[thorsbew]

Hello all!

I’ve finished 3 parts and taking my last part on Monday. However, in the two times that I’ve had non-passing scores, I did not do well in the writing section. Does anybody have any general guidance on what they are looking for or what sort of response I need to post? Thank you!

Aud - 65 + 79, BEC - 82, REG - 89, FAR - 86

[tax_vixen]

I don't know what areas I did weakest in on my exams (how do you even find that out??) but my biggest piece of advice for the writing section is to use key words. I've been told that they'll search for keywords in your writing. It's not the only thing they look for but it's an easy area to slip up. Make sure you are answering the question using exact terms/phrases from your study material.

I never practiced for the writing portion, just made sure to proofread for spelling/grammar and keywords.

Good luck!

AUD - 92 :: REG - 99 :: FAR - 92 :: BEC - 82

[thorsbew]

Vixen,

When you don't pass a section, they send you a report to let you know what areas you had comparable scores to a passing candidate. I failed Audit this time last year and didn't do well in Writing. I took a trial FAR exam back in August and found out my writing wasn't up to par in that section too.

To my defense, the questions weren't exactly clear on what they wanted but there has to be SOME standard! I'll take your advice and throw in more accounting terms. I might have been dumbing down things in my answer.

Aud - 65 + 79, BEC - 82, REG - 89, FAR - 86

[Anonymous]

I actually read on the AICPA website, that some written communications are graded by a computer. Seriously, NOT a real life person. I read this before going into my exams. I'm not the best writer. I make the written communication presentable. Keep statements short but to the point. Remember to state KEY words. I suspect that when the computer is grading it is searching for key words relevant to the question. Just a thought.

I personally think you shouldn't worry about sounding professional or politically correct. Just hit the key words. Don't ramble.. short, sweet and to the point 🙂 Good Luck!!

[whitesoxfancpa]

1. Use key words. If it's on percentage of completion method, use the words “percent,” “complete,” “gross profit,” etc. You get the idea.

2. Keep sentences short to medium length and to the point.

3. Keep paragraphs short and to the point. Five sentences tops, in my opinion.

4. Make sure your English is perfect, or as perfect as you're capable of. I know not everyone remembers freshman high school composition, but watch your commas, run-on sentences, etc.

For example, my first sentence in #4 ended with “of.” From what I remember, that's a no-no. If you don't know how to correct it, change the sentence. If this post was a written communication on a CPA exam, I'd have instead written, “Make sure your English is as perfect as it could possibly be.” That way, I say the same thing, but don't end with “of.”

AUD 96 FAR 95 REG 94 BEC 88

[tulip]

Use your spellcheck – that's an easy loss of points.

Grammar is critical from what I've heard: subject/verb agreement, lack of run-on sentences, comma placement.

Intro, points, supporting explanation for each point. Conclusion point. Some sort of polite closing.

I've also heard writing too much means more opportunities to lose points. So keep it concise, nicely flowing and transitioning, and easy to read.

BEC - 10/18/2010 - 79
FAR - 10/28/2010 - 82
AUD - 11/04/2010 - 73; 02/18/2011 - 86 - IT'S OVER!!!!!!
REG - 11/21/2010 - 83

[michelle119]

I've always used the 5 paragraph format that I learned back in high school for a state test to get my high school diploma. Basically its an intro paragraph, then 3 paragraphs with an example in each, and then a conclusion. I try to use that format as best as possible, most of time time its only 3 paragraphs and each paragraph is only a couple sentences. I think the more concise you are the better. Best of luck!

FAR 7/2 - 88
BEC 7/30 - 87
AUD 8/27 - 80
REG 11/12 - 96

[Author]

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