traits of personality accurately, and making our speech more precise and vivid. A varied set of vocabulary demonstrates that you employ a good amount of lexical resources, which is a criterion mentioned in the band descriptors to score a 7+ band both in IELTS Writing and Speaking.
Positive Character Traits Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
| Supportive | To provide or offer assistance when necessary |
| Cheerful | having a happy or pleasant personality |
| Ambitious | having a strong desire for success |
| Outgoing | having a pleasant and friendly personality |
| Considerate | having a kind and thoughtful personality |
| Confident | being sure of oneself |
| Adventurous | someone who likes to try new and daring things |
| Diligent | hardworking and meticulous |
| innovative | creative and able to think of new ideas |
| Resilient | able to recover from difficulties |
| Charismatic | charming and able to attract others |
| Courteous | polite and respectful |
Negative Character Traits Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
| Pessimistic | Someone who thinks negatively about life |
| Rude | Impolite |
| Insensitive | Unfeeling or uncaring about other people’s feelings |
| Stingy | Someone who doesn’t like to share |
| Deceitful | A dishonest individual who tries to mislead others |
| Arrogant | Someone who believes they are better than others |
| Bad-tempered | a person with an angry, irritable personality |
| Aloof | not friendly and distant |
| Vindictive | seeking revenge |
| ruthless | having no compass or pity |
| Stubborn | unwilling to change one’s attitude or position on something |
| Narcissistic | extremely self-centred |
Describing Physical Characteristics
The English language has a plethora of words and ways to describe physical appearances. Here are some valuable ways to do the same-
Build/General Appearance
| Word | Meaning |
| Chubby | slightly overweight |
| Petite | small in stature |
| Thin | having minimal or no fat on the body |
| Stocky | broad and sturdily built |
| Small | short, tiny |
| Muscular | having well-developed muscles |
| Slender | slim and gracefully thin |
| Athletic | having a strong, fit, muscular body |
| Plump | slightly fat in a pleasant way |
Complexion/Skin
| Word | Meaning |
| Olive | light brown skin |
| Fair | light coloured skin |
| Pale | skin appearing lighter than usual |
| Dark | deep brown or black skin |
| Light | quite fair |
| Tanned | skin darkened by exposure to the sun |
| Freckled | skin with small brown spots |
| Wrinkled | skin with lines or creases |
Eyes
| Word | Meaning |
| Blue | eyes blue in colour |
| Sparkling | eyes that appear bright and lively |
| Brown | eyes brown in colour |
| Hazel | eyes mix of green and brown |
| Almond shaped | eyes that are oval and resemble an almond |
Hair
| Word | Meaning |
| Short, medium, long | according to the length of the hair |
| blonde | light yellow hair |
| brunette | dark brown hair |
| curly hair | hair that forms curls |
| straight hair | hair without any curls or waves |
| wavy hair | hair not completely straight or curly |
| bald | having no hair on the head |
| grey, red, black, brown | depends on the hair colour |
| thick, thin | depends on the thickness of the hair |
Facial Features
| Word | Meaning |
| Clean-shaven, moustache, beard | facial hair dependent on men’s |
| oval face | a face shaped like an egg |
| round face | a face circular in shape |
| sharp features | distinct and well-defined features |
| rosy cheeks | pink and healthy cheeks |
List of Idioms
You can pull up your scores in the modules, such as speaking and writing, by using idioms, proverbs, or relevant phrases. The following is a list of positive, negative, and neutral character traits.
| Phrase/Idiom | Meaning |
| A heart of gold | a very good and kind-natured person |
| A cold fish | a person who seems unemotional, unfriendly |
| Cheapskate | someone tight with money |
| Fresh as a daisy | someone attractive in a clean, fresh way |
| Couch potato | someone who spends too much time on TV or internet |
| Bad egg | someone untrustworthy |
| Down to earth | someone practical, realistic |
| Party pooper | a person having no fun at a social gathering |
| Eager beaver | a person who is enthusiastic and hardworking |
| The ball is in your court | it’s time to take your own decision or responsibility for something |
| Pain in the neck | an irritating, annoying person |
| a dipstick | a person who seems to be stupid |
| wimp | weak person, lacking confidence |
| Big mouth | someone who is likely to reveal personal information to other people |
| Laid back | a relaxed and easy-going person |
| Happy camper | comfortable, satisfied and contented person |
| nerd | someone who is very interested in studies |
| Early bird | a person who makes it before the usual time |
| Slave driver | an individual who makes other people work really hard |
Sample Questions of IELTS Speaking
The IELTS speaking test evaluates the candidate’s ability to converse and communicate well in English and their ability to understand the question well. You will get 11-14 minutes to talk about a range of topics with a single IELTS examiner during the test. It will be conducted in a silent place. The speaking test is divided into three sections-
Part 1- Introduction Round
The examiner will ask you basic questions about yourself, your home, family, hobbies, work or study based on whether you are taking an academic or general exam. A few sample questions are listed below-
- How would you describe yourself?
Example answer- I would describe myself as diligent and ambitious. I always set big goals for myself and strive hard to reach them. Additionally, I believe I’m empathetic as I understand and share the feelings of others.
- Would you say you are a sociable person?
Example answer- I’d like to say so, as I am always excited about organising parties and going to gatherings. In fact, as I have an eye for detail, I can be a bit of a control freak. I have known my friends since school, and we trust each other completely and pick up where we left off each time we see each other.
- Are you punctual or late?
Example answer- That’s a great question. Every year, I resolve to be on time everywhere I go, but I have a terrible habit of always being slightly late. I know punctuality is a virtue, and I’m embarrassed by being a wrong timekeeper. I will keep working on improving this negative habit.
Part 2- Cue Card Round
This part is called the individual long run and lasts about 3-4 minutes. Herein, the examiner will hand you a paper with your topic, and you will be asked to describe a person, thing, place, journey, event, etc. You need to speak for 2 minutes straight, but the examiner might stop you in between. A couple of sample questions are listed below-
- Describe a person who you know is very intelligent.
Suggested vocabulary- sharp, quick-witted, insightful, resourceful, inspiring
- Describe someone you want to be like
Suggested vocabulary- admirable, charismatic, compassionate, innovative, diligent, determined
Part 3- Discussion
This part involves a two-way discussion with the examiner, which is connected to the topic of part 2. They might cross-question you, so make sure you explain the reason why you think what you think properly in a good way. This lasts for about 4-6 minutes. Here are a few sample questions-
- Why do you think the personalities of men and women vary?
Sample answer- I believe, as it is always said, that men can be more dominating, opinionated and less empathetic than women; it is true because of a male stereotype. However, compared to older generations, many men today are more in touch with what they feel, express their emotions well and are less moody, making it similar to those women.
- How do employers try to assess the personalities of people applying for jobs?
Sample answer- Instead of a traditional interview, nowadays, many companies demand high grades in psychometric tests, which have been designed to select candidates compatible with the mentality of the company they are applying for. While these tests may highlight weaker candidates, I am not convinced that it is the most effective way to judge personality.
Check IELTS Speaking Links:
Conclusion
To sum up, while preparing for the IELTS exam, it is essential that you know that 25% of your score depends on your lexical resource and the range of vocabulary you employ. With proper visualisation and mind-mapping techniques, any speaker would be able to answer questions at length without running out of words and repeating the words again and again, failing to deliver/speak the content for the IELTS examination.
Read Also:
Describe an Occasion When You Helped a Family Member/Relative
Describe a Person Who Likes to Make Things by Hand | IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Person Who Has Strong Opinions: IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Challenge You Faced That You Thought Was Rather Difficult
Describe Something You Did in Your Study/Work That Has Made You Feel Confident
FAQs
Q. Can we use slang during the IELTS speaking exam?
No, it is highly informal for an international examination like IELTS. So, in such a crucial exam, it is advised not to take any chances.
Q. How important is vocabulary for IELTS?
Vocabulary is one of the parameters based on which your performance will be judged and scored in IELTS. A rich vocabulary with minimal repetition of words is crucial to obtain an overall high band score.
Q. How can I enhance my vocabulary for describing personalities in the IELTS speaking?
You can improve your vocabulary by reading diverse materials like books, articles, magazines and character profiles. Practice learning and using new words in sentences and essays, engage in similar conversations and use vocabulary applications to reinforce learning. Remember, practice makes a person perfect.
Q. Is it important to use difficult words in IELTS?
No, you need not use fancy words to earn a high band score in IELTS. You can instead express your thoughts effectively by using simpler collocations or idiomatic language to score better.
Q. How do I get a 7.5 band in IELTS Speaking?
In order to score a 7+ band in IELTS, Study the assessment criteria, avoid fillers, expand your answers, practice rephrasing your ideas, record yourself or ask someone to listen to the flow of your speech and receive professional help if necessary,
Linette Shoji is a seasoned content writer specializing in guiding students through the complexities of applying to universities abroad. Her well-researched, clear, and practical articles break down intricate information into easy-to-understand advice. Linette’s work empowers students to make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to higher education.
