Method of marking

Absolutely NOT word-for-word and, if you read the examiner’s comments, writing out “learnt” answers is positively discouraged. I would caution any candidate who is writing out what they have learnt that they are most likely not answering the question set. You certainly need to be using the language of audit (and, where relevant, accounting) e.g. “sufficient appropriate audit evidence”, “risk of material misstatement” and “going concern basis of accounting”. Once you’ve written these in full, by all means then refer to “evidence”, “misstatement” and “going concern” – but the initial impression you give to the marker will be more favourable.

Looking at the published marking scheme for the M/J17 Sample Qs, for example, the purpose of this is to show the range of points that could be made. Note that there will usually be more points than are available – this is to show the range of different points that could be made. Sometimes the points in the marking scheme are what I would call “ideas lists” – these are things that are worth learning but in the exam, you will have to tailor each of the points to the specific Q/scenario. For example, 18(a) there are 5 types of control activity – only 4 were asked for. The Q asked for “an example” for each type. In another exam Q, the examiner could ask for control activities for just class of transactions – sales or purchases – so you would have to give different examples to those in the M/J18 answer.

The flashcards https://opentuition.com/acca/aa/acca-aa-flashcards/ will give you an idea of other lists that might be useful (5 elements of an assurance engagement/5 fundamental principles, etc) – or make your own lists from a review of marking schemes.