cbe tips please for march 2021

Hey Hinaa,

Your persistence is commendable and is exactly what you need to pass this exam.

There are many videos on the ACCA website regarding CBEs, but I’ll give you what helped me the most.

1) Copy the requirement and paste it on to your response sheet (word processor or spreadsheet). That way you can remind yourself of the requirement in case you start deviating from it while you’re typing your answer.

2) Be careful of formulas on the spreadsheet. It’s not exactly like Excel. Particularly if you’re copying and pasting formulas, please double check to ensure your formulas are still correct and summing up the correct cells.

3) There will be some back and forth between the scenario and response. However, the requirement is split into smaller exhibits. You can set these up on your screen as you are answering that part, and close it when you’re on to the next requirement. Don’t keep everything open if it’s not necessary.

4) Use the correct response areas. For reports and discussion, use the word processor. For calculations and appendices, use the spreadsheet. Any interpretations or conclusions from your calculations must be done on the word processor (not the spreadsheet).

5) Remember to reference your work. For question 1, make sure you reference your comments from the word processor to the appendices that you’ll create on the spreadsheet, so the marker knows what you’re referring to.

6) If you make a mistake or get lost in your calculations, and if you don’t have time to fix it, leave your answer as it is. For example if you calculated cost of capital at 12% but you think you made a mistake, continue to use 12% in your calculations. You may lose a mark for getting 12% but you’ll still gain full marks for the rest of the requirements if you use it consistently.

Personally I think NPV questions are much easier on CBE than on paper, since it’s more flexible and easier to lay it out on the spreadsheet. Remember to include a recommendation and discussion of your figures (if required) on the word processor.

I hope this helps.

Glad to hear 🙂 looking forward to you receiving a pass mark this time around. Keep practicing as many questions as possible. You’ve got this.