A linguistic needs analysis for EFL at the university level

Abstract

This paper deals with determining the linguistic competence of university students in EFL classes that are part of an English Studies degree. It suggests a language deficiency analysis (i.e., a combination of their target situation and their actual situation) to aid in the selection of language content to be taught. The proposed needs analysis makes use of the Oxford Placement Test (OPT), which is described as a sound standardized test for university EFL classes. The results obtained by students in the English Studies Department at the University of Alicante are used to explain how the OPT can be used to determine the students' linguistic competence, their language knowledge, their linguistic needs and their progress in linguistic competence.