Forums › ACCA Forums › ACCA SBL Strategic Business Leader Forums › SBL answer format
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mrjonbain.
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- November 23, 2025 at 8:17 pm #723623
Hello. I would like to ask you about the format of my answer for an SBL exam question.
Firstly, I would like to ask you if it is ok if I refer to a specific model in my answer. For example, I use the PESTEL model to answer a question. I would not explain the model but rather just tell the examiner in one sentence as an introduction that I would use this model to answer the question and I would divide my answer into factors such as economic or social factors. What if I don’t refer or construct my answer based on a model? Would I lose points?
Additionally, I wanted to ask you if I always need to use a special format to answer a question. I know that to gain professional marks for communication, I need to present information in a specific way. For example, if in the question I am told that I need to prepare briefing notes for the board of directors but there are no professional skill points awarded for communication, am I supposed to include the headings, the topic of the briefing etc. in my answer? I have gone through an exam kit question from Kaplan. Although I was told in that question that I prepare briefing notes for the board of directors, the answer given by Kaplan is not formed as briefing notes. It is just a straight forward answer. Is that ok?
I also wanted to ask if you have any resources to prepare to SBL exams, specifically the technique to answer the questions.
Thank you in advance for your help.
November 24, 2025 at 3:04 pm #723642Your approach of mentioning the model before using it seems like the correct approach. With PESTLE or similar model this should give you inbuilt headings for your answer.
In terms of format of the answer,it always should be clear and logical. In terms of using a particular structure, I would personally probably use that structure regardless of marks. This often won’t take long. You might for example have following headings- From, To, Subject and date. This could be followed by a short introduction and purpose of the communication. Hope this helps.
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