elsie,
Keep at the MC questions, like everyone has mentioned above? The written portion can be daunting (as are all the simulations, in my opinion). I've never felt like I did better than about 50% on the simulation tabs (other than the written portion). Things work out in the end.
As far as length goes, I'd follow the typical “essay” that you've been taught throughout the early years of college. You must have a strong introductory paragraph that states the purpose of your essay and the direction that you are going to go. Be sure to have at least three strong points mentioned in your intro paragraph (more is better, but don't include meaningless BS just to fill the page).
Begin each of your following paragraphs with one of the ideas you mentioned in your intro. Think for a few seconds before writing (it will save you revision time). Develop the thoughts fully (perhaps use the research tab if you need to find additional information). I never used the research tabs, but I've heard it works well for others though.
At the end of your memo, be sure to wrap up by, once again, stating the purpose of your communication. You can say it as something like, “I hope that the preceding paragraphs have clearly described the implications and advantages of using the foreign tax credit (or whatever the topic is).” Or “XYZ Corp. can greatly reduce its tax liability by utilizing the full Section 179 depreciation election…” Something like that.
I don't remember the source (or the quote completely) but I've always remembered this principle for writing essays: “I tell them what I'm going to tell them, then I tell them, and then I tell them what I've told them.” It's worked for me thus far.
There you go, Elsie. Each time you ask for a suggestion, I type a novel.
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