Assessing English for Specific Purposes

Summary

This video explains the concept of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), highlighting its distinction from general English proficiency tests. ESP tests are based on needs analysis, observing real job scenarios to create accurate test tasks. These tests, common in fields like business, law, and medicine, assess language proficiency in real-life contexts. The video also discusses English for Academic Purposes (EAP) tests, like IELTS, which are tailored to evaluate language skills for academic study. Ultimately, ESP and EAP tests reflect specific professional or academic requirements, ensuring individuals are well-prepared for their respective fields.

Takeaways

• 😀 ESP (English for Specific Purposes) refers to English used in specialized fields such as business, medicine, and law.
• 😀 ESP tests are different from general proficiency tests as they are based on needs analysis, determining specific language requirements for a given job or situation.
• 😀 Needs analysis involves identifying the tasks people perform in their jobs through real-world observation or questionnaires.
• 😀 The international nature of the workplace means English is commonly used as the language of communication, even in diverse environments like aviation and business.
• 😀 ESP tests are designed to reflect authentic workplace tasks, such as note-taking, reporting, and communication with clients.
• 😀 The development of ESP tests involves identifying the most common tasks that professionals perform in their respective fields and simulating those tasks in a test environment.
• 😀 While ESP tests cannot cover every task within a field, they sample key tasks to predict how well a person might perform in their job or field.
• 😀 ESP tests are commonly used in various sectors, including business, law, and medicine, where language requirements differ based on the job's nature.
• 😀 EAP (English for Academic Purposes) tests, such as IELTS, assess language proficiency for academic settings where English is the language of instruction.
• 😀 Different academic fields may require varying language skills, and universities may ask for distinct language profiles depending on the course or subject being pursued.

Q & A

What is the difference between General English and English for Specific Purposes (ESP)?

General English is focused on everyday communication, while English for Specific Purposes (ESP) targets communication in specific situations like business, medicine, law, or academia, using a specialized vocabulary and context.

How are ESP tests developed?

ESP tests are developed through a 'needs analysis,' which identifies the specific tasks and language requirements of individuals in a given professional context. Observing real work situations is often the best way to determine these needs.

What role does observation play in developing ESP tests?

Observation of real working situations helps to identify tasks that individuals may not be fully aware of, offering a more accurate picture of the language requirements compared to self-reported questionnaires.

Why is English commonly used as a global language in workplaces?

English is used as a common language because of its widespread use in international communication, such as in the aviation industry, where a Japanese pilot might communicate with air traffic controllers in Peru using English.

Can you give an example of a specific purpose test in the business field?

In business, ESP tests might include tasks such as taking notes during meetings, writing reports, or communicating with clients and colleagues over the phone, all of which reflect authentic workplace scenarios.

What are the key challenges in designing ESP tests?

One challenge is that it’s impossible to cover every type of task for every job, so only a sample of tasks can be included. Also, the language requirements may vary across different professions and industries.

What is an EAP test and how does it differ from other ESP tests?

An EAP (English for Academic Purposes) test is specifically designed for students who plan to study at universities where English is the language of instruction. It focuses on academic language skills rather than workplace communication.

What is the most well-known international EAP test?

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most well-known international EAP test, assessing candidates’ ability to study in English at universities and other higher education institutions.

How do different academic faculties or schools influence EAP testing?

Different faculties or schools may require different language skill profiles for their students, depending on the specific demands of each academic field. For example, some faculties might place more emphasis on writing, while others focus on reading or listening skills.

What makes ESP and EAP tests more specific compared to general language proficiency tests?

ESP and EAP tests are designed to reflect real-life situations in specific work or study contexts. They are precise in terms of task design, scoring systems, and reporting, ensuring a clear link between the test and the specific area of language use.