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A Review of Research into Needs in English for Academic Purposes of Relevance to the North American Higher Education Context TOEFL EAP

Author(s):
Waters, Alan
Publication Year:
1996
Report Number:
RM-96-07
Source:
ETS Research Memorandum
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
81
Subject/Key Words:
English (Second Language), Higher Education, Literature Reviews, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Abstract

This survey examined reports of research into needs in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) of relevance to the North American higher education context, in order to assess requirements for further test-development- related research. First, a wide range of North American studies were summarized and critically analyzed in terms of findings related to the four skills, writing, listening, speaking, and "other" needs. The research methods employed were also reported and evaluated. Overall conclusions were drawn, and implications for further research were adumbrated for each of the studies. Next, a number of major, in-depth British studies of relevance were also summarized and critically scrutinised. All of these reports were concerned with the formulation of a picture of EAP needs as a basis for the development of a test proficiency in English for Academic Purposes. A number of overall conclusions were once again drawn. The survey as a whole showed that there was no existing body of research that could form an adequate basis for the development of a test of EAP of relevance to the North American higher education context. Based on a critical analysis of the reports surveyed, a number of proposals for a programme of further research were made.

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