Predictors of English as Second Language Proficiency of Pakistani Undergraduate Business Students

Abstract

The study aims to identify the strongest predictors of English as a second language (ESL) proficiency, specifically in reading and writing, among undergraduate management sciences students across three Pakistani universities. Utilizing purposive sampling, data were collected from 350 participants through questionnaires and proficiency tests and analyzed with regression analysis via SPSS. Results indicated that motivation to learn English emerged as the strongest predictor of overall L2 proficiency, followed closely by attitudes towards learning English and the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). For ESL reading proficiency, motivation again ranked highest, followed by SILL and attitudes. In contrast, SILL was the primary predictor for writing proficiency, with motivation and attitudes following. The study recommends that ESL teachers foster environments that enhance student motivation and cultivate positive attitudes towards learning English. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of training learners in effective language learning strategies both in and out of the classroom to improve their ESL skills.