EDE 6211: English for Specific Purposes

Name: Noor Farahani Binti Mohd Lazim (G1716020)

Task 1: Review of uploaded materials

Instruction: Answer all the following questions:

1. Explain Absolute Characteristics and Variable Characteristics of ESP (7 marks)

Dudley-Evans and St. John (1998, p. 4-5) has came up with the modified definition of ESP that

is altered according to their school of thoughts. There are 3 absolute characteristics of ESP which

are; (1) ESP is defined to meet the specific needs of the learner, (2) ESP makes use of the

underlying methodology and discipline it serves, and (3) ESP is centered on the language

(grammar, lexis, register), skills, discourse and genres appropriate to these activities.

On the other hand, there are four variable characteristics contended by Dudley-Evans and

St. John in which; (1) ESP may use, in specific teaching situations, a different methodology from

that of general English and (2) it is likely to be designed for adult learners, either at a tertiary

level institution or in a professional work situation. It could, however, be for learners at

secondary school level where (3) ESP is generally designed for intermediate or advanced

students. (4) Lastly, most ESP courses assume some basic knowledge of the language system, but

it can be used with beginners.

In conclusion, as Streven’s (1988) defined ESP as the opposite of GE (General English),

Dudley-Evans and St. John’s did not confine ESP to any specific disciplines, instead it may be

designed as to suit the needs of the learners across disciplines.

 2. Discuss the 3 main reasons for the emergence of ESP (3marks)

Firstly, ESP was developed as a result of World War II whereby a specific English was needed

as the lingua franca between traders during the expansion of science, technology and commerce.

Secondly, the demand of language has turned English into a big business. However, since

General English is very elaborated, they need a very specific and cost-effective English courses

because of time and money constraints.

3. Explain the triangulation approach in conducting a needs analysis (2 marks)

Triangulation approach is used to cross-check the data gathered to see whether they are tally or

not. As the name triangulation suggests, information or data is gathered by a method similar in

content using three sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the information. The three

resources in conducting needs analysis can be referred to the students, the teachers and the

domain experts.

4. Situation: You are required to conduct needs analysis of the writing problems
encountered by CELPAD international students enrolled in IIUM. Explain the
process of obtaining information (hint: consider sources). (3 marks)

Adopting the triangulation approach, the process of obtaining the information is not only

restricted to CELPAD international students in IIUM but also the instructors of the courses and

the administrative staffs. Hence, a set of questionnaires regarding the needs analysis of the

writing problems encountered by the students will be disseminated. Meanwhile the lecturers and

the administrative staff will go through a semi-structured interview where the questions prepared

are align to the items in the questionnaire.

 5. Read the article on “Needs Analysis of Students of Tourism English” and Relate
all the above aspects into your class project- (5 marks)

“..to design an English curriculum that meets the needs of students, we also have to consider
needs of both educational institution and workplace that may hire them” (Choi, n.d, p.57)

The researcher asserts that there are more to needs analysis than to only analyze the target of the

study. For instance, in conducting needs analysis, one should also take into consideration the

current, potential and unrecognized needs of the students and also what may hinder their

progress namely the administration, resources, time and language proficiency. Hence, the

researcher suggests a triangulation approach in doing needs analysis for the sake of quality

improvement of ESP curriculum. It is vital to take different views or perspectives be it from

learners, academicians, employers or teachers regarding their opinions on the subject matter.

Other than that, it is important to note from the article that items or questions used in the

instrument should yield the information of students’ lacks, wants and necessities and include

both open and closed questions. This is because closed questions might be more objectives or

restricted hence the students did not get much opportunity to express their thoughts as oppose to

open questions.
REFERENCES

Choi, K. (n.d.). Needs Analysis of Students of Tourism English, 57–68.

Javid, C. Z. (2013). English for Specific Purposes : Its Definition , Characteristics , Scope and
Purpose, 112(1), 138–151.