DefinePK

Abstract

ESP learners’ reasons for learning a language are specific that have to be identified through a standard needs analysis (NA) process so that appropriate ESP teaching materials are selected, modified or developed. The present study is an attempt to investigate ESP needs of medical undergraduates studying in the medical colleges of the KSA. A 27-item Likert-scale structured questionnaire was developed by the researcher to identify the participants’ perceived English language proficiency and to record their perceived responses regarding English language skills/tasks which are important to effectively carry out their medical studies because much research has offered valuable insights into the fact that insiders' feedback is extremely important in a standard NA process. The questionnaires were administered to 506 participants from seven medical colleges of the KSA. The findings of the study have confirmed the previous research that suitable and appropriate in-house teaching materials are inevitable to address ESP learners’ specific academic needs. It is further revealed that speaking and reading skills are the most important for their medical studies. Furthermore, important tasks related to various English language skills have also been identified.