What is ESP?

It stands for English for Specific Purposes which is the teaching and learning of
English for a very specific goal rather than for a very general or broad purpose,
this is, not the English we commonly teach in schools but the English that
people need for a specific sector.

What are the major characteristics of ESP?

Designed to meet specific needs of the learner
Related in the content to particular disciplines, occupations and
activities;
Centered on the language appropriate to those activities, in syntax,
lexis, discourse etc.

What 2 major categories can ESP divided into? Name 3 example for
each one.
English for Academic purposes English for science and technology, English for
medical purposes and English for Legal purposes
English for occupational purposes English for Business purposes, English for
vocational purposes and English for medical purposes.

1) Who needs ESP?

In theory, all learners need ESP and would benefit from a course tailored to their needs. In
practice, however, there has to be a compromise where learners with sufficiently similar needs
can be grouped together.

ESP courses can also be created for working professionals (e.g. a teacher providing in-company
lessons at a law firm). In such cases, the course will not only be for the needs of a specific
profession (e.g. lawyers, human resources personnel) but also for the specific organization.

2) How is ESP different from General English?

ESP (English for Specific Purposes) involves teaching and learning the specific skills and
language needed by particular learners for a particular purpose. The P in ESP is always a
professional purpose a set of skills that learners currently need in their work or will need in
their professional careers. ESP contrasts with General English, which is aimed at a
very wide range of learners.

To say what is ESP or not has been controversial since teachers have different opinions
regarding this and what is considered to be ESP for ones, some others may have a different
opinion.

More differences are on the materials and methodologies to be used inside the
classroom but one difference that shines over the others is subject specific
knowledge because in an ESP classroom will usually know more about the
subject than the teacher. Therefore, teachers must be guide by these
principles: honesty and openness, preparation and confidence.