Paper Example on EAP vs Gen. English: In-Depth Analysis, Skills, Areas of Improvement & Conclusion

Task 1 EAP

Diversity has been a collective move toward establishing a similar learning environment. As a result of increased international students across the globe coming together to learn, EAP language has become a common aspect in such a situation. English for Academic Purpose (EAP) language standard highly resembles the general English. However, the two language categories play a significant role in society, and there is a need for the students to be able to distinguish them to use to achieve a useful application.

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Differences between EAP and General English

Despite having some shared similarities, there exist distinctive differences between the general English and EAP. EAP English is concerned with academic purposes; this implies that its application in educational settings. General English is concerned with general communication facilitation. EAP application is not only based on English learning; it extends its capabilities to strong professionalism for the participants (Campion 2016). However, general English is only building on communication and understanding mechanisms between the participating parties. When adopting EAP across the academic setup ensures maintaining formality. Much informality is experienced in contemporary English since the main focus is on communication and enhancing understanding across the individuals being involved. EAP avoids informal phrases when communicating. All the semantics are observed (Campion 2016).

Skills Learned

I have been able to learn about reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. I have been able to establish where each of the skills is needed the most and also where they are applicable. Writing and speaking are similar as they are categorized as productive. Reading and listening are also identical in that they are classified as receptive skills. Through both categories, I am in a position to produce and integrate the English language as part of learning. It involved paying attention and being keen to how something is said and the information carried out by the aspect being spoken about. The most challenging part is using speaking and ensuring that the speech is fluent. I learned to speak English slowly by continually exercising to speak until I mastered the art of speaking. I trained myself to read by using several reading materials. I am capable of reading newspapers, journals, and other documents provided they bear attracting information and also if the contents have an appropriate level of English that I can understand.

Areas of Improvement

Even though I have captured most EAP requirements, there are several areas where I need to improve. The first core issue that I should emphasize and resolve is the presentation part. I can speak, although I am not in a position to do public speaking; hence I am not in a place to reach a wider audience. By being able to integrate presentations while speaking would assist in achieving a broader audience (Maas, 2017. Academic writing is also another section where I need improvement. I will be able to curb the issue by checking on appropriate referencing styles.

Conclusion

English for Academic Purposes and General English both have distinctive characteristics. They are both essential for daily communication and in some instances. EAP is meant for maintaining a certain level of professionalism; hence may not apply between peers since it can potentially result in misunderstanding during the conversation. The two languages have different purposes; thus, their use should be highly observed.

References

Campion, G.C., 2016. 'The learning never ends': Exploring teachers' views on the transition from General English to EAP. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 23, pp.59-70. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1475158516300376

Maas, C., (2017). Receptivity to learner-driven feedback in EAP. Elt journal, 71(2), pp.127-140. https://academic.oup.com/eltj/article-abstract/71/2/127/2447423