Bridging the Gap: An ESP-Based Needs Analysis of Environmental Sciences Students in Pakistan

Abstract

This study aims to explore the English language requirements of the Environmental Sciences students at the University of Gujrat (UOG) through a needs analysis in the context of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) theory. Moreover, it investigated the extent to which the existing English language courses at UOG satisfactorily address the needs of Environmental Sciences students. It employs a mixed-method approach including questionnaires and interviews. One hundred and twenty students were approached for the quantitative phase of the study (questionnaires), and twenty students for the qualitative phase (semi-structured interviews). Descriptive statistics were analyzed on quantitative data using SPSS. Findings indicate that students have difficulty with scientific writing, oral communication, and technical vocabulary, and both teachers and students need a discipline-specific ESP course. The study recommends creating a customized English for Specific Purposes (ESP) program and highlights the need for collaborative teaching methods along with ESP-specific teacher training.