Needs Analysis in ESP Context: Developing an English Writing Course for Engineering Students at Bahria University Karachi

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the English language needs of engineering students and design a suitable English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course tailored to those needs. It explores the role of English within the engineering program, identifies the most essential language skills, examines their frequency of use, and evaluates student performance in related academic tasks. The findings confirm that English is critical for key engineering activities such as delivering presentations, writing reports, and participating in discussions. While listening is the least used skill, students frequently experience difficulty with speaking and writing tasks. To address these gaps, the study recommends including more structured speaking and writing exercises in the curriculum. Unlike other studies that broadly focus on ESP across academic fields, this research specifically targets engineering students and emphasizes the integration of technical content in writing instruction. This targeted approach aims to help students develop stronger communication skills that align with the demands of their academic and future professional environments.