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The Bulldog - For the SWOSU Family

English Proficiency Exam

The SWOSU English Proficiency Examination (EPE) is required of any student making a "D" in ENGL 1213 English Composition II. (Students making an "F" in 1213 English Composition II may not take the EPE — they must repeat the course for a passing grade.)

If you need to take the SWOSU English Proficiency Exam, please register, pay the test fee, and schedule your appointment at the following website:


SWOSU MarketplaceTouchnet

There is no refund for "no shows" or for rescheduling with less than 24-hour notice.

Testing location:
Assessment and Testing Center
1001 N. 7th St. in Weatherford
580.774.7084

Here are some misconceptions about the test that get passed by word of mouth:

  1. "You can't use "I" or "you" in the essay." WRONG! Use "I" for a personal narrative or "you" to give directions to your reader. Just don't shift back and forth. For example, if you begin by talking about "students" or "a student," don't shift to "you" later in the paper.
  2. "Use only short, simple sentences." FALSE! You are to demonstrate that you are a proficient college-level writer, so using only short, simple sentences will defeat that point.
  3. "If you have one misspelled word, you fail." WRONG! There is no set number of misspellings or other errors that will automatically fail a paper. Each test is evaluated as a whole.
  4. "You'll flunk if you don't have a title." WRONG! A title is a good idea, but you will not flunk if you do not have one.
  5. "You must write neatly, in ink, to pass." FALSE! You may use a dark pencil. Just be sure your corrections are as clear as possible. Make your paper legible.
  6. "You must demonstrate creativity, originality, and a flair for writing." WRONG! This test measures basic competence ("proficiency"), not creative brilliance. Organize your thoughts clearly and communicate them in sentences and paragraphs free of major errors to pass.
  7. "If you fail, you are never told why." FALSE! You may make an appointment with the chair of the Language Arts Department. S/he is happy to go over your essay with you, explain why s/he thinks you failed, and suggest strategies for succeeding on your next try.
  8. "Put off taking the test as long as you can." Definitely FALSE! Take the test as soon as possible so you will not get yourself into a tight spot near graduation. It is your responsibility to take the EPE in plenty of time to pass it before your projected graduation date.

Ask any member of the English faculty if you have questions about the EPE. They will be glad to help you prepare for the exam.