This summary provides the comprehensive learning material for the third-year
SME (KMO) English exam at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, structured
into key chapters for study.
CHAPTER 1: EXAM INFO
Schedule and Time: The written exam takes place on 5 January at 12
p.m.. You have a total of 3 hours: 35 minutes for vocabulary and
grammar, and 2 hours 25 minutes for reading and writing.
Format: The exam is worth 60% of your total grade. It is completed on
your own laptop (which must be fully charged; bring your charger) using
the Schoolyear platform.
Question Types:
o Vocabulary/Grammar: You must provide the correct word for a
definition or provide a definition for a specific word.
o Reading/Writing: You will write a five-paragraph synthesis of a
maximum of 500 words based on a reader containing three
articles.
Permitted Resources: You may use the Oxford Learner's Dictionary,
Cambridge Dictionary, and the Academic Writing Assistant.
,CHAPTER 2: THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH SYNTHESIS
A synthesis involves combining multiple sources into a single, cohesive text. Your
text must be captivating, clear, and correct.
1. THE INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Motivator: An opening sentence to hook the reader (e.g. an interesting
statement or a brief story).
Thesis Statement: The main point or stance of your text.
Blueprint (Roadmap): A list of the three specific topics your central
paragraphs will cover.
2. THE THREE CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS
Each paragraph must focus on one topic from your blueprint.
Start with a Topic Sentence (limited subject + precise opinion).
Provide Support using examples, statistics, or statements by authorities
from the provided articles.
Use Subtopic Sentences in more complex (Stage II) paragraphs to prove
the main topic sentence.
3. THE CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH
Begin with a reworded thesis statement.
Summarise the main points of your blueprint.
Finish by referring back to your motivator to provide closure.
Crucial: Do not introduce any new information in the conclusion.
, CHAPTER 3: PROFESSIONAL STYLE AND GRAMMAR
To succeed, you must use formal, impersonal language and avoid common
errors.
Tonal Language: Avoid personal pronouns like "I", "we", or "you". Instead
of saying "I think the campaign was good," use "Impressively, the
campaign performed well".
No Process Writing: Avoid describing what you are doing (e.g. "This text
will explain...") and instead cut straight to the facts (e.g. "Specific reasons
for choosing this programme include...").
No Contractions: Write "do not" instead of "don't" and "it is" instead of
"it's".
Linking Words: Use transitions for coherence:
o Addition: Furthermore, moreover, in addition.
o Contrast: However, on the other hand, nevertheless.
o Cause/Effect: Therefore, as a result, consequently.
Horrors of English: Avoid common mistakes like:
o To vs Too: "Too good to be true".
o Its vs It's: "It's" is "it is"; "its" is possessive.
o There/Their/They're: "They're looking for their car over there".
o Plurals/S: Ensure singular subjects have singular verbs (e.g. "It
influences," not "It influence").
SME (KMO) English exam at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, structured
into key chapters for study.
CHAPTER 1: EXAM INFO
Schedule and Time: The written exam takes place on 5 January at 12
p.m.. You have a total of 3 hours: 35 minutes for vocabulary and
grammar, and 2 hours 25 minutes for reading and writing.
Format: The exam is worth 60% of your total grade. It is completed on
your own laptop (which must be fully charged; bring your charger) using
the Schoolyear platform.
Question Types:
o Vocabulary/Grammar: You must provide the correct word for a
definition or provide a definition for a specific word.
o Reading/Writing: You will write a five-paragraph synthesis of a
maximum of 500 words based on a reader containing three
articles.
Permitted Resources: You may use the Oxford Learner's Dictionary,
Cambridge Dictionary, and the Academic Writing Assistant.
,CHAPTER 2: THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH SYNTHESIS
A synthesis involves combining multiple sources into a single, cohesive text. Your
text must be captivating, clear, and correct.
1. THE INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
Motivator: An opening sentence to hook the reader (e.g. an interesting
statement or a brief story).
Thesis Statement: The main point or stance of your text.
Blueprint (Roadmap): A list of the three specific topics your central
paragraphs will cover.
2. THE THREE CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS
Each paragraph must focus on one topic from your blueprint.
Start with a Topic Sentence (limited subject + precise opinion).
Provide Support using examples, statistics, or statements by authorities
from the provided articles.
Use Subtopic Sentences in more complex (Stage II) paragraphs to prove
the main topic sentence.
3. THE CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH
Begin with a reworded thesis statement.
Summarise the main points of your blueprint.
Finish by referring back to your motivator to provide closure.
Crucial: Do not introduce any new information in the conclusion.
, CHAPTER 3: PROFESSIONAL STYLE AND GRAMMAR
To succeed, you must use formal, impersonal language and avoid common
errors.
Tonal Language: Avoid personal pronouns like "I", "we", or "you". Instead
of saying "I think the campaign was good," use "Impressively, the
campaign performed well".
No Process Writing: Avoid describing what you are doing (e.g. "This text
will explain...") and instead cut straight to the facts (e.g. "Specific reasons
for choosing this programme include...").
No Contractions: Write "do not" instead of "don't" and "it is" instead of
"it's".
Linking Words: Use transitions for coherence:
o Addition: Furthermore, moreover, in addition.
o Contrast: However, on the other hand, nevertheless.
o Cause/Effect: Therefore, as a result, consequently.
Horrors of English: Avoid common mistakes like:
o To vs Too: "Too good to be true".
o Its vs It's: "It's" is "it is"; "its" is possessive.
o There/Their/They're: "They're looking for their car over there".
o Plurals/S: Ensure singular subjects have singular verbs (e.g. "It
influences," not "It influence").
