In IELTS tests, you'll often need to describe someone's personality traits, typically in Speaking Part 1. A key to scoring well on this topic is using a rich vocabulary to describe human appearance and personality. Such vocabulary brings your descriptions to life and makes them more engaging.
How would you describe the human personality in IELTS speaking if you came across this topic by chance? How do you use the right grammar to make your assignments more attractive? Join IDP to learn about quality vocabulary with sample lessons that’ll help you use the right words with better accuracy!
1. IELTS personality vocabulary in English
Everything possesses two sides: positive and negative, and the same applies to people. Each person is born with unique traits. No two individuals share identical qualities and personalities. The vocabulary for personality in English encompasses terms for both positive and negative attributes.
1.1 Positive vocabulary to describe personalities
Vocabulary | Example |
|---|---|
Friendly | Frank was a genuinely friendly guy |
Honest | I did the only right and honest thing |
Broad-minded/ open-minded | My parents aren't very broad-minded |
Intelligent | She is a highly intelligent student |
Ambitious | The scope of the book is very ambitious |
Humorous | The talk was humorous and entertaining. |
Introverted | He's so quiet and introverted, but Kay, I like him so much! |
Extroverted | He's a lot more extroverted than I am |
Mischievous | She rocks back and forth on her chair like a mischievous child |
Optimistic | I am not optimistic about my chances of success |
Hardworking | I want to stand up for all the decent, hard-working families in this country |
Persistent | She can be very persistent when she wants something. |
Dependable | She is loyal and very dependable |
Rational | She seems incapable of making a rational decision |
Inventive | She has a highly inventive mind |
Unassuming | He did some wonderful work in a quiet and unassuming way. |
Merciful | Be merciful to the other creations so the Creator will have mercy on you. |
1.2. Negative vocabulary to describe personalities
Vocabulary | Example |
|---|---|
Bad-tempered | Mary was feeling very bad-tempered |
Impolite | Some people think it’s impolite to ask someone’s age |
Cowardly | I'd never felt so cowardly before in my life until that moment. |
Boastful | She tends to be boastful |
Envious | I was always envious of my best friend |
Dishonest | He achieved his wealth by dishonest means |
Haughty | She threw him a look of haughty disdain |
Pessimistic | The article ends on a pessimistic note |
Headstrong | I am headstrong and like getting my own way |
Bossy | She remembers being a rather bossy little girl |
Insolent | Her tone grew insolent |
Narrow-minded | I'm frustrated with the narrow-minded view of history this article represents. |
Two-faced | I soon learned that he was two-faced |
Strict | He told me in the strictest confidence |
Gruff | Beneath his gruff exterior, he’s really very kind-hearted |
2. Some expressions describing personality
Phrase |
|---|
An eye for detail |
A shady character |
Making sure everything is perfect |
Take time to hear what others are saying |
A fun person, someone who is at the centre of the action. |
Prepared to accept other views or behaviors |
Relaxed and not easily worried about anything |
Prepared to accept other views or behaviors |
To think of others before yourself |
Believes in one’s own ability or knowledge |
To often resemble another member of the family. OR To be similar to another family member |
Not easily affected by criticism |
Have a heart of gold |
Down to Earth |
3. Idioms describing human personality
Idiom |
|---|
Underneath the surface, I am paddling like a swan |
To hide one’s light under a bushel |
A cold fish |
All things to all people |
All brawn and no brain |
Cheapskate |
Worrywart |
A mover and shaker |
A smart cookie |
Ugly as sin |
Dead loss |
4. Samples describing human personality
Sample 1:
I have a best friend named Hoa; she is an introvert. She doesn’t like interacting with strangers. She can be silent for hours without being bored. Hoa has difficulty communicating with others and only answers when asked. She just talks and opens her heart to people close to her. Hoa likes tranquillity. She likes to be alone and listen to sad music. Noisy parties are like her “enemy.” She never went to these places.
Due to being an introvert, Hoa has the ability to work independently, think, and observe very well. She is considerate and sympathetic to other people. However, I believe Hoa should change a bit. She should be more sociable and more communicative.
Sample 2:
My mother is the most wonderful woman. She is a very capable person. My mother not only works but also takes care of my family very well. She gets up early every morning to prepare breakfast for the whole family before going to work.
Not only that, but my mother is very considerate. Every mother is cautious and rarely makes errors. My mother is also a thoughtful person. She is like my friend, always talking and confiding in me. At work, the mother is an intelligent and courageous person. She does her job excellently and is praised and loved by her colleagues. I am very proud of my mother.
Get ready for high scores with proper vocabulary and grammar!
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