Target Needs of English for University Education and English Textbooks up to class XII: An Evaluation

Abstract

English courses and textbooks are meant to cater to learners' academic and professional needs of English. However, this does not seem to happen in Bangladesh; university students in the country appear to have difficulties in reading their text and reference books in English. The present English syllabuses, and materials up to class XII do not seem to prepare them for the amount and level of reading skills they need for a meaningful university education, which means quality education that helps graduates acquire the best possible knowledge and prepares them for the job market of today's globalized world and not somehow to pass examinations and obtain a certificate in different areas of study in the present world. A lack seems to exist between the levels of English language proficiency needed for higher education, and the level English courses and materials up to class XII help them attain. This paper examines the nature of this lack, and recommends measures to fill it.