[Anonymous]

Hey everyone,

I read a lot of people saying that if one does not know much about the topic they are given that they should just make sure to write something which contains keywords from the scenario. Thoughts?

If one is pressed for time and is unable to figure out what to write. What would you guys suggest doing to get the maximum points?

[Anonymous]

bump… Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Anonymous]

What CPA review materials are you using?

[Anonymous]

@amor Becker and ninja

[Jdn9201]

From what I remember from my exam, I think the writing questions are bs'able to a certain extent. I used Roger, but he teaches a 3 part approach to answering them:

1. Restate their question (tell them what you're going to tell them) – “Dear so and so..I understand that you are reaching out to me in order to (restate question/issue here”.
2. Relate their question to relevant accounting knowledge/facts, make recommendation(s), etc (tell them)
3. Thank them for reaching out to you and restate your answer (tell them what you told them)

Hope this helps!

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Mike J]

I agree with JDM.

Write a skeleton of three sentences, separated by a space each. First sentence, “Understanding the [restate of the thesis of the question] can be very difficult.” Second sentence, should be something like “the strengths of [the thesis] are…” The third sentence should be something like, “thank you for asking me to explain []. Please contact me if you have further questions.”

Then, sprinkle in whatever you remember within the second paragraph.

In short, follow the This is what I'm going to tell you/This is what I'm telling you/This is what I told you format.

[CPA_Chik]

So, would you say that a 3 paragraph memo is enough? I've read that the suggested format is 5 paragraphs (intro, 3 main, and conclusion).

REG - 75!!!
FAR - 66; 73 (FML!!!)
AUD - 09/16
BEC - TBD

[Mike J]

@cpa_chik,

No. I would suggest STARTING with the 3-paragraph format to (1) trick the algorithm into thinking you answered the question and (2) help jog your memory of the subject matter tested as you apply the rubric.

I'm sorry I didn't make myself clearer.

It honestly worked for me on my 79 exam. I knew the first two cold but completely blanked on the third. So I came back to the last after I banged-out the first works of Shakespeare.

Also, you want to maximize points in case your time runs out. Therefore put down the rubric first.

[hhung1485]

I am not sure either. I have my test on tuesday and looking over some WC sims here.

I got one WC about section 404 for Sarbanes Oxley Act.

Lol i spent like 5 min trying to decide how to “bs” a small essay and had no idea.

I am just hoping for WC that are more broad.

FAR - 93
REG - TBD
BEC -
AUD -

[Mike J]

Rule of thumb (for the middle section): tell me/someone in your own words why internal controls are important to maintain.

As a CPA, you are a professional and a teacher. Often, you must teach within a written communication.

So, do y'all know how to answer the question if it comes in an MCQ? Then you know how to write a written memo.

Just think about the logic of what you're doing. Don't use jargon or look for the perfect answer.

And input that into the “This is What I'm telling You” section.

You'll be fine. Just be mindful of what you're asked to do.

[Namstut]

@cpa1srrty, go through
The essay SIMs in Becker and read the answers to all of them. I printed mine out and red them all. It will give you a pretty good idea on the composition and the content. If you know the material, and you should if you are going into the exam, you will have enough of the basic knowledge to complete that section of the exam.

I concur with other replies. 3 sections are enough but make sure you reiterate the subject in question in every paragraph of your essay and give yourself some time to check your grammar.

Good luck!

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[Author]

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