[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

Just wondering what sort of questions to expect from the business writing component in BEC. I have looked through a ton of sample questions ranging from pros and cons of a company going public, COSO framework, disaster recovery etc.

Are there going to be repeats in terms of topics to write on the BEC simulations? Based on your experience, do questions from Wiley or Becker sims appear on the exam?

Also, what is considered a good length for the response? It says it is a memo, so would 300-400 words suffice?

Thanks.

[musicamor]

They are really hit-and-miss, but it seems like a lot of questions have been focusing on COSO and financial decisions. Please see below:

The written communication (“WC”) portion of the exam can easily be mastered every time. I have always scored above average in the written portion of the exam because I grasped the format that the computer is looking for.

First, since the WC is initially graded by the computer, you want to make sure you include very important key words in your communication; the computer looks for these in what you write. Second, you want to make sure that you have a cohesive 3-to-4-paragraph response that includes an obvious (1) introductory paragraph, (2) a body paragraph (can be two separate paragraphs) and (2) a formal concluding paragraph.

For the intro paragraph, you always want to start by restating the inquiry that is posed. For example, “You asked that provide you with the disadvantages and the advantages in using the net present value method to evaluate capital decisions.” You should always restate the question.

Your body paragraph should go into detail based specifically on your introductory paragraph. If you state one issue in your intro and deviate to a whole different issue in your body, the computer will pick up on that and deduct points. EVEN if you don't know the answer to what they're asking you, BE CONSISTENT. You DO NOT have to know the answer, per se. You just need to show them that you can formulate a well-written, professional memo and your ability to convey your thoughts in a cohesive and purposeful manner. That's all.

You also want to make sure that your writing is free of grammatical and syntax errors. For example, instead of using “they're” or “we're” use, “they are” and “we are.” The foregoing are examples of CONTRACTIONS. You must not use contractions in professional (formal) writing. Make sure you spell everything correctly and that you are punctuating correctly–if you can use a semicolon, do so. Remember, that if you're using quotes “”, your punctuation always goes inside of the quotes, “like this.”

Your conclusion paragraph should not introduce new ideas or concepts–you will be deducted points because that shows inconsistency on your part. You should, again, restate (not verbatim) what you intro says and what you explained in your body paragraph.

This is what I used to compile my responses on the written portion of BEC and I ALWAYS scored excellent on this portion.

Best wishes to you and Jesus bless you!

-Jacob (C) 2012

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[mmcgrad1]

The topics on the WC of BEC vary. They can be from any of the sections of the exam. The best way to prepare is to know how to stay on topic. You are not graded on the technical accuracy of the accounting treatments you speak of in the WC. You are graded on spelling, grammar, and staying on topic. Staying on topic means if a subject is on the roles of the audit committee don't start talking about how the audit committee is selected. Answer the requirements of the WC and stick only to the requirements.

Writing software is used to grade the WC not accounting software. Technical accuracy could play a role if your exam is being manually reviewed because you are a borderline candidate.

As for length of the WC, I would suggest 3-5 paragraphs (more like 4, maybe 5). This would consist of an Intro, 2-3 Subject paragraphs, and a Conclusion paragraph. Keep the paragraphs short, like 3-4 sentences.

The best way to know a good response is to look at a sample response. My review course had two sample WC. I based my WC on the exam from these examples.

NIU CPA Review Correspondence is awesome!

I passed all four sections on the first attempt

[Author]

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