Can you describe a person so well that the reader can imagine them clearly? That’s exactly what a factual description teaches you. Learning how to write a factual description of a person is one of the most useful writing skills in English. It helps you express details about appearance, habits, personality, and achievements in a simple and meaningful way.
In this post, you’ll learn how to write a factual description step by step, understand its format, and explore examples for different classes.This guide includes everything you need — definitions, writing tips, formats, and sample factual descriptions of a person to make your preparation easy and scoring. By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident in writing your own factual and descriptive paragraphs with ease.
Table of Contents
What is a Factual Description?
A factual description gives true and clear information about a person, place, or thing. It focuses on real details like appearance, habits, and qualities, written in simple sentences students can easily understand.
- Name – The person’s full name or how they are known.
- Relationship to the Writer – Mention how you are connected (friend, teacher, parent, etc.).
- Role or Profession – Tell what they do or what makes them known.
- Physical Appearance – Describe features like height, build, clothes, and overall look.
- Personality Traits – Add details about their behaviour, habits, or way of speaking.
- Public Opinion – Mention what others think or say about the person.
- Interesting Detail or Incident – Include a short story or event that shows their nature or qualities.
Physical Appearance and Traits
While describing physical qualities, focus on the details that stand out. You may talk about:
- Build: Slim, tall, short, broad, or athletic.
- Clothing Style: Formal, casual, neat, or stylish.
- Face Shape: Round, oval, square, or heart-shaped.
- Eyes: Bright, expressive, sharp, or kind.
- Hair: Long, curly, wavy, straight, or short.
- Complexion: Fair, dusky, or wheatish.
- Special Features: A mole, a scar, a tattoo, or any habit like smiling often or adjusting spectacles.
Avoid describing too many details. Choose only the ones that truly define the person’s identity.
Intellectual and Emotional Qualities
Apart from appearance, highlight the person’s mind and character. You can include:
- Intellectual Qualities – Smart, curious, quick learner, or creative thinker.
- Emotional Qualities – Kind, patient, caring, humble, or confident.
- Moral Values – Honest, hardworking, fair, or dependable.
These traits make the description meaningful and show what makes the person unique or admirable.
Useful Writing Tips
- 1. Use simple present tense while writing.
- 2. Keep your sentences short and natural.
- 3. Avoid repeating the same details.
- 4. Give real examples or small incidents to make the paragraph lively.
- 5. Focus on truthful and clear description, not imagination.
Factual Description of a Person – Example
Qu – Use the given details to write a factual description of Aruna Saxena, an environmentalist, in about 100 words.
Hints –
Born – 1978; Education – M.A. in Environmental Science;
Achievements – Green Revolution Movement; Book – Singing Birds;
Awards – National Award for environmental awareness;
Interests – Painting, Poetry;
Positions – President of Rotary Club (2007), President of Poetry Club (2009).
Answer – Aruna Saxena, a well-known environmentalist, was born in 1978. She completed her postgraduation in Environmental Science and actively took part in the Green Revolution Movement. Her efforts to spread awareness about the environment earned her the National Award. Aruna is also a gifted writer and painter. Her poetry collection Singing Birds shows her deep love for nature. She has held several leadership positions, including President of the Rotary Club of Marwar in 2007 and President of the Poetry Club in 2009. Her life reflects creativity, discipline, and strong commitment towards saving the planet
Factual Description of a Person Example for Class 6
Example- My best friend, Riya, is a cheerful and kind girl. She studies in class 6 and always helps her classmates. She has short black hair and bright eyes that show her friendly nature. Riya loves drawing and often makes beautiful art for school projects. She is honest, hardworking, and polite to everyone. Her favourite subject is English, and she dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Everyone in our class likes her because she is simple, caring, and always smiling
This example teaches class 6 students how to describe a person clearly using short and simple sentences while focusing on real facts.
Factual Description of a Person Example for Class 8
Example – My grandmother is the most inspiring person in my life. She is sixty-five years old but still very active and full of energy. She wakes up early every morning and takes care of our entire family. Her silver hair and gentle smile make her look graceful. She often tells us stories about her childhood and teaches us good manners. She loves reading and spends her evening in the garden with her books. Her caring nature and positive attitude make her the heart of our family.
This example helps class 8 students understand how to describe a person in a factual and emotional yet simple way.
Factual Description of a Person Example for Class 9
Example- My father is a doctor and a very disciplined person. He always wears a neat white coat and treats his patients with great care. He believes that helping others is the real purpose of life. He manages his time so well that he never gets late for work. At home, he spends time with us and helps me with my studies. His calm nature and dedication to his job inspire me every day. He teaches me to be honest, humble, and hardworking.
This example shows class 9 students how to combine facts and personality traits naturally while keeping the tone formal yet human.
Factual Description of a Person Example for Class 10
Example – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, is one of the most respected figures in the country. Known as the “Missile Man of India,” he played a key role in India’s space and defence programmes. He had simple habits, lived a disciplined life, and always motivated students to dream big. Despite his high position, he remained humble and kind. His speeches and books continue to inspire millions of young people to work hard and serve the nation.
This example helps class 10 students learn how to describe a famous personality using factual details, formal tone, and exam-appropriate structure.
Practice Questions for Factual Description (With Answers)
1. Write a factual description of your best friend in about 100 words.
2. Describe your class teacher highlighting her main qualities.
3. Write a factual description of a famous personality you admire.
4. Describe your school principal in simple and factual language.
Sample Answer (for Question 1):
My best friend Riya is 14 years old and studies in Class 9. She is tall, fair, and always has a pleasant smile on her face. Riya is one of the most hardworking students in our class. She pays attention in every subject and always completes her homework on time. She loves reading storybooks and often shares new stories with me. Riya helps everyone in need and never argues with anyone. She is also the captain of our school basketball team and leads it with confidence. Everyone admires her polite nature, honesty, and cheerful attitude.
Practising such examples will help you understand sentence flow, order of details, and the perfect balance between truth and clarity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Factual Description Writing
- 1. Including Unrelated Details – Stay focused on the main topic and avoid adding unnecessary information.
- 2. Using Complex Words – Prefer simple, easy-to-understand words instead of long or fancy vocabulary.
- 3. Repeating the Same Ideas – Don’t describe the same feature again in different ways.
- 4. Lack of Proper Order – Always follow a clear sequence: start with name and age, then describe appearance, qualities, and achievements.
- 5. Adding Personal Opinions – Keep it factual. Avoid emotional or imaginary details.
- 6. Poor Sentence Structure – Use short, clear sentences to make the paragraph neat and readable.
- 7. Ignoring Clarity – Choose accurate words and correct grammar to make your writing scoring and effective.
FAQs
1. Why do students find it hard to write a factual description?
Answer – Many students struggle because they mix imagination with facts. A factual description should only include true and visible details. Regular practice with real examples helps remove confusion and makes writing more natural.
2. How can I make my factual description more interesting without adding imagination?
Answer – Focus on small, real details that make a person or thing stand out — like a gentle smile, a unique habit, or a favourite outfit. Such real touches make the paragraph lively without breaking the truth.
3. What is the biggest mistake to avoid in a factual description?
Answer – The most common mistake is writing opinions or emotional lines instead of facts. Avoid saying things like “He is the best person I know.” Instead, show it through actions or qualities, such as “He always helps others and speaks politely.”
4. How do I choose what to include and what to skip in my description?
Answer – Think of what helps the reader see the person clearly. If a detail adds to the picture, keep it. If it doesn’t, leave it out. This keeps your paragraph focused and easy to read.
5. Can I use adjectives in a factual description?
Answer – Yes, but use them carefully. Adjectives like tall, kind, or hardworking help the reader understand the person better. Just avoid using too many — a few well-chosen words are enough.
6. Which tense should I use while writing a factual description?
Answer – The simple present tense is best because you are describing general facts that are still true. Example: “She wears spectacles and teaches English.”
7. How can I improve my factual description writing skills?
Answer – Read short biographies, observe people around you, and note small details. Then try writing short paragraphs daily. Compare them with model answers to see where you can improve.
8. How do I end a factual description effectively?
Answer – End with one short line that sums up the person’s main quality or importance. For example, “Her kindness and patience make her loved by everyone.”
