The Writing Portion of the CPA Exam ETWR 2377 Business & Technical Communications (Summer 2012) Wiley’s Tips th Edition, Vol. 1

What’s New? Multiple Choice – same as before, brief scenario, one answer 75% of the exam Simulations – new! 20% of exam Real world situations Communications requirement 10%

How are Simulations Graded? Majority, short answers, computer graded. Essays graded on writing skills: Organization. Development. Conciseness. Clarity. Use of Standard English. Audience Appropriate.

How to Answer Simulations Wiley’s recommends the Solutions Approach. Five Steps: Scan the question – overall topic/concept. What’s being asked? Organize answer per topic/concept in question.

(How to Answer Simulations continued ) Respond to each tab one point at-a-time. Feel free to respond to questions out-of-order. Use split screen to refer back to scenario while answering question. Use scratch paper, spreadsheet, and calculator.

Writing Skills Graded: Technical accuracy not graded. CAVEAT: Answers must be “on point” in order to be graded in the first place! Be sure you’re answering the question asked, rather than going on a tangent.

(Writing Skills continued) Logical formation of ideas – outline. Organize response in logical manner: Short paragraphs. Ident. Topic sentence. Finish discussing old information before moving on to new information. Parallel structure/sentences.

(Writing Skills continued) Uniformity among noun, verb tense, and number. Use pronouns or synonyms. Use transitions (i.e. therefore, moreover, etc.). Conciseness – short, sweet & to the point. Active voice vs. passive voice.

(Writing Skills continued) Clarity No abbreviations. Agreement b/w nouns, pronouns, verbs, & number. Give examples.

(Writing Skills continued) Use Standard English Be aware of spelling, punctuation, & usage It’s vs. Its There vs Their vs They’re Audience Appropriate Professionals – ok to use jargon, etc. Non-professionals – avoid jargon, etc.

Finally… Plan Organize Write Proofread Edit Let’s get started!