The EWET is the English Writing Entrance Test conducted by SUTD for selected Freshmore students in term 1. It is an English Diagnostic Test run by the Centre for Writing and Rhetoric (CWR) to ensure that undergraduate students have the necessary skills to cope with HASS readings, essays and other modules that require some form of writing. Students who fail the EWET are not expected to withdraw from SUTD. However, they are required to take two additional modules – Freshmore English Programme in term 1, as well as Freshmore Communication Programme in term 3, during their Freshmore year.

Freshmore English Programme (FEP)

• Duration: Eight weeks (16 hours); weekly (2hrs)
• Start: first term – academic week three
• Outcome: This is a Pass/Fail module and the grades will appear on the student’s transcript when they graduate from SUTD. Students have to pass FEP in order to graduate.

During the module, students will have the opportunity to learn essay writing skills and techniques, pick up close reading and critical reading skills, learn textual analysis and write critical responses to academic based articles.

Exemptions will be given for students who meet the criteria stated in the table below. If students submit more than one category of scores, the category with the higher score will be considered for the exemption.

All students without the above minimum qualifications and scores must take the EWET.

The FEP, or the Freshmore English Programme is a 4-week (4 hours per week) English module that is offered in term 1 for selected freshmore students. Lessons are conducted twice a week, for 2 hours at a time. This is a Pass/Fail module and the grades will appear on the student’s transcript when they graduate from SUTD. Students have to pass FEP in order to graduate.

During the module, students will have the opportunity to learn essay writing skills and techniques, pick up close reading and critical reading skills, learn textual analysis and write critical responses to academic based articles.

Freshmore Communication Program is a mandatory no fuss six weeks crash course designed to bring all undergraduates’ academic writing up to speed.

This mandatory module will take place in term 3.

There will be a given reading on a theme/topic. Students will be required to read the reading, and provide a valid written response of approximately 800 words to the issues highlighted in the readings. The entire test will take 1 hour 30 mins.

The EWET will be conducted on Tuesday,13 Sep, 2pm -3.30pm. It will be held remotely. Instructions will be sent by OSA about accessing the test.

Ensure you have no problems accessing eDimension.

The student will receive a Word document with the question. Since the essay must be submitted online (through a link provided on eDimension), the student should type out their answers on Word and save it either in .doc, .docx, or .pdf.

There is no preparation or studying required. You just have to be present virtually to access the test, read the question carefully and give a logical and coherent written response. Please be reminded that you should write in proper, grammatical sentences and choose a tone which is appropriate.

You are, however, encouraged to read this short book:

William Strunk, Jr. & E. B. White, Elements of Style, 4th Ed. (Allyn & Bacon, 2000).

You are not expected to withdraw from SUTD if you fail the EWET. If you fail the EWET, you are required to complete the following:

• Freshmore English Program (term 1)
• Freshmore Communication Program (term 3). FCP is a Pass/Fail module and you will need to pass both in order to graduate from SUTD.

Students who failed the EWET will receive an email from Office of Student Administration(OSA) in week two, informing them that they have been enrolled into the FEP. The email will also include their weekly class timing and lesson venue. Your FEP teacher will also follow up with an email to you. The first FEP class will begin in week three.