His eyes are blue and round.

[learning54]

Are distinctions (1) and (2) accurate?
The question “What + does + subject + look + like?” can be used to ask about the subject's physical appearance.
The answer can use “Subject + be + adjective(s)” to describe what the subject is, (1) focusing on one part (or aspect) of the subject’s appearance, or (2) on the overall physical appearance.
Eg.
(1) His eyes are blue and round. (focusing on one part of the subject's appearance)
(2) The boy is tall. (focusing on the overall of the subject's physical appearance)

I know the answer can also use "have + noun phrase", but my question is only about "be + adjective(s)".

Thanks in advance.

 

[jutfrank]

What does he look like?

The subject of this question is he, so the most direct answer would also have he as the subject:

He's well over two metres tall, strong-looking and athletic.

Of course, using a possessive verb, such as 'have' or 'have got' also works well to describe someone's appearance:

He's got only one arm.

It would be quite reasonable also to focus on any outstanding single body parts, and use that as the subject:

His eyes are bright red like rubies.


Q: What does he look like?
A: He's well over two metres tall, strong and athletic, he's got only arm, and his eyes are bright red like rubies.

 

[learning54]

The subject of this question is he, so the most direct answer would also have he as the subject:

He's well over two metres tall, strong-looking and athletic.

You are very right. The Q "What does the boy look like?", after your suggestion, should be "He's well over two metres tall, strong-looking and athletic with blue, round eyes". No need to say “his eyes are blue and round”. Right?

It would be quite reasonable also to focus on any outstanding single body parts, and use that as the subject:

His eyes are bright red like rubies.

Understood.

to describe what the subject is, (1) focusing on one part (or aspect) of the subject’s appearance, or (2) on the overall physical appearance.

Then this explanation is right whether the description is only for one part or the overall physical appearance. Though I think it will be quite logical to use (1) and (2) together in an answer, rather than just one part of the physical appearance. I mean, to give an overall appearance first, and then add parts/aspects of that appearance. Right?

 

[jutfrank]

"He's well over two metres tall, strong-looking and athletic with blue, round eyes". No need to say “his eyes are blue and round”. Right?

Yes, right.

... I mean, to give an overall appearance first, and then add parts/aspects of that appearance. Right?

Yes, exactly.