The Writing Portion of the CPA Exam ETWR 2377 Business & Technical Communications (Summer 2012)

1. The Writing Portion of the CPA ExamETWR 2377 Business & Technical Communications (Summer 2012) Wiley’s Tips 2010-2011 37th Edition, Vol. 1

2. What’s New? • Multiple Choice – same as before, brief scenario, one answer • 75% of the exam • Simulations – new! • 20% of exam • Real world situations • Communications requirement 10%

3. How are Simulations Graded? • Majority, short answers, computer graded. • Essays graded on writing skills: • Organization. • Development. • Conciseness. • Clarity. • Use of Standard English. • Audience Appropriate.

4. How to Answer Simulations • Wiley’s recommends the Solutions Approach. • Five Steps: • Scan the question – overall topic/concept. • What’s being asked? • Organize answer per topic/concept in question.

5. (How to Answer Simulations continued) • Respond to each tab one point at-a-time. • Feel free to respond to questions out-of-order. • Use split screen to refer back to scenario while answering question. • Use scratch paper, spreadsheet, and calculator.

6. Writing Skills Graded: • Technical accuracy not graded. • CAVEAT: Answers must be “on point” in order to be graded in the first place! • Be sure you’re answering the question asked, rather than going on a tangent.

7. (Writing Skills continued) • Logical formation of ideas – outline. • Organize response in logical manner: • Short paragraphs. • Ident. • Topic sentence. • Finish discussing old information before moving on to new information. • Parallel structure/sentences.

8. (Writing Skills continued) • Uniformity among noun, verb tense, and number. • Use pronouns or synonyms. • Use transitions (i.e. therefore, moreover, etc.). • Conciseness – short, sweet & to the point. • Active voice vs. passive voice.

9. (Writing Skills continued) • Clarity • No abbreviations. • Agreement b/w nouns, pronouns, verbs, & number. • Give examples.

10. (Writing Skills continued) • Use Standard English • Be aware of spelling, punctuation, & usage • It’s vs. Its • There vs Their vs They’re • Audience Appropriate • Professionals – ok to use jargon, etc. • Non-professionals – avoid jargon, etc.

11. Finally… • Plan • Organize • Write • Proofread • Edit Let’s get started!