BEC – Formatting Written Communications

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #1505233
    GinjaNinja
    Participant

    Hi everyone, my BEC Exam is tomorrow, and I have a question about formatting the written communications. While reviewing Roger’s written communications, I noticed that several include the subject of the memo in the heading by using “RE:” (i.e. regarding). For example:

    To: Management of ABC Company
    RE: Internal Control

    I was initially under the impression that the memos should all start with “To” and “From.” Are there certain circumstances when to use “RE:” vs “From”?

    I was planning on using the following format:

    To: John Smith, XYZ Company
    From: CPA Candidate

    1st paragraph (2-3 sentences):
    Hi John Smith, thank you for your question regarding [restate what they are asking in prompt]

    2nd paragraph (4-5 sentences):
    Supporting facts

    3rd paragraph (4-5 sentences):
    Supporting facts

    4th paragraph (3 sentences):
    Restate what they are asking in the prompt again. If you need any additional information or have questions regarding this memorandum, please feel free to contact me at 123-456-7890.

    Sincerely,
    CPA Candidate

    Is this format correct? Any insight from those who have scored stronger in written communications would be really helpful. Thank you in advance!

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  • #1505715
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    You don't have to put in “to” and “From”. I also didn't sign mine. I liked the format that people repeatedly mention-“here is what I am going to tell you, here is what I am telling you, here is what I told you.” I tried to restate as much as possible from the original question in the beginning and then tried to expand on it with what I knew. The ending was more in a business format of “I look forward to discussing “xyz” with you further. Please let me know should you have any questions or require additional information. Mine were about 3 paragraphs each. I scored an 82.

    #1505775
    GinjaNinja
    Participant

    @anyatver Thank you for your input! My exam is in about 4 hours. I have been preparing for this exam for 8 weeks, putting in about 200 hours. I feel prepared, but you never really know with these exams. Any last words of advice?

    #1505817
    fanch
    Participant

    Your formatting looks perfect. I followed Roger's examples as well. Restated the question in the first paragraph, explained anything I knew about the subject in the following one to two paragraphs (focus on including any key word you can think of because that's what the exam looks for), and wrapped it up by thanking and restating the question again. Good luck!

    #1505838
    GinjaNinja
    Participant

    @fanch Thank you!

    #1505883
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    My only words are good luck! If you put in the time and feel prepared, chances are you will do well! And don't over analyze the questions-just do it:)

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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