Bishop’s University

    EWP Exam

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    General Information

    The EWP exam is a two-hour academic essay exam that helps students compare their writing skills to what is expected in university assignments. The exam evaluates English writing proficiency and is judged on structure (organization and development) and style (standard and appropriate English).

    Passing the exam (or the three-credit course EWP 115) is a BU graduation requirement for bachelor degree students who entered Bishop’s University before the Fall 2020 semester. The EWP requirement must be completed within the first 45 credits of one’s degree. It is necessary for students who have not satisfied their EWP requirement to do so Fall 2023. The three-credit course EWP 115 is the primary method to achieve the EWP graduation requirement. 

    Students are notified of the next EWP exam date by checking their email (BU email account) or by checking The Next EWP Exam web page.

    • Students need to register for the EWP exam.
    • Students should attend the EWP exam workshop in advance of the Fall 2023 exam.

    For more information, see the sub-pages of EWP Exam in the menu and/or the Academic Calendar.

    How to Prepare

    Students should understand how the exam is evaluated and be familiar with sample questions.

    Students should review their previously written EWP exams with a Writing Consultant at the Writing Centre.

    Students should write practice EWP exams and have them reviewed at the Writing Centre in advance of the next EWP exam.

    Appointments to review exams can be made on the Writing Centre Consultation Instructions web page.

    *Note that appointments are not available over the summer months; contact the EWP Coordinator at ewpchair@ubishops.ca to schedule an appointment in August.

    EWP Exam for Exchange Students

    Exchange students are NOT required to write the EWP (English Writing Proficiency) Exam. However, they MUST write the EWP Exam if:

    • They want to know how their written English matches with Bishop’s proficiency requirements.
    • They want a Letter of Attestation that they passed the English Proficiency Exam.
    • They want to register for the course EWP 115.

    Questions?  Please contact the EWP Coordinator.

    Exemptions and Regulations

    Please see the EWP section of the Academic Calendar.