Map Your Own Language

Think about words and phrases you actually use in English — now place them on a map to see how they work.

Set the axes

This quadrant has two axes: Formal ↔ Informal (left to right) and Old ↔ New (top to bottom). Your task is to place real words and phrases you use inside it.

Old

New

Formal

Informal

List your words

Write 6 English words or phrases you actually use — in messages, at work, or in class. Include a mix of formal and informal.

Place them on the grid

Go back to the quadrant in Step 1 and write each word in the correct square. Be honest — where does it really belong?

Interrogate the map

Which quadrant is fullest? Which is emptiest? Look back at Step 2 — does the distribution surprise you? Write one sentence explaining what this reveals about how you use English.

Your avoided quadrant

Which quadrant do you personally avoid most — and why? Write one word that captures your relationship with that corner of the map, then explain your choice in one sentence.

Why that word?

Discuss Tell your partner which quadrant felt most uncomfortable to fill — and whether that surprises you.

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