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GENERAL ENGLISH · VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT · UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2-C1)

PERSONALITY

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1 Personality type
Read the following text and answer the questions on the next page. Use a dictionary to help you.

Introverts vs. Extroverts

Knowing if you have extroverted or introverted personality traits will not only improve your mental
health, it can improve your professional and personal relationships!

Most of us are mostly introverts or extroverts by time being silly in front of the camera and telling jokes
nature, but we all display either introverted or to more than a couple of people at a time, but they
extroverted personality characteristics in different can be extremely witty.
circumstances. You could be outgoing and Extroverts are interested in what’s happening outside
friendly (an extrovert’s traits) at work where you’re themselves: their surroundings, people, noises.
comfortable, and quiet and reflective (an introvert’s Extroverts don’t tend to enjoy spending time alone,
traits) at a White House dinner because you feel out and they get their energy from other people. A
of your element. But, overall you probably lean more significant extroverted personality trait is that energy
towards an extrovert or an introvert. flows outward (not inward like the introvert).
Extroverts are very comfortable in groups, and Introverts process their emotions, thoughts, and
may be even happier as the centre of attention. observations internally. They can be social people,
Traditional extroverts’ personality traits are self- but reveal less about themselves than extroverts
confident, enthusiastic, gregarious, friendly, and do. Introverts are more private, and less public.
outgoing. They love crowds: the more people around, Introverts need time to think before responding to
the better life! Extroverts like public demonstrations, a situation, and develop their ideas by reflecting
community events, and other large gatherings. privately. Introverts’ personality traits can be
Introverts have an inward focus and aren’t usually the passionate, but not usually aggressive.
life of the party. They have a strong sense of self Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, accepting
that can make them feel highly self-conscious around
and enjoying your dominant personality traits can
other people - which makes walking into a crowded
lead to a happier, more fulfilled life! From Suite101
room a little nerve-wracking. Introverts have a hard

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UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2-C1)

PERSONALITY

1. Name five character traits of extroverts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. Name five character traits of introverts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Which personality type do you ‘lean towards’?

2 Opposites

Look at the list of adjectives from the text and match them to their opposites on the right:

1. outgoing a. dull

2. passionate b. hostile

3. self-confident c. impulsive

4. witty d. indifferent

5. self-conscious e. reserved

6. reflective f. secure

7. friendly g. timid

Think of some of your friends or acquaintances. Describe their personality traits to your partner using
adjectives from this exercise. Try to use qualifying words and expressions where appropriate, e.g.
He/She tends to be rather ... He/She is a bit on the ... side. He/She is hardly ever ...
He/She can be a bit/rather/very/extremely ... at times.

3 Compound adjectives for describing character

We often use compound adjectives (adjectives made up of two or more words) for describing personality.
In pairs, complete the sentences with the following words.

absent-minded big-headed hot-tempered level-headed narrow-minded

self-centred thick-skinned tight-fisted two-faced warm-hearted

1. It’s not easy to offend Jack. He’s rather .

2. Jill is completely . She’s pleasant to your face, but says nasty things about you
behind your back.
3. Patrick’s boss is terribly . Even the smallest mistakes make him angry.
4. Joe has become really since he got promoted to the position of store manager.
5. Dianne is a very lady. She’s always ready to help the poor and needy.
6. John is the most person I know. He never remembers where he puts things and
always forgets about his meetings and appointments.
7. Bob is so . He’ll never buy you a drink.
8. Amy is so . All she cares about is herself and her career.
9. Peter remained very calm during the difficult economic crisis. He is very .
10. Eva is extremely . She never accepts different points of view or lifestyles.

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UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2-C1)

PERSONALITY

Choose five adjectives from this exercise. For each adjective, think of someone you know or someone
famous. Tell your partner why the personality trait fits the person.

4 Idioms for describing personality

Study the sentences below. Try to guess the meaning of the idiomatic phrases in bold by answering
the questions below.

Tomek keeps himself to himself. Aran has a chip on his shoulder. Pablo is set in his ways.
Anita tends to rub people up the wrong way. Joe is not afraid to speak his mind.
Vera is generous to a fault. Sameer has a fiery temper.

1. Who has no problem being direct and honest?

2. Who should try to spend less money on other people?
3. Who is unwilling to change his/her opinions, beliefs and habits (probably because of old age)?
4. Who gets angry very easily?
5. Who does not socialize with other people?
6. Who feels inferior and therefore angry towards other people?
7. Who tends to annoy other people without intending to?

5 Describe the personality

In pairs, discuss what personality traits you need to be the people below. Try to use words and
expressions from this lesson.

a philanthropist a politician a nurse

a successful businessman a dictator a stand-up comedian

6 Talking point

Discuss any of the following questions:

1. Does society reward extroverted behaviour more than introverted behaviour?

2. Do you think people can change their basic personality type?
3. What personality traits are best suited to your job or future career?

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TEACHER MATERIALS · UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2-C1)

PERSONALITY

Key

1. Personality type

1. outgoing, friendly, enthusiastic, gregarious, self-confident

2. quiet, reflective, self-conscious, passionate, witty

2. Opposites

1. e 2. d 3. g 4. a 5. f 6. c 7. b

3. Compound adjectives for describing character

1. thick-skinned 2. two-faced 3. hot-tempered 4. big-headed

5. warm-hearted 6. absent-minded 7. tight-fisted 8. self-centred
9. level-headed 10. narrow-minded

4. Idioms for describing personality

1. Joe
2. Vera
3. Pablo
4. Sameer
5. Tomek
6. Aran
7. Anita

5. Describe the personality

Possible answers (depending on individual student’s point of view):

To be a philanthropist, you need to be warm-hearted. You shouldn’t be tight-fisted, hostile, self-centred, etc.
To be a politician, you need to be self-confident, gregarious, passionate, thick-skinned etc. You can’t always speak
your mind, you shouldn’t rub people up the wrong way, etc.
To be a nurse you should be friendly, warm-hearted, etc. You shouldn’t be hostile, big-headed, self-centred,
indifferent, etc.
To be a successful businessman, you should be thick-skinned, level-headed, self-confident, etc. You can’t be timid,
absent-minded, etc.
To be a dictator, you need to have a fiery temper and a chip on your shoulder. You need to be hostile, self-confident,
narrow minded, impulsive, etc. You can’t be timid, reserved, etc.
To be a comedian, you should be witty, self-confident, gregarious, thick-skinned, etc. You can’t be self-conscious,
dull, timid, etc.

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