Page 29 - Speaking at Length with covers

5. (asking her best friend’s (Telling her best friend’s personality)
reliable shy
personality) arrogant
______________________ _______________________________
______________________ _______________________________
_______________________________
_____

6 Describing and Guessing a Public Figure

How to Speak at Length

To get to know someone better, not only can we talk about personality, we can also
describe one’s background.

1. While talking about personality, our information will be more elaborative if we add reason and
example.
For example:
“I would say that I am a responsible person and have a good time management. Every time I am
delegated with a task, I can finish it well before the deadline (reason). For instance, last week
I had a team project with my classmates in one of our subjects. We have to finish it by Wednesday.
I had done my best and already submitted a day before (example).”
Note: Expression in bold is a reason, while the ones underlined are examples.
2. Stating family background
✓ Family size. Example: “I come from a big/ small family.”
✓ Family residence. Example: “My family lives in a village far from the town.”
✓ Family members’ personal information. Example: “I am from a busy family. My mother is a
school principal, my father works as a property agent, and my brother is a lawyer.”
3. Stating study background
✓ Field characteristic. Example: “I am majoring in cyber security. This is a dynamic field.”
✓ Object of study. Example: “I study an interesting subject called marine biology. I learn
about the vast diversity of ocean life.”
✓ Popularity of the field. Example: “My study is what many people nowadays are attracted
to; social media and digital marketing.”
4. Stating work background
✓ Job description. Example: “Designing building is my primary job. I need to keep up with the
trend architecture design.”
✓ Job characteristic. Example: “My work is quite demanding. I have to frequently do overtime
work.”
✓ Describing colleague. Example: “I work with many people from different cities. They have
different characteristics, so it’s fun.”

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