Acing that exam
If you are at the Professional Level in ACCA and your exam is just around the corner, you are probably quite comfortable with the material by now. For many, the biggest challenge is presenting your knowledge in the best way to get the most marks for your precious exam time. I want to concentrate on those long discursive questions that are based on a scenario that get the bulk of the marks in the Professional Papers.
1 Read the requirement first
So where to start? Well curiously enough the answer is Start at the end! Be clear as to what has been required of you. Underline the key phrases so that you can quickly check back during the exam to ensure you have not strayed off topic. (Click here to see an ACCA technical article to ensure that you know what the key phrases (e.g. justify/evaluate) actually require of you.)
Do not read the entire text and then read the requirement. Instead read the requirement first and then read the text of the scenario with the requirement in mind. During this reading you should be highlighting the critical facts and figures for yourself so that you can find them quickly when you are collating your answer.
2 Tick-tock!
Watch your timing. Being savvy with your time can ensure that you get those precious marks that otherwise could have slipped through your fingers. Remember it is easier to get 50% out of 100% than it out of 70%. So make sure you allocate the correct minutes to each part of the question and ruthlessly stick with that. When the time is up, move on. The first few marks are far more accessible than the last mark or two in any case.
3 Keep on track
Having a good structure makes sure that you address every part of a question and also that the examiner can follow you easily and award you marks. Do not make the examiner search for your points or calculations. Label your paragraphs to show what topic you are addressing and label all workings so that the examiner can find them easily. If you are writing a report, make sure that calculations are not in the middle of it. All calculations should be included in appendices at the end of your report.
Added to this you might use a mind map to keep you on point. In this way you can keep track of the main points as headings for your paragraphs and ensure that you have covered everything you know by including the subordinate points within the paragraph. See an example where we have used mind maps for an exam question in the video above.
4 It’s all about application
Everything you say, advise or warn needs to be based on the scenario. You won’t get good marks for repeating what you read from a book. Use your common sense to relate your learning to this specific scenario. Put yourself in the accountant’s shoes and think about what you would do if this was your future on the line. Have a look at this for an examiners perspective that you may find eye-opening.
5 Be Professional!
Don’t miss out on those professional points awarded for layout and presentation. They are a gift to you in an otherwise hard graft! Know how to layout a report properly. If you haven’t already done so, check out previous exam sample answers.
In a nutshell, be prepared, be organised, be relevant and be professional. The very best of luck from us all at StudyOnline.ie
