Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research ‫وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي‬

Badji Mokhtar - Annaba University ‫جـامعة باجـي مختـارـ عنابـة‬

Faculty of Technology ‫كليـة التكنولوجـيا‬
Department of process engineering ‫قسم هندسة الطرائق‬

EMD : Anglais Technique et terminologies Date : 05/10/2024

Spécialité : Wastewater treatement
technologies and exploitation Heure : 14h-5H30
Enseignante : Melle Trima

Lecture one: English for Specific Purposes (ESP) vs. General English (GE)

Objective: Students will understand the key differences between English for Specific
Purposes (ESP) and General English (GE), recognize the importance of ESP in
professional and academic contexts, and practice using language related to their specific
field of study (e.g., water treatment technologies).

Definitions
English for Specific Purposes (ESP):
Definition: ESP is a type of English language instruction focused on teaching the language
necessary for specific professional, academic, or technical fields. The content is tailored to the
learners' needs, often related to their career or specialized study.
Examples: English for engineers, English for medical professionals, English for business
communication.
English for General Purposes (EGP):
Definition: EGP is a broader form of English language instruction aimed at developing basic
communication skills. It covers general topics and is not focused on any particular field or
profession. The main goal is to help learners use English in everyday situations.
Examples: Conversational English, travel English, social interactions, and general
communication skills.
Key Differences between ESP and EGP
Aspect English for Specific English for General
Purposes (ESP) Purposes (EGP)
Purpose To meet specific needs of To develop general
learners in communication skills for
professional/academic fields everyday use
Focus Specialized vocabulary and Broad range of topics,
skills related to the learners' everyday vocabulary and
field situations
learners Typically adults or Learners of all ages who need
professionals with a clear goal English for general purposes
(e.g., job-related)
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research ‫وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي‬
Badji Mokhtar - Annaba University ‫جـامعة باجـي مختـارـ عنابـة‬
Faculty of Technology ‫كليـة التكنولوجـيا‬
Department of process engineering ‫قسم هندسة الطرائق‬

Content Tailored to specific contexts Covers general topics like

(e.g., scientific, technical, travel, entertainment, daily life
business)
Grammar and structure Focuses on grammar and Covers a wide range of
structures relevant to the field grammar and structures
Materials Often uses authentic, field- Uses general textbooks,
specific materials (e.g., reports, articles, and everyday
manuals) materials

Similarities between ESP and EGP

Language Skills: Both ESP and EGP focus on developing the four basic language skills:
listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Grammar and Communication: Both types of courses include grammar and encourage
effective communication, though the content may differ.
Goal of Fluency: Whether learners are studying ESP or EGP, the ultimate goal is to become
fluent and confident in using English for their specific or general needs.
Adaptability: Both ESP and EGP can adapt to the learners’ level of proficiency, from
beginner to advanced.
Example Scenarios:
ESP:
 An engineer needs to learn how to write technical reports in English and explain
complex systems related to wastewater treatment.
 A doctor wants to learn medical terminology in English to communicate with
international patients and colleagues.
EGP:
 A tourist learns how to ask for directions and order food at a restaurant while
traveling.
 A student learns how to talk about hobbies, introduce themselves, and participate in
general social conversations.
Conclusion
While EGP focuses on general communication skills for everyday use, ESP is more targeted
and specific, designed to meet the professional or academic needs of learners. Both are
essential in different contexts, depending on the learner's goals.
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research ‫وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي‬
Badji Mokhtar - Annaba University ‫جـامعة باجـي مختـارـ عنابـة‬
Faculty of Technology ‫كليـة التكنولوجـيا‬
Department of process engineering ‫قسم هندسة الطرائق‬

Activities:

Activity 1: True or False

 Instructions: Read each statement and decide if it is True (T) or False (F).

1. "ESP courses are designed for specific professions and fields, such as law, medicine,
and engineering."
2. "EGP focuses on everyday language use, applicable to a wide range of general
situations."
3. "An English course for hotel staff to improve communication with guests is
considered EGP."
4. "EGP courses are generally shorter and more specialized compared to ESP courses."
5. "ESP courses often include technical vocabulary that may not be relevant in general
English settings."

Activity 2: ESP vs. EGP Identification

Instructions: Below are several paragraphs. Read each one carefully and decide whether it is
an example of ESP or EGP.

Paragraph 1:
The patient presented with symptoms of acute respiratory distress and was immediately put on
mechanical ventilation. Blood samples were taken to measure oxygen saturation and to rule
out sepsis.

 ESP / EGP

Paragraph 2:
When you arrive at the airport, go straight to the check-in counter to drop off your luggage.
Then proceed through security to reach your gate.

 ESP / EGP

Paragraph 3:
The bioreactor is used in the treatment of wastewater to degrade organic matter by harnessing
the action of microorganisms under controlled conditions.
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research ‫وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي‬
Badji Mokhtar - Annaba University ‫جـامعة باجـي مختـارـ عنابـة‬
Faculty of Technology ‫كليـة التكنولوجـيا‬
Department of process engineering ‫قسم هندسة الطرائق‬

 ESP / EGP

Paragraph 4:
In the evening, many people like to go out for dinner with friends, go to the movies, or relax
at home with a book.

 ESP / EGP

Paragraph 5:
In today’s meeting, we will discuss the company's new marketing strategy, focusing on social
media engagement and customer retention metrics.

 ESP / EGP

Paragraph 6:
On your trip to Paris, be sure to visit the Eiffel Tower and try some local French cuisine, like
croissants and escargot.

 ESP / EGP

Activity 3: Match the Sentences to the Categories

 Instructions: Read the following sentences and match each one to either ESP or EGP.

1. "Learn how to write professional emails in a business environment."

2. "Understand common greetings and small talk in English."
3. "Study vocabulary related to water treatment processes."
4. "Practice grammar rules for everyday conversation."
5. "Develop skills for interpreting technical manuals."
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research ‫وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي‬
Badji Mokhtar - Annaba University ‫جـامعة باجـي مختـارـ عنابـة‬
Faculty of Technology ‫كليـة التكنولوجـيا‬
Department of process engineering ‫قسم هندسة الطرائق‬

Activity4 :Paragraph: Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Exploitation

Fill in the gaps using the provided words:

In the field of environmental engineering , engineers must understand the processes involved
in __________ (1) water treatment. This includes knowledge of __________ (2) filtration,
chemical treatments, and __________ (3) techniques. The English course focuses on
__________ (5) terminology and communication skills necessary for professionals working in
wastewater __________ (6). Students will learn how to read technical __________ (7), write
project reports, and discuss __________ (8) procedures with colleagues and international
partners. Understanding English specific to this __________ (9) ensures that engineers can
effectively operate and manage wastewater treatment plants efficiently and safely.

Management - Disinfection- - Biological- Industry- waste- Treatment – Technical - manuals