The difference between EAP and General English

Each English course serves a distinct purpose and caters to different audiences. This article will help you make the right decision before you enrol.

General English

A General English course will improve overall proficiency in the English language by focusing on developing the four core skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course is ideal if you want to improve your everyday communication for socialising, travel or work in Australia.

General English courses often cover a wide range of topics, including everyday situations, social interactions, and basic workplace communication. You’ll gain confidence in communicating independently in English, improved reading, writing, speaking and listening ability, and better study and work opportunities in Australia and around the world.

They are suitable for learners at various levels, from beginners to advanced, and will give you a solid foundation in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. The primary goal is simply to help you become a more confident and effective communicator in general settings.

English for Academic Purposes

English for Academic Purposes is a specialised branch of English language teaching focused on preparing students for academic study in English-speaking environments. The English for Academic Purposes curriculum is designed to equip you with the language skills you need for success in higher education.

EAP 1 is the introductory level of an English for academics program, and at Torrens University we consider it an intermediate English course. It aims to build foundational academic language skills, including understanding and producing academic texts, participating in seminars and lectures, and developing critical thinking and study skills. During this course, you will learn to write essays, reports and other academic documents, as well as how to engage with complex materials.

EAP 2 is a more advanced level and is taken by students who have already completed EAP 1 or have a higher level of English proficiency. EAP 2 prepares you for the unique challenges of academic study by focusing on more sophisticated aspects of academic writing, advanced research skills, and the ability to critically evaluate academic sources.

The key differences between English for Academic Purposes and General English

The primary differences between an EAP course and a General English course is their objectives and content focus. General English aims to improve overall language proficiency for everyday use, while EAP is English for academics.

Content and skills focus

General English courses cover a broad spectrum of topics relevant to daily life and general communication. They emphasise practical language use in social and professional contexts. In contrast, the English for Academic Purposes curriculum is more specialised, concentrating on academic language and skills such as essay writing, note-taking, and critical reading. The content of EAP courses is often more complex and demanding, reflecting the higher level of proficiency required for academic success.

Target audience

General English courses are for anyone looking to improve their English for personal, travel or work purposes, and are suitable for learners at all proficiency levels. On the other hand, EAP courses are specifically designed for students preparing for higher education in English-speaking countries. They are usually intended for learners with an intermediate to advanced level of English proficiency.

Assessment methods

Assessment in General English courses often involves practical language use, such as oral presentations, written assignments and listening comprehension tests. EAP courses, however, focus on academic tasks, including research projects, academic essays and presentations. The assessment criteria for EAP are aligned with the expectations of academic institutions, ensuring you are prepared for the challenges of academic study.

How to choose between EAP and General English

Choosing between an EAP and a General English course depends on your personal goals and language needs. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Academic goals

If you plan to further your studies at an English-speaking university or college, an EAP course is essential. It will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in an academic environment. General English, while helpful, will not specifically prepare you for the demands of higher education.

Current proficiency level

Consider your current level of English proficiency. General English courses are suitable for learners at all levels, from beginners to advanced. EAP courses, however, typically require at least an intermediate level of proficiency. Assess your skills and choose a course that matches your current level and future goals.

Learning style

Think about your preferred learning style and the type of content you enjoy. If you prefer a broad range of topics and practical language use, a General English course may be more suitable. If you enjoy academic subjects and want to develop specialised language skills, an EAP course is the better choice.

Career goals

Your career goals can also influence your decision. For improving English for use in most workplaces, a General English course will be sufficient. However, English for academics working in research or teaching will be better served by an EAP course.

Both General English and EAP courses offer valuable language learning opportunities, but they serve different purposes. Consider your academic goals, current proficiency level, learning style, and career goals when choosing between these courses.

If you need more advice about which course is right for you, speak to our Future Student Advisors.