Planning questions

Do it in the answer book and don’t do it on the question paper (if you do do it on the question paper, replicate it in the answer booklet!)

The ACCA repeatedly say “There continues to be a disappointing lack of visible evidence of the planning process”. The examiner, the ACCA, the markers actively, positively want to see a plan. Plans are indications of organised minds. Plans are what we do in life – everything! I bet that you already know how you are going to travel to the exam centre next week and what time you are intending to arrive there.

It’s just 12.00 as I write this. Do you know what you are going to do for the rest of the day? What you are going to eat? Who you are going to meet later this afternoon? It’s all planned (unless you run your life like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates)

YES, PLAN

Head up the start of a new page “Plan” and then BULLET points, NOT full sentences. Just enough to remind you of the thoughts that came into your head during this reading and planning time. Sit and consider whether you have enough points – 10 marks? 10 points!

Make yourself think of additional things to say, read and re-read the question. Have you answered the question that was asked or some different question that you had hoped would be asked? Did you carefully pay great attention to the verbs used in the requirement? Have you answered the full question “identify AND explain”?

Have you identified evidence that you should expect to find or have you listed procedures that should be carried out?

All of these are matters to be considered in the planning process.

Now you have the basis for an answer. Collect like items together. Think of sub-headings to group together these like items

Rule off your plan. DO NOT CROSS IT OUT!!

Then start your answer sticking to your time allocation of just 1.5 minutes per sentence / paragraph

You’re welcome