ABSTRACT
This chapter considers English for specific purposes (ESP) from a learning perspective. It focuses on ESP learners and their characteristics. The chapter presents some further discussion on common types of ESP course from a learning perspective. It covers the following areas: general features of ESP learning, different types of English for academic purposes (EAP), different types of English for business purposes (EBP), legal english, medical nglish and the role of learners. In-sessional EAP is often provided to support students while they are engaged in their academic study. Pre-sessional courses tend to be English for general academic purposes, as the classes are inevitably heterogeneous, with students from different disciplines in one class. Full-fee-paying international students are often required to enrol in full-time language courses prior to academic study. When looking at business English, a distinction can be made between EBP and English for occupational purposes.
