Evaluating Students’ Competence in ESP: A Study in Naval Architecture Department of Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis

Abstract

This study evaluates students' competence in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in Naval Architecture Department
of Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis. ESP subject is tailored to meet the specific language needs of students in specialized fields,
aiming to enhance their communication skills in professional contexts. This study employed quantitative method, specifically
a descriptive study. Using a purposive sampling technique, the samples of this study were 17 students of Naval Architecture
Department of Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis. This study used a test to assess students' competence in English for naval
architecture. Key areas of focus included types of ships, parts of ships, ship materials, and ventilation and coating system. The
findings indicated a varying level of competence. The highest score was 77.5 and the lowest score was 47.5. Regarding the
average scores of each topic, the highest average score was in the topic of types of ships (98.2), followed by parts of ships
(65.9), ship materials (54.7), and ventilation and coating system (44.7). This study concludes that a good approach to teaching
ESP is essential for better preparing students for their professional careers especially in the shipping industry. As an implication
for the lecturers of English for Naval Architecture, the topics of parts of ships, ship materials, and ventilation and coating
system, without neglecting other topics out of the focuses of this study, need to be learned more by the students of Naval
Architecture Department.