The purpose of this chapter is to establish the background against which this research
study was undertaken and outline its aims in order to provide necessary context for the
chapters that follow. Consequently, since this study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, the
chapter starts with presenting and overview on the country, followed by a discussion of
relevant cultural background. A brief description of the educational system in Saudi
Arabia is then provided. Information is also given on the context of English as a foreign
language (EFL) teaching in the Saudi educational system, followed by a review of
related literature in order to highlight the problem and the gap that the current research
study aims to address. Then, the purpose of the study is outlined. The scope and
limitations of this study are then presented. Finally, the organisation of the thesis is
provided.