[Anonymous]

Just curious if anyone has any suggestions on samples for the writing component for BEC. Wiley provides no explanations. Becker is so so ..

[Anonymous]

I don't have a sample, but I read somewhere (probably on here somewhere) that a good format is:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2-3: Develop reasons for recommendation

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

Be sure to sign your memo and use spell check.

BEC is my next exam so I can't help more than that right now.

[littlenumberrobot]

I agree with signing the memo. I followed similar outline that k917 described. The last time I took it I signed each memo and received stronger on the WC…. and weaker on MCQ's… and passed 🙂

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[jeangarciarosa]

@littlenumberrobot, When you said Sign de WC, is with your Name only, for example:

Michael F. Cortes Richarsond MBA

something like this??

[littlenumberrobot]

@jeangarciarosa – if you are given a name or title in the scenario, use that. This is what I did on mine. If no title given (meaning a very vague scenario) use your name and CPA candidate as title.

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[Jade CPA-to-be]

the Writing portion in BEC exam also worrys me, since English is not my first language. I guess i will practice nonstop MCQ trying to get a stronger performance on that. Hopefully, stronger MCQ will carry me to a passing score.

CPA Licensed in California- Class of 2013

[GreenMonkey]

MC is 85% of your score. If you get a stronger on that, I think you're almost guaranteed to pass. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

REG- 91
AUD- 97
BEC- 91
FAR- May

[kts1010]

@GreenMonkey

I would have to agree if you got stronger on all sections in MC and gave atleast an attempt on the WC you would have to pass.

I like your guys idea of signing the WC maybe I will try it this time, I really really want this to be my last exam this time.

AUD - 08/20/12 - 82
REG - 10/30/12 - 82
FAR - 01/05/13 - 80
BEC - 04/15/13 - 84

[Anonymous]

The Content Outline for BEC says that the Written Communication is 10% – 20% of the exam. 15% is the average. I wouldn't skip practicing the WC, especially if you are ESL. Microsoft Word has a feature that you can turn on with the spell check, called the “Readability Statistics”. It really helps you gauge what grade level you are writing on. If you are struggling with the WC then I would definitely practice a few with that feature turned on.

[OJFWEroiu]

Sign each memo? They didn't say that in any of the materials I read.

passed

[Jade CPA-to-be]

@ kricket, thanks for your advice.

i plan not to practice on the writing portion for the exam because i don't think i will be able improve my writing skills in such short time, like 1-2 months.

my exam is on 28th of May

CPA Licensed in California- Class of 2013

[Anonymous]

I don't know if signing your memo impacts your score I feel lime it would have been emphasized in your review materials if that was true.

[jeangarciarosa]

@Jade CPA-to-be, don't worry about your english, I'm from Puerto Rico, my english is not the best, but I can defense myself. I have some friends pass the exam, and not speak nothing of english, practice something standar, a introduction, and conclusion for acumulate some points. English is not a barrierrrrr!!!!!!!!!

[SammyJ]

I would not freak over the written portion, its only worth 15%. I know you think its big and ppl say well 15% is the difference between a 80 and a 65. WELL, you're not gonna get a zero on it!

Here is a little template, youc an follow or not:

Beginning(always address the question in hand)

Middle(Give your reasoning)

End(Give your conclusion)

Write a statement such as,”If you have any further questions, I would be more than happy to help”.

Sincerely, Your Name

Most of the points is making sure you answer all the questions. And remember graders dont grade on accuracy. You can BS a lot of stuff and they don't have the power to dock you points for that. What they are grading on is your ability to write. Thats all. So don't waste your time trying to create this meaningful, well-thought out response. I believe for this portion, quantity is more important than quality. Make sure you have three thick paragraphs and you should be fine. Good luck!

FAR-81!!
AUD-69, Retake: 84!!
REG-86!!
BEC-81!!
Education- Done
Ethics- August 2013
Experience- 7 Months of CPA Experience and counting!

[Anonymous]

SammyJ – seems like we made an elephant out of an ant 🙂 – after I posted I did some analysis and came to the conclusion that you either know how to write ( skill set ) or you don't.

If the latter applies there are a million quick tutorials on business writing on the AICPA website. The template you provided is excellent; the rule of thumb is BE CONCISE, CLEAR, AND TO THE POINT – if asked about COSO don't digress; bang out the main points first without any format ( free write) and then expand on them and modify as necessary. Last step is review and tighten up ( grammar spell check).

Signing, dating, and heading your letters is the same as capitalizing names or the possessive I. It is an accuracy issue and should not even be considered.

[ORcpaHOPEFUL]

Okay I just started studying for BEC so I haven't done any practice WC problems yet- this may be a silly question but is tere any sort of authoritative literature like the other tests? I would assume not buy just thought I'd ask any how 🙂 thanks everyone!

FAR: PASSED!! 64, 68, 79 on 2/27/13!
AUD: PASSED!! 73, 93 on 4/5/13!!!
BEC: PASSED!! 75 (phew) on 5/24/13!
REG: PASSED!!! 77 on 8/7/13 I AM DONE!!!!!

Experience: got it!
Ethics Exam: PASSED on first try (what a waste of money)

[Author]

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