The Nature of ESP Needs Analysis
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In writing materials, the writers may follow a model by Hutchinson and Waters. This model aims to provide a coherent framework for the integration
of various learning aspects, while at the same time allowing enough room for creativity and variety to flourish according to Hutchinson and Waters
1987:108. The model of materials development in ESP by Hutchinson and Waters consists of four elements; input, content focus, language focus, and
task. The main focus of each unit of the materials is task. The language and content are drawn from the input and are selected based on what learners need
to do the task. Hutchinson and Waters 1987:108 proposed the four elements of the
materials design model: input, content focus, language focus, and task. 1.
Input. Input may be in the form of text, dialogue, diagram, video-recording or
any piece of communication data. Things provided in input are: -
Stimulus material for activities -
New language items -
Correct models of language use -
A topic for communication -
Opportunities for learners to use their information processing skills -
Opportunities for learners to use their existing knowledge both of the language and the subject matter.
2. Content Focus.
Non-linguistic content should be exploited to generate meaningful communication in the classroom since language is a means of conveying
information and feelings about something and it is not an end in itself. 3.
Language Focus. In language focus, learners have the chance to take the language to pieces,
study how it works and practise putting it back together again. 4.
Tasks. Task is the primary focus of the unit. Materials should be designed,
therefore, to lead towards a communicative task in which learners use the content and language knowledge they have built up through the unit.
Those four elements are presented as follows:
Figure 1: A Materials Design Model by Hutchinson and Waters 1987:109
Input
Task Language
Content