The English language is currently the most widespread and most spoken language
around the world. It is the language of science, technology, communication and
business throughout the globe (Crystal 1997). The fact that English is an international
language has driven many countries to take teaching English as a foreign or second
language seriously. Saudi Arabia is no exception to this global trend. Saudi Arabia has
invested a considerable portion of its oil revenues into human development. The
development of the education system is seen as the key to advancement by the
government of Saudi Arabia, where teaching English as a foreign language is
considered as a vital element of the education system (MOE 2009). Learning English is
perceived as a must-have skill that enables Saudi citizens to open to the world and lead
the development of the country. This section provides a general overview on EFL
teaching in Saudi Arabia along with the objectives of EFL teaching in the secondary
level. A brief description of the secondary Year1textbook is also presented. Then,
attitudes towards English learning in Saudi Arabia are discussed. Finally, a review of
related literature is provided in order to highlight the problem and the gap that the
current research study aims to address.