[Hammer]

BOOOOM. Thought I would have to wait until the 18th. Pleasant surprise just now. Merry Christmas to me with a 77 on BEC. For those studying this section, don't neglect the writing portion! I can say with almost absolute certainty the writing section is why I passed.

[kappa1032]

Congrats Hammer!! Hope to see you on the other side soon!

[Tarheelgirl]

How did you prepare for the writing section?

[rpull004]

Has anyone failed BEC but received comparable or stronger on the written communication? I have failed twice with a 70 and a 71 and received weaker on both exams for my written communication. I am typically a good writer (at least so I thought lol). I have been addressing my memos with

Dear XXX,

and closing with

Regards,

XXX

I feel this may be the root of my problem and that I should not not include this. Any feedback anyone? Preferably from someone who has failed BEC but rec'd comparable or stronger on the WC. Thanks in advance!!!

[Hammer]

All I really did to prepare for the writing was wait until about 2 days before my exam to watch the lecture on the writing section. I then practiced on a few questions. The biggest thing that helped me was time! I made sure I had ample time at the end of my exam to do all three writing sections. This gave me time to re-read and edit. I had about an hour and fifteen minutes. When doing the mcq's, I never seconded guessed my self, I just answered and moved on.

For what it's worth, I didn't add a greeting or closing on any of the writing questions. Just a beginning middle and end.

[One_day_CPA99]

@MCHAMMER. Thanks for the feedback. how about you @kappa1032! Did you use a greeting and closing for your memos in the written communication or did you just jump into the first paragraph? or does anyone else have feedback on this topic?

[Tarheelgirl]

Thanks for the feedback MCHammer!

[Texan_176]

I got a 77 on BEC as well and it was the writing that saved me too.

I didn't practice at all. Roger CPA suggests a 3 paragraph reply is sufficient of you are pressed for time. I allowed myself 15 minutes to do each essay. Paragraph 1 = restate the question and tell them you are answering their question. Paragraph 2 = answer the question and go into a moderate discussion. Paragraph 3 = thank them, just mention your main idea in paragraph 2, and BS a little.

That's all. Honestly, my essays were middle school level in terms of sentence structure and complexity. BUT, they were correct and clearly written. Fancy words or obscure complicated phrasing will get you into trouble.

Spend more time on learning the BEC concepts rather than learning how to write an essay. If you know the concept you are good to go.

AUD - 83
BEC - 77
FAR - 83
REG - 78

Licensed TX CPA

[One_day_CPA99]

@Texan_176

So I take it you didn't start with a greeting and end end with a salutation (e.g. Dear CFO,…… Sincerely, CPA) but instead started right with the intro paragraph?

[Texan_176]

The “Dear CFO” part is already entered into the memo by the system.

Start with something like “Thank you for contacting us about ________”

End with “Best Regards, Staff Accountant”

Oh, and the software is similar to MS word in that it underlines in red and blue for spelling/grammar errors. There is a spell check with suggested corrections. My review materials had me thinking there was none of that it is just straight typing without any assistance.

AUD - 83
BEC - 77
FAR - 83
REG - 78

Licensed TX CPA

[Anonymous]

@rpull004, I failed BEC with a 70 and was comparable in the written portion. I was weak in econ, financial management, corporate governance, and strategic planning in the MCQ .. I also studied my butt off so I don't know what happened to me! I am starting to believe I am rushing too much on actual test day.. Saying I remember the formula but it looks different… Then i Click an answer choice and move on… Its hard for me to stop doing that crap for some reason!

[Author]

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