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Подготовка к ОГЭ по английскому языку. Практикуем лексику по темам кодификатора
What is the role of physical descriptions in creating a connection between the reader and the character?
Physical descriptions help readers visualize the character and make them feel more real. When we can picture a character’s appearance, it becomes easier to connect with them emotionally. The way a character looks can also influence how we perceive their personality and role in the story.
Can you think of an example from a book where a character’s appearance revealed something important about them? Explain.
In The Great Gatsby, the character of Daisy Buchanan is described as having an alluring, yet distant beauty. Her physical appearance mirrors her inner conflict – beautiful but superficial and emotionally distant. This helps us understand her character and motivations in the story.
Describing a Literary Character’s Appearance (Cheburashka)
1. Story
Cheburashka is one of the most beloved characters in Russian literature and animation. He is a small, mysterious creature with a very unique appearance. The first time we meet Cheburashka, we learn that he was found in a box of oranges in a distant tropical country. His strange appearance makes him stand out among other characters, but his kind and gentle nature quickly makes him a friend to everyone he meets.
Cheburashka is very small, no taller than a child, with large, round ears that are almost as big as his head. His fur is soft and brown, with a slightly lighter shade on his belly and around his face. His face is round and childlike, with big, wide eyes that give him an innocent and curious look. His nose is small and round, and he has a friendly smile that makes him appear even more approachable.
Cheburashka doesn’t have a tail, but his ears are so large that they almost make up for it. His paws are small, and he walks on all fours, like a small animal, though he can also stand on his hind legs when he’s talking to his friends or trying to get someone’s attention.
Although Cheburashka’s appearance is unusual, his friendly and caring nature is what really makes him special. He may look different from the other characters, but it’s his kindness, sincerity, and willingness to help others that make him unforgettable.
2. Useful Phrases and Expressions
to be small in size – быть маленьким по размеру
large, round ears – большие круглые уши
to have a childlike face – иметь детское лицо
big, wide eyes – большие, широко раскрытые глаза
friendly smile – дружелюбная улыбка
soft fur – мягкая шерсть
to stand out – выделяться
to have a unique appearance – иметь уникальную внешность
to look innocent and curious – выглядеть невинным и любопытным
to walk on all fours – ходить на четырёх лапах
to stand on hind legs – стоять на задних лапах
to have a small, round nose – иметь маленький круглый нос
to be approachable – быть дружелюбным, открытым
to have a friendly nature – иметь дружелюбный характер
to be caring and kind – быть заботливым и добрым
to be unforgettable – быть незабываемым
3. Exercises
Exercise 1: Matching
Match the English phrases with their Russian translations.
large, round ears
to have a friendly smile
to walk on all fours
soft fur
to have a small, round nose
to be small in size
big, wide eyes
to be caring and kind
a) иметь маленький круглый нос
b) ходить на четырёх лапах
c) большие круглые уши
d) иметь дружелюбную улыбку
e) мягкая шерсть
f) быть маленьким по размеру
g) выглядеть невинным и любопытным
h) быть заботливым и добрым
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences using the words and phrases from the box.
Box:
to be small in size, to have large, round ears, to look innocent and curious, to have a friendly smile, soft fur, to stand out, to be caring and kind, to walk on all fours, to be unforgettable
Cheburashka is __________, with a height no taller than a small child.
His __________ make him instantly recognizable to everyone.
Despite his unusual appearance, Cheburashka’s __________ makes him loved by all.
Cheburashka often has a __________ that makes him seem approachable and warm.
His __________ is the color of chocolate, soft to the touch.
His small size and unique look make him __________ among other characters.
Though Cheburashka usually moves around on all fours, he can also __________ when necessary.
He is not just a cute character, but also __________, always helping those in need.
Exercise 3: Answer the questions
Answer the questions using full sentences.
How would you describe Cheburashka’s appearance?
What makes Cheburashka different from other characters in his stories?
How does Cheburashka’s appearance reflect his personality?
Why do you think Cheburashka’s kindness and friendly nature are important to the story?
4. Answers
Exercise 1: Matching
1 – c
2 – d
3 – b
4 – e
5 – a
6 – f
7 – g
8 – h
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
small in size
large, round ears
friendly smile
friendly smile
soft fur
stand out
walk on all fours
caring and kind
Exercise 3: Answer the questions
How would you describe Cheburashka’s appearance?
Cheburashka is a small creature with large, round ears that are almost as big as his head. His fur is soft and brown, and he has a childlike face with big, wide eyes and a small, round nose. He is friendly-looking and has a warm, approachable smile.
What makes Cheburashka different from other characters in his stories?
Cheburashka is different because of his unique appearance. He doesn’t resemble any known animals, with his large ears and small size, making him stand out. His innocent and curious look also makes him special.
How does Cheburashka’s appearance reflect his personality?
Cheburashka’s childlike face and friendly smile reflect his kind and innocent nature. His large ears and small size make him appear gentle and non-threatening, which suits his caring and helpful personality.
Why do you think Cheburashka’s kindness and friendly nature are important to the story?
Cheburashka’s kindness and friendly nature are essential because they make him approachable and loved by others. These traits help him form strong bonds with other characters and drive the plot forward, where friendship and helping others are central themes.
Describing a Literary Character’s Appearance (Harry Potter)
1. Story
In the famous book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the main character, Harry Potter, is introduced to us as a young boy with an unusual background. He is a wizard, and though he doesn’t know it at first, he is destined for greatness. But how does the author, J.K. Rowling, describe Harry’s appearance?
Harry is described as having messy black hair that he can never seem to control. It’s always sticking out in odd directions, which makes him look a bit careless. His hair is one of the first things people notice about him because it’s so different. He also has round glasses that sit on his small, slightly crooked nose. These glasses are another defining feature of his appearance and are often associated with his character.
His eyes are bright green, and they are one of the most striking features of his face. They stand out even more because of his glasses. He also has a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead, which is the result of a curse from when he was just a baby. This scar makes him look mysterious, as it’s a symbol of both his past and the danger he survived. The scar is one of Harry’s most iconic traits, and it plays a significant role in his character development.
Harry is not particularly tall. In fact, he is described as being average height for his age, though he is often thin and slightly underweight. He doesn’t care much about how he looks, which is evident from the fact that his clothes never fit him perfectly. He wears hand-me-down clothes from his cousin Dudley, which are usually too big for him. This reflects his humble and modest nature.
Despite his less-than-perfect appearance, Harry has a quiet confidence about him. His physical traits don’t define him; instead, his bravery, kindness, and loyalty are what make him stand out. As he grows older, Harry becomes more comfortable with his appearance, but his distinctive glasses, scar, and messy hair always remain an important part of who he is.
2. Useful Phrases and Expressions
to be described as – быть описанным как
messy hair – растрёпанные волосы
round glasses – круглые очки
crooked nose – кривой нос
striking eyes – поразительные глаза
lightning-shaped scar – шрам в форме молнии
average height – среднего роста
slightly underweight – слегка недостаточно весёлый
hand-me-down clothes – одежда от старших
to stand out – выделяться
to reflect someone’s nature – отражать чью-то природу
to be iconic – быть культовым
to care about appearance – заботиться о внешности
to feel comfortable with one’s appearance – чувствовать себя уверенно в своей внешности
to develop one’s character – развивать характер
to have quiet confidence – иметь тихую уверенность
3. Exercises
Exercise 1: Matching
Match the English phrases with their Russian translations.
messy hair
round glasses
crooked nose
lightning-shaped scar
to stand out
to care about appearance
to feel comfortable with one’s appearance
to be described as
a) шрам в форме молнии
b) не обращать внимания на внешность
c) выделяться
d) растрёпанные волосы
e) кривой нос
f) быть описанным как
g) круглые очки
h) чувствовать себя уверенно в своей внешности
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences using the words and phrases from the box.
Box:
to be described as, to stand out, messy hair, round glasses, lightning-shaped scar, to be iconic, to care about appearance, to feel comfortable with one’s appearance, to develop one’s character, average height
Harry Potter is __________ a young wizard with a mysterious past.
Harry’s __________ makes him easily recognizable.
His __________ on his forehead is one of the most important details of his appearance.
Though Harry doesn’t __________, he still becomes a famous figure.
Harry is of __________, not too tall, but he is very thin.
He is always wearing __________ from his cousin Dudley.
Harry never worries much about his clothes or appearance; he is more focused on __________.
As Harry grows older, he begins __________ and becomes more confident about who he is.
Exercise 3: Answer the questions
Answer the questions using full sentences.
How does J.K. Rowling describe Harry Potter’s appearance in the book?
What is the most iconic feature of Harry’s appearance, and why is it important?
Do you think Harry’s appearance reflects his personality? Why or why not?
How do you think Harry feels about his appearance throughout the series?
Why do you think his modest appearance is significant to the character development in the story?
4. Answers
Exercise 1: Matching
1 – d
2 – g
3 – e
4 – a
5 – c
6 – b
7 – h
8 – f
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
described as
messy hair
lightning-shaped scar
care about appearance
average height
hand-me-down clothes
developing one’s character
feeling comfortable with one’s appearance
Exercise 3: Answer the questions
How does J.K. Rowling describe Harry Potter’s appearance in the book?
J.K. Rowling describes Harry as having messy black hair, round glasses, a small crooked nose, and a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. He is of average height and often wears hand-me-down clothes that are too big for him.
What is the most iconic feature of Harry’s appearance, and why is it important?
The most iconic feature of Harry’s appearance is his lightning-shaped scar. It’s important because it symbolizes his past and the danger he survived. It’s also a reminder of the curse that left him an orphan, marking him as the «Boy Who Lived.»
Do you think Harry’s appearance reflects his personality? Why or why not?
Yes, I think Harry’s appearance reflects his personality. His messy hair and casual clothing show that he is humble and doesn’t care much about his appearance. It also suggests that he is more focused on being a good person rather than impressing others with how he looks.
How do you think Harry feels about his appearance throughout the series?
At first, Harry doesn’t seem to care much about his appearance. He feels uncomfortable with his hand-me-down clothes, but as he grows older and gains confidence in his abilities, he becomes more comfortable with how he looks. His appearance is part of who he is, but his true strength lies in his bravery and heart.
Why do you think his modest appearance is significant to the character development in the story?
Harry’s modest appearance highlights his humble nature and sets him apart from the typical «hero» who might be portrayed as perfect. His appearance emphasizes the idea that true heroism comes from within, and it is his courage, loyalty, and kindness that define him, not his looks.
Describing a Character’s Personality
1. Story
In every great story, characters are not only defined by their actions and appearance but also by their personalities. A character’s personality reveals their strengths, weaknesses, fears, and desires. It shapes how they interact with other characters and the world around them.
For example, in many novels, a character may be described as brave, kind, or selfish, and these traits help us understand how they will respond to challenges. A character who is brave might face danger without hesitation, while a character who is kind might go out of their way to help others, even at great personal cost. On the other hand, a character who is selfish might only care about their own well-being, often at the expense of others.
A good author will show a character’s personality through their actions, dialogue, and thoughts. For instance, a character who is brave may take a risk to save someone they care about, even if it means putting themselves in danger. A selfish character might refuse to help a friend in need or make decisions that benefit only themselves. These actions speak volumes about who they are.
Let’s imagine a character named John. John is a very brave person, but he is also a bit stubborn. When his friends are in trouble, he will do everything in his power to help them, even if it means going against authority. However, his stubbornness sometimes leads him into difficult situations. For example, he may refuse to listen to advice and end up in a more dangerous situation than necessary. Despite this, his friends respect him because they know he would never abandon them.
John’s courage and loyalty make him a strong, reliable friend, but his stubbornness can sometimes be his downfall. He is a complex character, with both positive and negative traits that make him real and relatable.
2. Useful Phrases and Expressions
to be brave – быть смелым
to be kind-hearted – быть добрым сердцем
to be selfish – быть эгоистичным
to be stubborn – быть упрямым
to be loyal – быть преданным
to be reliable – быть надежным
to take risks – рисковать
to refuse to listen to advice – отказываться слушать советы
to face danger without hesitation – встретиться с опасностью без колебаний
to help someone in need – помочь кому-то в беде
to be a strong leader – быть сильным лидером
to show courage – проявлять смелость
to act on instinct – действовать на инстинктах
to be considerate – быть внимательным к другим
to be impulsive – быть импульсивным
to make selfless decisions – принимать бескорыстные решения
to put others first – ставить других на первое место
to think before acting – думать, прежде чем действовать
to have a strong sense of duty – иметь сильное чувство долга
3. Exercises
Exercise 1: Matching
Match the English phrases with their Russian translations.
to be selfish
to be loyal
to be reliable
to act on instinct
to be stubborn
to help someone in need
to take risks
to be considerate
a) быть преданным
b) рисковать
c) быть эгоистичным
d) думать, прежде чем действовать
e) быть внимательным к другим
f) быть надежным
g) помогать кому-то в беде
h) быть упрямым
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences using the words and phrases from the box.
Box:
to be selfish, to be loyal, to face danger without hesitation, to help someone in need, to be stubborn, to take risks, to be brave, to make selfless decisions, to put others first
John is always willing __________, even if it means putting himself in danger.
He is known __________, and his friends can always rely on him when they need support.
Although he can be a little __________, his friends appreciate his honesty.
Sarah was the first to __________ when her friend fell and hurt herself.
Mark doesn’t like to listen to others’ advice because he is too __________.
Despite the danger, Thomas decided __________ to save the village.
Emma shows how much she cares by always __________, no matter what the situation is.
Jane’s __________ made her a natural leader, and everyone trusted her decisions.
Exercise 3: Answer the questions
Answer the questions using full sentences.
How would you describe John’s personality based on the story?
Why is John’s stubbornness both a strength and a weakness?
How does bravery affect a character’s role in the story?
Why is loyalty an important trait for a character?
4. Answers
Exercise 1: Matching
1 – c
2 – a
3 – f
4 – d
5 – h
6 – g
7 – b
8 – e
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
to face danger without hesitation
to be loyal
to be stubborn
to help someone in need
to be stubborn
to take risks
to put others first
to be brave
Exercise 3: Answer the questions
How would you describe John’s personality based on the story?
John is brave, loyal, and reliable, but also stubborn. He is willing to help his friends no matter the danger, but his stubbornness sometimes causes him problems.
Why is John’s stubbornness both a strength and a weakness?
John’s stubbornness is a strength because it shows his determination and loyalty, but it is also a weakness because it prevents him from listening to advice and can lead him into difficult situations.
How does bravery affect a character’s role in the story?
Bravery often places a character in situations where they must overcome challenges or face danger. It makes the character admirable and can inspire others, but it can also lead them into perilous situations.
Why is loyalty an important trait for a character?
Loyalty is important because it builds trust between characters and strengthens their relationships. A loyal character is someone you can rely on, which is crucial for developing deep and meaningful connections in the story.
Describing a Person’s Personality
1. Story
Every person has a unique personality that is made up of many different traits. These traits shape how they think, feel, and act. When we talk about someone’s personality, we often describe their behavior, how they react to situations, and how they interact with others.
For example, a person can be described as kind-hearted if they are always ready to help others. They may also be described as honest if they always tell the truth, or generous if they give freely of their time or resources. On the other hand, a person who only thinks about themselves may be called selfish or egotistical.
Personality traits can be both positive and negative. Positive traits are those that make a person pleasant to be around, like friendly, polite, or optimistic. Negative traits may include being rude, irritable, or lazy. Sometimes, people are a combination of both: someone might be generally kind, but also stubborn or impatient.
Let’s take a look at how we could describe a person named Alex. Alex is a warm-hearted person who always takes time to listen to his friends. He is responsible and never fails to meet his commitments. However, he can be a bit impulsive, acting before thinking, which sometimes leads him into difficult situations. Despite this, his sense of humor and optimism make him popular among his friends.
Alex’s loyalty to his family and friends is one of his best qualities. He always supports the people he cares about, even when times are tough. However, his short temper can cause problems, especially when things don’t go as planned.
In the end, Alex is a person who tries his best to be good to others, but his personality has both strengths and flaws, just like any real person.
2. Useful Phrases and Expressions
to be kind-hearted – быть добрым
to be honest – быть честным
to be selfish – быть эгоистичным
to be generous – быть щедрым
to be friendly – быть дружелюбным
to be polite – быть вежливым
to be optimistic – быть оптимистом
to be rude – быть грубым
to be irritable – быть раздражительным
to be lazy – быть ленивым
to be warm-hearted – быть тёплым, добрым
to be responsible – быть ответственным
to be impulsive – быть импульсивным
to be stubborn – быть упрямым
to have a short temper – иметь короткий темперамент
to be loyal – быть преданным
to be supportive – быть поддерживающим
to have a good sense of humor – иметь хорошее чувство юмора
to be hard-working – быть трудолюбивым
to be caring – быть заботливым
3. Exercises
Exercise 1: Matching
Match the English phrases with their Russian translations.
to be generous
to be selfish
to have a short temper
to be optimistic
to be responsible
to be impulsive
to be kind-hearted
to be stubborn
a) быть щедрым
b) быть эгоистичным
c) иметь короткий темперамент
d) быть оптимистом
e) быть ответственным
f) быть импульсивным
g) быть добрым
h) быть упрямым
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences using the words and phrases from the box.
