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

Expository Writing Program

gbethea@howard.edu202-806-7277/6800

Graduate School Graduate School ExpositoryExpository Writing Program Writing Program

How will you How will you express yourself?express yourself?

WritinWriting is for g is for

LifeLife

The EWE consists of a 500-word essay on (1) one of several topics provided by the

Program for the Academic Support Services (PASS) Office

Assesses writing skills

Illustrates the ability to explain, describe and inform a reader

What is the Expository What is the Expository Writing Exam (EWE)? Writing Exam (EWE)?

HowHowis the EWE graded? is the EWE graded?

Your exam is graded by an EWE Reviewer

If you score 5 or higher, you will receive an expository writing certificate

If you score between 4 and 5, you will need to review your exam with an EWE Reviewer prior to receiving your expository writing certificate

If you score below 4, you must take/pass a 1-credit Academic Communication course prior to receiving your expository writing certificate

I. Writing skills assessment Paragraph Development &

Organization Stylistic Elements & Writing Clarity Grammar & Punctuation

II. Analytical and Teaching Tool

III. Graduate School requirement for candidacy (Master’s and Ph.D.)

Why is the EWE Why is the EWE Important?Important?

WhoWhoAll students admitted to

the Graduate School

Exempted: Score 5 or higher on GRE Writing Examination

Provisions afforded to students with special needs

Please provide documentation for EWE exemption and/or to make provisions for the EWE

needs to take the EWE?needs to take the EWE?

Dates, Time & Dates, Time & LocationLocation

Dates, Time & Dates, Time & LocationLocation

Registration & Testing Registration & Testing ModeMode

Registration & Testing Registration & Testing ModeMode

Dates [Fall 2013: August 22-24, 26 -27]

1st week in the fall & spring semesters & occasionally in the summer

Time 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location [Fall 2013: Founders] Founders Library,

Digital Classroom or iLab

Only registered students may take the exam

Registration link accessed via: 1) Cvent

www.cvent.com/d/0cqh6w/4W

2) Graduate School webpage

www.gs.howard.edu/default.html

3) PASS www.gs.howard.edu/pass

Exam typed on computer

Exam may be handwritten by request

When, Where & How is the EWE When, Where & How is the EWE OfferedOffered?

What’s What’s nextnext

after the EWE?after the EWE? Within 4 weeks of taking the exam, you

will be notified of your score by e-mail.

Depending on your score, you will:

Make arrangements to pick up your expository writing certificate.

Schedule a time to review your exam with an EWE Reviewer to acquire your expository writing certificate.

Register for and pass the Academic Reinforcement course, and acquire your expository writing certificate from the PASS Office

Retain copies of your expository writing certificate for candidacy and your department’s records

Select a topic you are familiar with and comfortable writing about.

Ensure your essay’s title reflects the essay you write.

Ensure your essay has an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Make an outline to organize your ideas Determine the main idea/ thesis statement

What can I do to do my What can I do to do my best on the EWE? best on the EWE?

Compose topic sentences to introduce paragraphs and use supportive sentences

Use transitional phrases between paragraphs Check punctuation, noun/verb agreement,

grammar and spelling Edit separately for content, grammar, and

spelling End with a strong conclusion that

summarizes your essay’s main ideas

What can I do to do my What can I do to do my best on the EWE? best on the EWE?

Resources and Guides Resources and Guides

Graduate School Study Guide www.g.s.howard/pass/study_guide.pdf

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

Common Errors in English Usage by Paul Brians http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/

Joan The English Chick www.englishchick.com/grammar

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

Visit the Program for Academic Support Services (PASS) Website:

www.gs.howard.edu/pass

Graduate School website:

www.gs.howard.edu/default.html

Gwendolyn Bethea, Ph.D. gbethea@howard.edu

202-806-7277

Need More Need More Information? Information?