Howard University Graduate School

English Proficiency Examination (EPE)

Gwendolyn S. Bethea, Ph.D.

Director, Communications and Expository Writing Program

What is the the English Proficiency Examination (EPE)?

Measures writing skills

General use of grammar, including topic development, paragraph and sentence structure, punctuation

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 EPE? (continued)

Consists of a 500-word essay on a topic of choice from a list provided by the Program for Academic Support Services Office (PASS) Current events, topics of general interest, discipline-related

How is EPE Administered?

Taken on Computer Special arrangements can be made for

exempt students who prefer to write their exams

Who Must Take EPE?

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)

Is Registration Required for EPE?

Registration is required online:

(www.gs.howard.edu) Only registered students can take the

examination

How is the Exam Graded?

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

A score of 5 or better is a passing score. You will receive a Certificate of Compliance

A score of 4 up to 4.9 requires a meeting with the Program Director or Writing Lab Assistant; if necessary, an online tutorial; then you will receive your certificate

A score of below 4: You must take the One-Credit Academic Communication Course to improve writing skills

Who is Exempt?

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

Academic Communication Course

If you fail the examination, you must 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 School of Education

(Academic Support Building); other locations as necessary

When and Where is EPE Administered?

Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters

Howard University Founders Library

Main Campus

Digital Classroom, First Floor, Room 116

Some Common Writing Errors

Including the following areas: Writing Clarity Paragraph Development

(Introductory sentences, logical flow, transitional phrases, summaries, conclusions)

Subject/verb agreement Punctuation, i.e., commas versus

semicolons, colons, etc.

Can One Prepare for EPE?

Graduate School Study Guidehttp://www.gs.howard.edu/pass/study_guide.pdf

Purdue Online Writing Lab http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/search.php

Common Errors in English Usage by Paul Brianshttp://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html

The English Chickhttp://www.englishchick.com/grammar/

Writing an APA Style Paperhttp://www.ehow.com/how_2002020_APA_style_paper.html

For More Information

Visit the Program for Academic Support Services website:

www.gs.howard.edu/pass

gbethea@howard.edu

806-7277/6800