[em]

I sit for BEC in 2 weeks and am beginning to worry about WC. I’ve read on all the forms the proper format and keep seeing just “fill in buzz words” can someone give me an example of doing this? I’m a visual person and would really benefit from actually seeing how to “just list buzz words”
Thanks!!!

[Needs Advice]

What I did was use the topic of the memo/letter to create content. For example if they were having a problem with accounts receivable, I would use that in a sentence to create thought.

EXAMPLE:
Thank you for allowing me to help you with your accounts receivable issue. In order to determine the right course of action we need to understand what issues can stem from this affecting accounts receivable. Those issues could be “point 1”, “point 2”, “point 3”.

Small paragraph on point one and how it affects A/R
Small paragraph on point two and how it affects A/R
Small paragraph on point three and how it affects A/R

Conclusion choosing a solution based on one or multiples points already stated.

This is not perfect but just an idea off the cuff. The buzzwords just mean to use terms related to the topic. So if A/R is the topic, related terms could be: sales, the balance sheet, acrual accounting, trade loading, uncollectible receivables. Again this was not a question I got, but merely trying to create an example. Not saying I am right, but I used this method and passed BEC so.

BEC: 7/31/16 (Awaiting Results)
AUD: 9/8/16
REG: 10/22/16
FAR: 12/3/16

[alloverit]

material(ity), conservatism, record(ed), stated, (income) statement, period, balance(d) (sheet), value, control(s), budget(ing), policy, cost(s)(ing), capital, financial, data, customer, debt, equity.
These are all powerful words that apply to a variety of scenarios…hence: buzzwords. There are gaziliions more (hint: don't use “gazillions”…it isn't a real word).

[Adam]

instead of trying to game it..learn the material and explain it thoroughly..the buzz words thing is a joke and no proof that it has any effect on score.

[alloverit]

@Adam.
Knowing the material is always a good idea, but imagine getting on the test and freezing up. The buzzword strategy is real. I have actually talked to someone at the AICPA (retired at the time and since deceased) who told me that you can actually make an INCORRECT statement in the written portion and score higher than someone who provides a correct answer to the same question if enough of the right words are used in the incorrect answer. She had no reason to lie to me. That conversation took place in 2012. So clearly that is enough time that things could have changed…but I kinda doubt it.

Still, your point largely stands because if you know the material, you're likely to use the correct words anyway…at least enough to pass.

[Recked]

I used the brain storm method. Read the question and wrote down every “buzz word” about that topic that came to my mind on the scratch paper.
Then I formulated something of a mental outline, and then I just shoveled all the words into the mix.
Highly suggest just brain dumping all those buzz words immediately, and then worry about how to make them fit into a coherent written piece. Writers block on the exam is very real and very crippling.

[Mike J]

Adam, no need to be condescending. We're all on here to help. Obviously, we should strive to learn the material as best as we can. But not all of understand everything completely. Maybe we should respond in kind to any of your questions. Knowledge is one thing but it's quite another to demonstrate that to others in a way they understand. Sorry but that sort of attitude upsets me. Someone had to teach you at some point. But I digress.

I come from a writing career. I'm no William Shakespeare but even I get hit with writer's block. It will happen from time to time, especially when you add an immense pressure situation like only the CPA exam can.

Whenever I'm struggling to put ideas to paper (eg in an email to a client or co-worker), I use a 3-line rubric. First line–this is what I'm going to tell you. Second line–this is what I'm telling you. Third–this is what I just told you. Put a line between each.

The “this” is whatever the question stem says to address.

9 out of 10 times the act of just doing that frees up the whatever buzzwords or subject matter from memory I need to compete the assignment.

At the very least, you should get some points because you put something down and didn't waste time freaking out about what you don't remember. After all, you have to write a similar structure anyway.

Look. You put in the work to study your ass off. Knowing that you have a plan no matter what and sticking to it will help you relax some nerves. Then the work you put in will pay off.

[Author]

Replies