IELTS Vocabulary: usage intead of explanation

A student asked me to explain the difference between the words below:

• trait
• personality
• character
• characteristic

But when we explain vocabulary, we're not getting the full picture. An explanation might help you to understand a meaning, but it won't necessarily help you to use the vocabulary in a natural way.

Instead of explaining, which is a 'grammar mindset' exercise, let's shift to a 'vocabulary mindset' and look at usage.

Fill the gaps below using the word that seems most natural.

1. My client is a person of good ______.
2. My worst ______ is that I am sometimes self-centred.
3. A key ______ of entrepreneurs is that they are action-oriented.
4. She's a little girl with a big ______.