Howard University Graduate School English Proficiency Examination (EPE)

1. Howard University Graduate SchoolEnglish Proficiency Examination (EPE) Gwendolyn S. Bethea, Ph.D. Director, Communications and Expository Writing Program

2. 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

3. 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

4. How is EPE Administered? • Taken on Computer • Special arrangements can be made for exempt students who prefer to write their exams

5. 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)

6. Is Registration Required for EPE? • Registration is required online: (www.gs.howard.edu) • Only registered students can take the examination

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. When and Where is EPE Administered? • Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters Howard University Founders Library Main Campus Digital Classroom, First Floor, Room 116

11. 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.

12. Can One Prepare for EPE? • Graduate School Study Guide http://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 Brians http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html • The English Chick http://www.englishchick.com/grammar/ • Writing an APA Style Paper http://www.ehow.com/how_2002020_APA_style_paper.html

13. For More Information Visit the Program for Academic Support Services website: www.gs.howard.edu/pass gbethea@howard.edu 806-7277/6800