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Exam day is approaching. Here are some pointers that should be very useful in the final stages(if you’re not already following them) 🙂
-set a revision timetable of topics to cover and questions to complete (a revision kit would make this much easier)
-add focus to your revision using exam tips but don’t rely on them!
-work at least two questions a day if possible under exam conditions
-be prepared for core areas that always come up (risk assessment, evidence, ethics, reporting).
-do a plan for every question
-write in clear sentences using 1 point=1 mark guide and if its not answering the requirement don’t write it.
-give your answers substance by adding the whys and hows.
-don’t waste time learning IAS/ISA numbers. Learn principles to apply.
-look at model answers only after you’ve done the question and use them as revision notes (they’re too detailed to achieve in the real exam)
-when in doubt, use common sense to answer questions(you’ll be surprised how much marks you can gain)
-simulate the exam with at least one full mock before you face the real thing.Good Luck for the exam
Good work man… best of luck.
I would like to add a tip;
-When attempting any past exam paper do make sure that in the end you refer to the examiner’s comments on the answers for that attempt, it is really helpful.Great help thanks mate.
Just 2 quick questions, would you advise to revise the IAS’s separately and go through each one with a relevant question.
Also although I don’t want to, I try to write the answer when looking at the model answer and end up including every detail which is taking a lot of time. I have started answering on my own, would you say repeating the questions twice in a row would be helpful?
Thanks
@ugras05
The ISA approach is ok but I find its useful to balance your question practice by
Using the syllabus topics to split questions into these areas:
Risk Assessment/planning
Evidence and Procedures
Reporting
Assurance and Other Assignments
Ethics/Practice Management
Current Issues
The examiner tends to test widely and brings in multiple issues (IAS & ISA) in
one question.It’s best to have a go first then look at answers as it helps you to
think ‘on the spot’ like you would have to in the exam.Repetition is indeed essential.
At first attempt you may:
-panic
-run out of time
– miss requirements and points in question
– write too much(irrelevant) or too little (vague)
IT’S OK just make a note of your weaknesses and go again.
Compare your first answer with your second or third and note the improvements.
By exam day, your timing becomes impeccable, you move faster through the material and you’re
able to relax, think more and write less.Thanks Rajiv.this will be my 3rd attempt.previous score have been 39 and 42.
On the exan day I always panic and start writing in Layman words.How can I overcome this? Thanks@naomsfal
The best advice I can think of is to be confident. Don’t be too hard on yourself as most students have the same problem.
To remedy exam panic you should address the causes which usually are:
(1)poor time management- practice exam questions under strict time conditions to get a feel for the real exam(2) lack of planning- read the scenario, think and pick out salient points for the majority of your answer. You will avoid having to analyse WHILE you write which is much more stressful.
(3) Trying too hard- Many students want to achieve a perfect answer using perfect english but this is impossible in the circumstances. Write clear, simple sentences that answer the requirement and use common sense and obvious points in your answer when you run out of ideas.
Hope this helps
@Rajiv thanks so much for your response.I will try these tips..
Here’s a tip to save you time in the exams.
1 Read the requirements FIRST
2. Then read the question and have two different colour highlighters in your hand.
3. As you read through the question, highlight the pertinent words which will assist you in compiling your answer. These may be risk considerations, or evidence or ethical matters.
Plan your answer so that when you start to write you don’t have to waste time looking for a point which you read earlier.
This saves lots of time under exam conditionsYour tips are truly helpful. I am considering starting with the Section B first in order to maximize time to answer Q1. I usually start with Section A and struggle through Section B. I’m hoping for a pass as well as this is my final paper. I am just revising my technique and plan to do a mock exam tomorrow God willing.
All the best to everyone. God bless you!
Which mock exam will you attempt mate? The trouble is what if the chosen mock covers a totally different areas or will you choose out of the main areas?
@Rene
What do you think was the problematic area?? Mine is the 3rd attempt, scored last time 49. I was not able to get with the requirements and also that wrong question selection.@Satesh
It is my first attempt and I am more super confused than you people and after reading all mishaps with your people, I am now much super depressed…@zlip792 dont be depressed.You can always pass on your first attempt.This s my 3rd attempt.Ist time I wasnt prepared,2nd time,my lack of P2 knowledge let me down.now I feel much more cobfident.i got great tips from OT.practice questions,understand the requirement asked and plan your answer.Goodluck everyone.In a few weeks tine we will celebrate.
I used Kaplan study kit this time around. I found it to be very helpful and less confusing for me to grasp the topics for the exam. Kaplan Engage has an Assessment Exam on there, so I will do it tonight. This is my third attempt at this paper as well. Got 34 and 36 in my last two attempts, praying for a pass this time.
@naomsfal
Well, actually my F8 is still not cleared that’s why I am more depressed, I failed it on 41 and 40 twice.@zlip792
You look like what I had been facing for a long time. I cleared F8 in the 4th attempt and for P7 its the third attempt. My advice would be don’t be depressed now, just be confident. Thing is that try and grasp the requirements because at most of the stages you must be knowing the answer but presenting is appropriately is the key.@Satesh
Thanks, I always found F8 juggernaut.My problem is with the P2 standards, I just can’t get grasp of them.
This is my second attempt, got 46 last time cos question 2 and question 4 let me time.
Today I will concentrate on accounting standards and the audit report.
No time to do a mock exam, I love Business risks but I got a feeling Audit risks or Financial statement risks are going to come up for question 1. They both look very similiar.
@ugras05
Hey.. just an advice based on your comment.. there is a hell lot of difference b/w Audit Risk and Business Risk. Make sure that you are familiar as soon as possible.@satesh Hello mate,
I know mate, I mean between Audit risk and risk of financial statements.
Business risk is so different from them 2.
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