1. Gwendolyn S. Bethea, Ph.D. Director of Communications and Expository Writing Program gbethea@howard.edu 202-806-7277/6800 Graduate School Expository Writing Program

2. How will you express yourself? Writing is for Life

3. 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 Writing Exam (EWE)?

4. How 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

5. 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 Important?

6. Who All 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?

7. Dates, Time & Location Registration & Testing Mode Dates [Fall 2013: August 22-24, 26 -27]  1 st 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 www.cvent.com/d/0cqh6w/4W 2) Graduate School webpage www.gs.howard.edu/default.html 3) PASS www.gs.howard.edu/pass www.gs.howard.edu/pass  Exam typed on computer  Exam may be handwritten by request When, Where & How is the EWE Offered When, Where & How is the EWE Offered?

8. What’s next 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

9.  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 best on the EWE?

10.  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 best on the EWE?

11. 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/

12. 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 Information?