Describing a Person in English: 3 Example Paragraphs

To describe a person in English, introduce who they are, choose two personality adjectives and support each with an action or example. Add a neutral appearance detail if it is relevant, then explain what you appreciate about them. This B1 writing lesson includes three original example paragraphs, sentence patterns and six practice tasks to help you draft a 60–90-word description.

Learning goals

1. Separate personality from appearance and temporary feelings.

2. Support a personality adjective with an action or example.

3. Organise a short paragraph around one person, not a list of unrelated labels.

4. Revise your writing for natural adjective patterns and fair wording.

A simple paragraph plan

Example 1: a classmate

My classmate Lea is curious and reliable. She asks questions when she wants to understand an idea, and she always finishes her part of our group projects. She has curly hair and usually wears a blue jumper. Although she is quiet in large groups, she explains her ideas clearly when we work together. I like studying with her because she helps our team stay focused.

Notice: curious is supported by asking questions; reliable is supported by finishing agreed work. The paragraph does not assume that quiet means unfriendly.

Example 2: a family member

My uncle Ravi is patient and generous. When I started learning to cook, he explained each step slowly and let me try again after a mistake. He also shares his time by helping younger relatives with their studies. He is tall and often wears a simple white shirt. I admire him because he makes people feel comfortable asking for help.

Notice: the cooking example shows patience. Sharing time shows generosity. The appearance detail helps the reader picture Ravi but does not prove his personality.

Example 3: a colleague

My colleague Noor is organised and creative. She keeps a clear list of deadlines and suggests fresh ideas for our presentations. At last month’s meeting, she used a simple drawing to explain a difficult problem. She usually looks neat in comfortable work clothes. I enjoy working with her because she combines careful planning with a willingness to try something new.

Notice: the examples describe work habits. The closing sentence explains why the writer values those habits.

Choose words that match your evidence

Find more words in Adjectives to Describe People

Useful sentence patterns

Use “She is patient” or “She is a patient teacher”. For hair, use “He has curly hair” or “He is curly-haired”. Give evidence with because, for example, or a short story. Use although or but for a meaningful contrast, not simply to join two random adjectives.

Guided writing: plan, draft, revise

1. Choose a real or fictional person. Avoid sharing sensitive personal details.

2. List two adjectives and one action that supports each. If you cannot give evidence, choose a different word.

3. Draft 60–90 words using the paragraph plan. Appearance is optional.

4. Read your draft aloud. Remove repeated very and nice if a more precise word fits.

5. Use the checklist below, then revise one sentence.

Practice

Practice: choose, correct, and write (1–6)

Complete the first three language tasks, then try the three writing tasks. Writing answers are examples, not the only correct wording.

Compare writing task 4 with a model answer

One possible answer — your own wording may also be correct

Model answer for writing task 4

This gives an observable action to support the adjective. Your own believable example is equally valid.

Mina is thoughtful because she sends an encouraging message before my exams.

Compare writing task 5 with a model answer

One possible answer — your own wording may also be correct

Model answer for writing task 5

Describe a specific action and its effect instead of making a permanent claim about the whole person.

During our discussion, he interrupted me twice, which made it hard to explain my idea.

Compare writing task 6 with a model answer

One possible answer — your own wording may also be correct

Model answer for writing task 6

This model has an introduction, two relevant adjectives with supporting actions, a neutral appearance detail, and a closing opinion. Other well-supported descriptions can be just as good.

My neighbour Sara is friendly and reliable. She welcomed us when we moved in and always returns anything she borrows. She has straight hair and often wears a green jacket. Last week, she looked after our plants while we were away and sent us a message to say everything was fine. I enjoy talking to her because she listens carefully and makes new neighbours feel welcome.

Answers and explanations

Complete each exercise and choose Check my answers to reveal its answers and explanations. You can also open the complete answer key below for self-study.

Show the complete answer key (1–6)

Check the reason as well as the answer. For rewriting tasks, the answers are models; another natural sentence with the same meaning may also be correct.

Answers 1–6

1. reliable — Reliable describes someone you can depend on.

2. He is patient because he explains the task again without getting annoyed. — The behaviour supports patient; appearance alone does not prove kindness or patience.

3. My sister has curly hair. — Use a noun phrase after has, or a compound adjective after is. Also acceptable: My sister is curly-haired.

4. Mina is thoughtful because she sends an encouraging message before my exams. — This gives an observable action to support the adjective. Your own believable example is equally valid.

5. During our discussion, he interrupted me twice, which made it hard to explain my idea. — Describe a specific action and its effect instead of making a permanent claim about the whole person.

6. My neighbour Sara is friendly and reliable. She welcomed us when we moved in and always returns anything she borrows. She has straight hair and often wears a green jacket. Last week, she looked after our plants while we were away and sent us a message to say everything was fine. I enjoy talking to her because she listens carefully and makes new neighbours feel welcome. — This model has an introduction, two relevant adjectives with supporting actions, a neutral appearance detail, and a closing opinion. Other well-supported descriptions can be just as good.

A revision checklist

1. Did I introduce the person clearly?

2. Do my personality words have evidence?

3. Have I kept appearance separate from character?

4. Are my adjective patterns natural?

5. Do the sentences connect into a paragraph?

6. Have I avoided absolute claims such as always or never without evidence?

This is guided self-study writing. The model is not an automatically scored answer, and there is no single correct paragraph. Compare your work with the checklist and, if possible, ask a teacher or study partner for feedback.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a paragraph describing a person?

Start with who the person is and how you know them, such as My classmate Lea is curious and reliable. Follow with a specific action that shows each adjective, and end with your own supported opinion.

What is the difference between personality and appearance?

Personality describes behaviour or character, such as being patient or reliable. Appearance describes visible features, such as curly hair or a blue jacket. A person's appearance does not prove their character.

Is there one correct answer for the writing task?

No. The lesson's three model paragraphs and writing answers are examples, not text to memorise. Use the revision checklist to check your own 60–90-word paragraph for clear organisation, evidence and natural sentence patterns.

Keep practising

Review adjectives for personality and appearance

Develop clearer English sentences