Decluttering my worksheets. Thought I would conduct a thought experiment in the process. When you guys write, do you consciously think about the traits you want your characters to embody? Are there particular qualities that you have a soft spot for? I don’t know about you, but whenever someone compliments me funny, I still feel as if my heart were squeezed warmly bu this praise. Anyway, here is my list of positive attributes that I have taught my students: creative - able to make new things or think of new ideas competent - able to do something well diligent - working hard and steadily earnest - serious in effort adaptable - able to change to suit new conditions self-motivated - initiative to do something without supervision conscientious - putting in a lot of effort for your work determined - persistent meticulous - very careful about doing something accurately broad-minded - able to accept diverse opinions energetic → Has lots of energy, vigorous enterprising → Ready to try new and difficult things enthusiastic → Having a lively interest experienced → Wise or skilful in a particular field through experience fair → Free from bias or injustice firm → Not likely to change, fixed genuine → Not fake, real sincere → truthful in feelings honest → Upright in actions, honourable innovative → Introduce something new and different Example sentences:

1. A technician with ten years of experience is an example of an experienced technician.
2. Dexter is an enterprising person because he is always ready to take on new challenges.
3. As a fair person, I do not take sides when my friends quarrel with one another.
4. When we go overseas, we should be enthusiastic and try new things so that we can understand foreign cultures better.
5. They have a bubbly personality and are very energetic on the beach, playing beach sports for many hours.
6. A technician with ten years of experience is an example of a competent technician.
7. An avid sportsman, he plays all kinds of sports and leads an active lifestyle.
8. Accepting of people from different cultures and races, she is broad-minded and has an open mind.
9. When we work with people who are different from us, we must learn to be adaptable and flexible.
10. A history book full of true facts is an example of an accurate reading material.
11. As a fashion designer, she produces imaginative and creative work.
12. He is a dependable person and you can always count on him to do what he promises.
13. Alex was conscientious and never missed out on any detail in his work.
14. Irfan was an efficient class chairman and finished all his duties properly every day.
15. The mouse was so determined to get the cheese that it wore a helmet.

You must be curious about Sensei’s favourite attributes. I won’t keep you hanging there for any longer: