ACCA exam tips - Approach to attempt Paper T7 (CAT)

I think this was my only exam paper, during myconcise account, to express the answers
path to obtain an accountancy qualification, which Iconcisely and succinctly.
am very proud of. I have never enjoyed an 
exam so much in my entire life! As a matter of- To analyze means a separation into elements or
fact, I even bought myself a new jacket beforecomponent parts, to take apart and discover the
going for it – perhaps I was well prepared orgeneral principles underlying a phenomena. To
just overly confident. But that confidence was allidentify is to ascertain, diagnose or to pinpoint an
because of my teacher, I love him for his help,issue.
and through him I started to learn the tactics of 
tackling ACCA papers (that I will share with you in 
my later articles I hope). I was fortunate to grasp- Explain is a common term that appears in ACCA
these methods, before my ACCA qualificationexaminations. Here, students are required to
was complete, thus relieving me of much pain andmake plain (that is to make something easily
struggle, which most students are prone to alongunderstood) or interpret the meaning of a
their professional course.particular idea.
I was not a place winner of this paper, nor do I 
claim that I am the only source of knowledge and 
guidance for this exam (I'm prone to makeIn addition to an understanding of the terms used
mistakes myself) but with a score above 90, within ACCA exams, please do not forget to attempt
just two months of studying and with 5 papers,suitable ACCA past papers, or ACCA practice
it's a great deal for me, at least. I hope my ownmaterials ( is an accountancy publisher who
lessons can help you now.provides low cost, yet extensive ACCA practice
Paper T7 mainly focuses on a student's ability topapers and ACCA revision aids for various
analyze. The majority of students at this stagesubjects… and are bringing out even more –
fail to understand the terms used in exams.register with them for updates!). You have to
There are many terms, but as far as this paperwrite down the answers during your practice and
is concerned, the following should be useful:the best suggestion is to arrange an experienced
- The difference between describe and discuss isperson to recheck the structure of your language.
often confusing. ACCA students asked "toIf you do not have anyone, then please read the
describe" must give an account of something (insuggested answer, as should be provided in your
words), a narration; on the other hand "to discuss"ACCA study text.
is to examine in detail, to debate, to sift (that isPaper T7 is more about theoretical discussion than
to separate in to different parts) and tojust simply producing calculations. And believe me,
‘make known'.if you have a firm grip on discussion area, ACCA
 is relatively easy for you. So, the only solution is
- Students asked to define must fix the meaningto write, write and write. When you start this
of a term, to determine with precision and toexercise, it might appear hectic for you. You will
describe accurately, whilst illustrate asks studentsbe prone to make mistakes and at times (or may
to make clear to the reader or to demonstrate,I say most of times), you will be short of words,
possibly through the use of examples.or even worst, have no idea how to start an
 answer at all. But practice makes perfect and you
- To state is to set down fully, to assert andlearn from your mistakes. By accumulating
express the details of an argument or topic.mistakes in your practice period, let's hope you will
 be less likely to repeat them in your ACCA
- Questions often ask students to be brief. Here,exams!
ACCA students are being asked to provide aGood luck!