Compound Personality Adjectives Student Hand-out

Student A

Read the questions and answer them yes, no or sometimes (Y/N/S)

1. Are you tight-fisted? Are you a person who doesnt like to spend or give money?
2. Are you thin-skinned? Are you a person who is sensitive to criticism or insults?
3. Are you easy-going? Are you a relaxed and tolerant person?
4. Are you quick-witted? Are you a person who thinks and responds quickly?
5. Are you big-headed? Are you a person who thinks they are better than other people?
6. Are you self-assured? Are you confident in your own abilities and character? Are you a person who
doesnt worry about what other people think of you?

Now ask them to your partner and see what you have in common.

Student B

Read the questions and answer them yes, no or sometimes (Y/N/S)

1. Are you thick-skinned? Are you a person who isnt affected by criticism or insults?
2. Are you laid-back? Are you a person who is relaxed and casual about everything?
3. Are you absent-minded? Do you often lose or forget things?
4. Are you bad-tempered? Do you tend to get angry often?
5. Are you level-headed? Are you a responsible person who doesnt get anxious in stressful situations?
6. Are you self-conscious? Are you nervous or embarrassed about what other people think of you?

Now ask them to your partner and see what you have in common.

Definition Match

Match the compound adjective (1-12) with the definition (a-l)

1. Tight-fisted a. Someone who worries what other people think of them.

2. Thin-skinned b. Someone who always forgets or loses things.
3. Easy-going c. Someone who hates spending/giving money.
4. Quick-witted d. An arrogant person.
5. Big-headed e. Someone who frequently gets angry.
6. Self-assured f. A responsible person who stays calm in stressful situations.
7. Thick-skinned g. Someone who is sensitive to insults/criticism.
8. Laid-back h. Someone who thinks and responds quickly.
9. Absent-minded i. A relaxed, tolerant person.
10. Bad-tempered j. Someone who is confident in their abilities.
11. Level-headed k. Someone who isnt affected by criticism.
12. Self-conscious l. Someone who is relaxed and casual about everything.
Which ones are positive and which are negative?

Positive Negative
Which compound adjective does each photo represent?

a b c d

e f g h
Put the 12 compound adjectives from the other page in the sentences.

1. I felt really _______________ on the first day of school. I didnt know if the other kids would like me.
2. My Maths teacher is so __________________, he gets so angry about the smallest things.
3. When negotiating its really important to be ____________________ if you get stressed you can ruin
the deal.
4. My best friend is so ____________________, sometimes I make fun of her just for a laugh and she
runs off crying.
5. Youre so __________________ Mani, you left your bag and all your books on the bus.
6. In politics you have to be ____________________ you cant let all the insults or criticism affect you.
7. Lots of Hollywood stars are so ____________________ they make one good movie and they suddenly
think theyre better than everyone.
8. Sometimes Arnau can be too _____________________, he has 3 exams tomorrow and he hasnt even
started studying yet.
9. To be a comedian you have to be really ____________________, its hard to think of good jokes
quickly.
10. My parents are so ___________________they never give me any pocket money!
11. Our new teacher is really __________________ he lets us eat sweets in class.
12. In a job interview its important to act __________________, otherwise they wont give you the job.

Discussion

Which compound adjectives would you use to describe the people listed below? Discuss in pairs.

A good friend A good boss Good parents A policeman

A bad friend A bad boss Bad parents A footballer

Agree Disagree Ask for opinion Express opinion

Absolutely. Hhhmm, Im not so What do you think about For me personally,
I couldnt agree more. sure. .? As far as Im
You took the words right I take your point but Where do you stand on? concerned,
out of my mouth. I see what you mean What do you reckon to? In my opinion,
Uh-huh. but I reckon that
Yep, Im with you on I agree with you up to a Id say that
that. point but
Totally. You must be joking.
Youre absolutely right. Are you kidding?
You can say that again!