Theory of English for Specific Purposes Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is needs analysis in ESP?
Needs analysis determines the “what” and “how” of a course in the first stage of ESP course development.
What is the process of needs analysis?
It involves curriculum design, materials selection, methodology, and assessment and evaluation.
Why is needs analysis important?
It collects and assesses information relevant to course design and is a continuous process.
What are the components of needs analysis?
Learners’ goals, backgrounds, language proficiencies, reasons for taking the course, and communication situations.
What is Hutchinson and Waters’ model for needs analysis?
It includes target needs: necessities, lacks, and wants related to language use.
What is the target situation analysis framework?
It involves understanding why and how the language will be used in specific contexts.
What should be considered when analyzing learning needs?
Why learners are taking the course, how they learn, available resources, and their characteristics.
What is curriculum development?
It is a systematic process aimed at educational improvement, focusing on content, tasks, activities, and desired outcomes.
What is the importance of genre analysis in ESP?
It helps learners understand common structures and language use in specific fields.
How do genres evolve?
Genres change over time as the needs of the field evolve, requiring continuous adaptation.
What is Swales’ argument on genre studies?
Genre studies should include both structural and social/contextual features.
What is the CARS model in ESP?
It helps understand the structure of academic writing, particularly in research contexts, using the IMRAD structure.
How does a genre-based approach benefit workplace communication?
It prepares learners for the specific communication they will encounter in their fields.
How are genres related to multimodality?
Genres increasingly require integrating text and visuals, especially in research papers.
What are some examples of genres in different fields?
In banking: loan applications and financial reports; in engineering: design specifications and technical reports.
What is the conclusion about genres in ESP?
Genres are crucial for effective communication and help learners develop discipline-specific skills in ESP.
What is the role of ESP assessment in language teaching?
ESP assessment aligns with general language assessment principles, focusing on reliability, validity, and ethical standards.
What distinguishes ESP assessment from general language assessment?
ESP assessment considers contextual variation, precision of language, and the integration of background knowledge.
What theoretical issues exist in ESP assessment?
There is debate on whether specific purpose language ability exists and the importance of non-linguistic knowledge in assessments.
What areas are covered in ESP assessment?
These include English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Employment Purposes, and English testing for immigration and asylum.
How has technology impacted ESP assessment?
Technology aids test development, delivery, and scoring, enhancing test validity and authenticity.
What is the role of technology in ESP pedagogy?
Technology serves as a tool for language learning and a medium for new forms of communication.
What are the different types of needs in ESP needs assessment?
Objective needs (skills required) and subjective needs (comfort with technology) are assessed along with current situation analysis.
How do communicative contexts affect the use of technology in ESP?
Technologies like email and social media require specific language strategies based on the social context of language use.
