English for academic purposes: A bridge to the University

Abstract

Because of current worldwide demand for academic English courses that prepare students for university education, many TESOL teachers are now being asked to take on the teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP), often with little background or training in this specialised branch of language teaching. In addressing this situation and seeking to raise awareness of EAP, this paper firstly outlines the field of EAP by defining what it is, providing a brief history and considering student need at the different levels at which EAP is offered. The paper then discusses practitioner-related issues, including the knowledge base that informs EAP, the requisite teacher competencies and the two ways in which EAP is conceptualised in tertiary contexts. The paper concludes by making recommendations relating to the ongoing support and development of EAP teachers.