Book excerpt: Introducing Needs Analysis and English for Specific Purposes is a clear and accessible guide to the theoretical background and practical tools needed for this early stage of curriculum development in ESP. Beginning with definitions of needs analysis and ESP, this book takes a jargon-free approach which leads the reader step-by-step through the process of performing a needs analysis in ESP, including: how to focus a needs analysis according to the course and student level; the selection and sequencing of a wide variety of data collection procedures; analysis and interpretation of needs analysis data in order to write reports and determine Student Learning Outcomes; personal reflection exercises and examples of real-world applications of needs analysis in ESP. Introducing Needs Analysis and English for Specific Purposes is essential reading for pre-service and in-service teachers, and students studying English for Specific Purposes, Applied Linguistics, TESOL and Education.