“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau
Essay Questions
This part of the exam has many candidates stressed out and worried, and with reason. The exam allocates one hour to answer two essay questions. That alone can seem daunting, but don’t let it get to you. By learning a few exam strategies, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the essay questions.
The Strategy
Each essay question will have clues that will guide you to the correct answer, but you need to pay attention to them. The clues are verbs such as:
- Calculate
- Analyze
- Examine
- Interpret
- Apply
Pay attention to these verbs as they will help you determine the requirements of the question. If for example, a question asks you to calculate financial ratios, don’t try to interpret them, unless that’s a follow-up question after calculating them.
Time is very valuable, and it’s important that you focus your energy on what the question is asking you to do. A quick way to know if you are answering correctly is to use the same verbs in your essay. This will confirm that you are responding to what the question is directly asking you and that your response is complete.
If you are able to prepare an analysis, elaborate the main points of a specific subject, and examine its implications, you are ready for the essay portion of the exam.
You’ll be required to support your answers with explanations and calculations to demonstrate your ability to understand and apply your skills to the various scenarios that’ll be presented on your exam.
Closing
In summary, with the right tools, you’ll be able to successfully take on the essay portion of the exams. Don’t forget about the clues just mentioned above, as they will guide you to the correct answer.
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