An ESP Program Model for Graduate Students at King Saud University Based on Academic and Occupational Needs

The aim of this study was to design an English for specific purposes course for graduate studentsat the Colleges of Arts. Administrative Sciences and Agriculture.King Saud University.based on theiracademic and occupational needs to learn English. A two-part needs assessment questionnaire wasadministered to a sample of 137 students in the three colleges. It was found that students mainly need tolearn English to read specialized material in English and to translate information required for theircourses. research and thesis into Arabic. To meet students' needs, it was suggested that an ESP course forgraduate students should focus on developing students’ reading. translation and study skills. Studentsshoud read different types of authentic specialized texts. An orientation program should be used for ESPinstructors. Students' proficiency level should be determined by a placement pre-test. Students of thesame major should be grouped together. A 4-6 week intensive course should be used as a transition periodfor those students who are less proficient in English. The short course may focus on reading simplified andshort specialized texts, and deveIOping students' basic reading skills. Evaluation should aim at assessingstudents‘ ability to read authentic specialized texts and their ability to apply reading. translation and studyskills