EAP reading and lexis for Thai engineering undergraduates

EAP programmes typically aim to enable students to read their academic textbooks. In Thailand this has become a matter of policy for both the government and the university, and has implications well beyond the need for students (especially undergraduate students) to graduate. This study presents evidence that this aim is an ideal which cannot in present circumstances be attained. The study estimates average student vocabulary knowledge to cover only half the General Service Word List, and less than half of a foundation engineering word list – way below the level necessary for effective reading. Suggestions are made for dealing with the problem.