Aspects EGP (GE / ESL) ESP
To develop general English ability with no specific
Purpose To develop English skills for specific academic or professional purposes
professional goal
A teacher is mainly a language instructor and Teacher is a practitioner: teacher, course designer, material developer,
Role of teachers
authority in the class collaborator, researcher, evaluator
Learners of any age; goals are often unclear or
Learners Usually, adult learners with clear academic or job-related goals
general
Broad and undefined (passing exams, general
Learners’ goals Clearly defined (job tasks, academic study, workplace communication)
communication)
Needs analysis Usually not required Essential; course is based on learners’ needs
Course duration Long-term (school and university level) Short-term and goal-oriented
Content focus General grammar, vocabulary, and four skills Specific language related to a discipline or profession
Language skills All four skills taught equally Only required skills are focused (e.g., reading, speaking)
Grammar Full grammatical system is taught Limited grammar taught as needed
Materials Fixed textbooks prescribed by authorities Teacher designs or adapts materials
Teaching methodology Similar across courses; general ELT methods Flexible; may follow methods from the subject field
Teacher and student
Teacher-centered; teacher controls content Student-centered; students may know subject content better
relationship
Use of real world context Limited Strong focus on real academic or workplace situations
Motivation Often low or mixed Usually high and externally motivated
Evaluation Mainly student evaluation Evaluation of students, courses, and materials
Collaboration Not required Collaboration with subject specialists is important