Answering SBL questions.

You are partially correct.

The technical contents reflect the theories, models and frameworks which are in the syllabus and you are expected to know these and to be able to apply them rather than simply explain them. This is not an exam in common sense and examiners expect your answers to combine common/business/commercial sense and theories. Theories are developed and included in the syllabus, not as an end in themselves but to help you make sense of information, analyse it and to produce an answer which is technically respectable. Broadly is you you can argue that Michael Porter’s analysis of a situation implies a certain conclusion this is a stronger argument than just using your own ideas (which could, of course, be correct).

The best way to approach the exam is to make sure you know the theoretical material and that you can apply it. If you ever find that you are describing a theory you are probably not addressing the requirements accurately. The best way (actually, the only way) to develop your skills at applying the theories to produce an adequate answer is to practise lots of questions. There are specimen and past exams on the ACCA site, but I suggest you buy a Revision Kit/Question Practice Book from BPP (you get a 20% discount if ordered through this site) or from Kaplan.

Appendices are used to hold details, for example, of how ratios are calculated. They are normal in a report where in the body of the report the results are talked about but the detailed calculations are in the appendix.

Appendices are usually at the back of a real report, but in the exam, because you don’t know how long the report will be, you can put them at the front.