Question

Notice this description

Tall, thin, near forty, he had sharp features, the hair receding on his temple in wide shiny patches. His eyes hated glare and he wore smart eye-glasses to shield them. His mouth, thinlipped, would tighten in response to a line that suggested strength of will but might have only been pride.

Look at the padding of adjectives. Notice how physical features are related to mental qualities.

1. Pick out other such descriptions of people from the story.
2. Try writing out a description of a person you have observed closely.

Answer 1

1. Look for descriptions in the story that combine a person’s physical appearance with hints about their character or mood. The passage given is one clear example: the tightening of the man’s thin lips suggests either determination or pride. The full story text is not included here, so other exact descriptions cannot be quoted reliably.
2. Sample description: My neighbour is short and broad-shouldered, with a round, cheerful face and bright eyes. He speaks gently and listens patiently, giving the impression of a warm and considerate person.