Includes bibliographies.

Introduction

CHAPTER ONE Learning purpose A Argument -- B Discussion -- 1. Historical perspectives -- 2. Education and training -- 3. Aims, objectives, and learner needs -- 4. Competence and capacity -- 5. Register analysis and needs analysis -- 6. Restricted languages -- 7. Communicative language teaching

CHAPTER TWO Language use A Argument -- B Discussion -- 1. Idealization -- 2. Itemization of skills -- 3. Schemata -- 4. Ambiguity -- 5. Schematic anticipation -- 6. Tautology and metaphor -- 7. Perception -- 8. Frame procedures -- 9. Routine procedures -- 10. Formulations -- 11. Co-operative and territorial imperatives

CHAPTER THREE Course design and methodology A Argument -- B Discussion -- 1. Comprehension questions -- 2. Procedural vocabulary -- 3. Methodology -- 4. Schematic types and genre -- 5. Procedural types and cognitive style

CHAPTER FOUR In conclusion

References

"H.G. Widdowson's aim in this book has been to enquire into the theory underlying the concept of English for Specific Purposes and, by implication, of any language taught where there is a specification of purpose. Professor Widdowson provides a framework which can be used for clarifying various current ideas and argument, and for assessing the effectiveness of practices in the field. Each of the three main chapters, Learning Purpose, Language Use, and Course Design and Methodology consists of two parts. The first part presents the main argument, while the second takes up issues arising from the argument. This arrangement parallels that of lecture followed by discussion and permits the author to present the main issues as he sees them cogently and forcefully. The book ends with a fourth chapter which recapitulates and concludes the argument of the preceding chapters." (Book Cover)