howard university graduate school expository writing examination (ewe) gwendolyn s. bethea, ph.d....

Gwendolyn S. Bethea, Ph.D. Director, Communications

and Expository Writing Program

202-806-7277gbethea@howard.edu

Measures writing skills Shows how well you can explain, describe,

or inform a reader Is a Diagnostic and Teaching Tool Was mandated by the Board of Trustees Is one of the prerequisites for Candidacy for

Master’s and Doctoral Degree Should be taken in the beginning of the graduate

program

What is the Expository Writing Examination (EWE)?

Consists of a 500-word essay on one of several topics provided by the Program for Academic Support Services Office (PASS) ◦ Current events, topics of general interest◦ (example, the health crisis, politics, social issues,

etc.)

EWhat is EWE (continued)?

Taken on Computer Special arrangements can be made for

exempt students who prefer to write their exams

How is EWE Administered?

All students admitted to the Graduate School, including◦ Speakers of English as a Second Language

Special provisions provided for students with special needs (please call the PASS office: 806-7277)

Who Must Take the EWE?

Registration is required online:(www.gs.howard.edu/pass)

Only registered students can take the examination

Is Registration Required for the Exam?

Graded by at least two External Reviewers with Writing and Grammar Expertise

If you score 5 or better, you will receive a Certificate of Completion without review

If you score between 4 and 5, you must meet with the Program Director or Writing Lab Assistant and, if necessary, take an online tutorial before receiving the certificate

If you score below 4, you must take a One-Credit Academic Communication Course to improve writing skills; a certificate of completion is provided upon completion of tutorial and/or course

How is the Exam Graded?

Scorers of 5 or above on the GRE Writing Examination are exempt

Documentation is required

A certificate of compliance with the Writing Requirement will be issued by PASS office

Who is Exempt?

If you fail the examination, you are required to take the Academic Communication Course

Focuses on mechanics of writing◦ Grammar, spelling, and punctuation◦ Content and development of writing (thesis

development, paragraph structure, and organization◦ Taken in the Center for Academic Support, School of

Education (Academic Support Building); other locations on campus as necessary; consult online course scheduling during registration; also access link on PASS website

Academic Communication Course

When and Where is the Exam Administered?

Fall and Spring SemestersFounders Library, Digital Classroom, Room 116, May 13-16, 2013, Session times: 10 a.m. to 1p.m.

Compose Comprehensive Outline Determine Main Idea/Thesis Statement Compose Topic Sentences

( to introduce paragraphs) and use Supportive Sentences Use Transitional Phrases between paragraphs Summarize as appropriate Ensure proper punctuation for clarity Ensure noun/verb agreement Check grammar, spelling; end with strong

conclusion Edit separately for content, grammar, spelling;

end with strong conclusion

Writing the Examination

Graduate School Study Guidewww.gs.howard.edu/pass/study_guide.pdf

Purdue Online Writing Lab owl.english.purdue.edu/owl

Common Errors in English Usage by Paul Brianswww.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/erros.html

The English Chick www.englishchick.com/grammar

Tips for Writing Essays www1.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/

r

Resources and Guides

Students advised of results via email Students arrange appointments to review exams, if necessary Students pick up certificates at scheduled times Graduate School sends scores to departments Students/departments/Graduate School retain records of exam results

What Happens After the Examination?

Visit the Program for Academic Support Services

website:www.gs.howard.edu/pass

gbethea@howard.edu806-7277/6800

For more information