Attributing: Geography
By Keith Kelly
Keith Kelly looks at examples of language used in describing attributes and characteristics from
the area of geography, covering adjective, noun and verb phrases.
adjective phrases for describing typicality
(is) characteristic of / for
Deforestation has long been characteristic of development, as people create more land for
farming and settlement, and wood for fuel.
(is) unique of / for
The wetlands are unique for the chemical properties of rare flora and fauna, which
environmentalists are anxious to protect.
(is) typical of / for
These crops provide the wine, olive oil and pasta so typical of southern Italian traditional
meals.
adjectives for describing importance
vital
Globalisation has increased demands for a wide range of services, and international trade in
services has become a vital element for an efficient global economy.
essential
Green belts form an essential part of any new town development.
key / major
The question of sovereignty will be a key issue on any agenda for the future direction of the
EU.
noun phrases for identifying attributes
feature
One of the most outstanding features of world trade in merchandise goods is the dominance
of high-income regions.
aspect
Another aspect to consider is that some tourists may be put off by the obvious poverty of
many people in India.
element
Social education for men is another vital element in the struggle for gender equality.
part
As part of the hydroelectric scheme, a dam was built across the river.
component
This cassette-tape-sized component can be described as the computer’s ‘brain’.
factor
Climate is an important factor in making some locations attractive to tourism.
ingredient
The main ingredients of soil are the small particles from weathered parent rock.
point
Make sure that you have at least four pieces of relevant detail in each point.
piece
Suggest two pieces of evidence from the photograph in support of your answer.
verb phrases for identifying characteristics
show
Evenly spaced contours show an even slope.
display
Some river valleys display terraces at various levels.
reveal
What does this photograph reveal about the effect of urbanization on the landscape?
illustrate
GNP is the indicator most frequently used to illustrate levels of economic development.
represent
London and its satellite urban areas represent one of Europe’s largest conurbations.
be known as
Lands reclaimed from the sea are commonly known as polders.
verb phrases used for listing attributes
have
Most towns and cities have many different functions and so may be referred to as being multifunctional.
include
Rock-based energy resources or fossil fuels may include coal, oil, gas and peat.
contain
All systems contain inputs, processes and outputs.
consist of
The Swiss Alps consist largely of high mountains with steep slopes and thin soils.
be made up of
Earth’s outer crust is made up of solid rock; mostly basalt and granite.
Attributing: Science
Keith Kelly looks at examples of language used in describing attributes and characteristics from
the area of science, covering adjective, verb and noun phrases.
adjective phrases for describing typicality
(is) unique (of / for)
In sexual reproduction every offspring is unique, while in asexual reproduction they are all the
same.
(is) characteristic (of / for)
Animal cell shape is usually characteristic of its function.
(is) typical (of / for)
The image shows the typical features for a liquid-in-glass thermometer.
adjectives for describing importance
vital
Organisms need a transport system to get vital substances like water around the body and to
the cells.
important
Oestrogen is important in the menstrual cycle from puberty until menopause.
major
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are the major components of our diet.
essential
Without oxygen, humus cannot be broken down into essential nutrients required for plant
growth.
noun phrases for identifying attributes
trait
As the mother expresses the recessive trait, she must have two copies of that version.
constituent
The main constituent of natural gas is methane, but it also contains butane and propane.
part
Pyroclastic flow is the most dangerous part of a volcanic eruption.
component
Carbon monoxide is a component of cigarette smoke.
factor
Which factors affects the stability of an object?
example
Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide are examples of strong alkalis.
verb phrases for identifying characteristics
exhibit
The orientation of the magnetic poles will exhibit repulsive and attractive forces.
show
What colour change does phenolphthalein show in an alkaline solution?
illlustrate
We will look at oxygen, carbon and nitrogen to illustrate the natural processes of conversion
and cycling.
represent
Make sure to write a word equation to represent the reaction that takes place.
be known as
Parasites live on or inside other living organisms which are known as their hosts.
verb phrases used for listing attributes
have
Why do soaps on the market have varied colours?
contain
Red blood cells contain no nucleus but they have a red pigment called haemoglobin.
include
Household drugs include caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
consist of
The human respiratory system consists of the trachea, bronchi and lungs.
be made up of
All things on Earth are made up of tiny particles called atoms.