Abstract

This article proposes ESP (English for specific purposes) as a more effective approach in the teaching of English to meet the current demands of using English in various real world contexts. The core concepts of and ESP curriculum should be designed with particular students in mind to teach them specialist language and content. Two most appropriate approaches for ESP in university settings are "content-based teaching" and "theme-based teaching." Some issues of content/theme-based teaching, effective ESP methodology, and materials are explored. Yet, if ESP with effective English language teaching approaches is to be successfully realized, careful planning and coordination of the entire course should be arranged according to learners' needs. Based on the learner-need analysis, further discussions of classroom implications are also included.