Category: ELTWeekly Vol. 4 Issue 44

Over the years, substantial shift in theory, belief and practice have occurred in the teaching and learning of English language specifically from general to specific purposes. Unlike focusing on general English, there has been a shift in focus to teach only those aspects of language which learners’ need and expected to need. This demand has paved the way for the emergence of a new area called ‘English for Academic Purposes’ where much of the instruction is given for academic development of the learners. Many learners especially from regional medium backgrounds are yet to develop the linguistic resources necessary for academic and professional competence. Most of them often find problems in academics at higher level. Majority of them enter into higher education ill-equipped and some find the tasks of academic reading, writing, and grammar difficult. The present academic scenario focuses on and demands students’ academic reading and writing skills such as skimming, scanning, note making, note taking, essay writing, paragraph writing and summary writing, paper writing, resume writing and so on. Implementation of effective methods supplemented with effective materials is essentially required to ensure students’ mastery of academic skills and to bring about positive outcomes in students’ academic and professional performances.