: Unlike more prescriptive guides, it addresses "thorny issues," such as how EAP can reinforce institutional power structures and the "ancillary status" of EAP practitioners within universities. Comparative Value
The Routledge Handbook of English for Academic Purposes (EAP), edited by Ken Hyland and Philip Shaw (and updated in 2026 with Paul Thompson), is a foundational text that bridges the gap between and pedagogical practice in applied linguistics . It serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers, teachers, and advanced students navigating the complex landscape of university-level English. Thematic Structure and Content Handbook of English for Academic Purposes
: Reviewers consistently praise the "international group of renowned researchers" assembled for the project, noting it as an "essential reference" for postgraduate students and TESOL professionals. : Unlike more prescriptive guides, it addresses "thorny
: Explores the field's foundations, debating the merits of general versus subject-specific course designs. : Unlike more prescriptive guides
: Despite its heavy theoretical grounding, the handbook is noted for using illustrative case studies and "concrete examples" from real-world contexts, such as the University of Hong Kong.