Instructions
Read each section carefully and complete the exercises. These activities will help you practice using adjectives and descriptive phrases to describe what people look like. Good luck!
Activity 1: Vocabulary Categories
Match the descriptive word on the left with the correct category on the right. Write the correct letter in the blank space.
| 1. _____ Spiky | A. Build / Height |
| 2. _____ Slender | B. Eye Colour |
| 3. _____ Freckled | C. Face Shape |
| 4. _____ Hazel | D. Hair Style / Texture |
| 5. _____ Wrinkled | E. Hair Colour |
| 6. _____ Oval | F. Skin / Complexion |
| 7. _____ Auburn | G. General Appearance |
Activity 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the paragraph below using the words from the word bank. You will not use all the words.
The new librarian, Mr. Gable, was a man of medium height with very (1)________________ shoulders from his days as a rower. He had (2)________________, brown hair that was just starting to get a few silver streaks at the sides. His most noticeable feature was his (3)________________ eyes, which seemed to look right through you when he spoke. He wore thick, black (4)________________ perched on the end of his nose. He always had a kind smile, which showed his slightly (5)________________ front tooth.
Activity 3: Describe the Person
Look at the list of general descriptions below. Add two more specific details for each person to make the description more interesting and vivid.
Example: A tall boy. -> A tall, lanky boy with bright red hair and a spray of freckles across his nose.
-
An old woman.
An old woman with __________________________________________________
and _____________________________________________________________. -
A young girl.
A young girl with __________________________________________________
and _____________________________________________________________. -
A strong man.
A strong man with _________________________________________________
and _____________________________________________________________.
Activity 4: Create Your Own Character
Imagine a new character for a story: a secret agent. Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) describing what they look like when they are in disguise. Try to use powerful adjectives to create a clear picture for the reader.
Answer Key
Activity 1: Vocabulary Categories
- D. Hair Style / Texture
- A. Build / Height
- F. Skin / Complexion
- B. Eye Colour
- F. Skin / Complexion (or G. General Appearance)
- C. Face Shape
- E. Hair Colour
Activity 2: Fill in the Blanks
- broad
- dark
- piercing
- spectacles
- crooked
Activity 3: Describe the Person
Answers will vary. Below are some possible examples.
- An old woman.
An old woman with thin, silvery hair tied in a neat bun
and kind, smiling eyes surrounded by wrinkles. -
A young girl.
A young girl with long, blonde pigtails
and cheeks that were rosy from playing outside. -
A strong man.
A strong man with a thick, dark beard
and muscular arms covered in tattoos.
Activity 4: Create Your Own Character
Answers will vary. The student should have written a descriptive paragraph of 4-5 sentences describing a secret agent in disguise. Check for the use of descriptive adjectives related to physical appearance.