On the AM Section - writing tips?

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JSobes

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Do we have to write in full sentences, or can we use the tables-esque format. For example, can I write: Statement 1: true, This is because of xxxx. Or do I have to write, “Sal is correct in his first statemet because of xxx.”
 
Hey..so assume you’re L3 candidate even though it says L2…but
You can and should use bullet points, abbreviations (as long as commonly understood–the exam actually has a list of acceptable abbreviations right after the front cover). so your “Statement 1: true is totally acceptable.” Not only that, time management is everything in the AM section so it will help you pass. There’s also plenty of other tips and tricks that can help you navigate the morning section. Here’s a blog post with some of them.
Finally, here’s the list of morning exam pointers straight from the CFA Website:. Notice things like “valuable time is wasted by repeating words from a template…”
  • Only the answers recorded on the answer sheets are graded. You may circle or underline important information and write down your equations or logic in your exam book for your own reference.
  • Answers written on the question pages or on the pages marked “Intentionally Left Blank” are not graded.
  • Follow the instructions given in the template and record your answer on the templates provided. CFA Institute grades the answers written on the pages labeled for a specific answer, regardless of whether the template is used. You will not be penalized if you do not use the template provided.
    • Templates are provided to assist candidates in providing only the information necessary to directly answer the question.
    • Instructions in bold print immediately preceding a question will direct you to the page numbers of the template (if a template is provided).
    • Valuable time is wasted by repeating words from a template that is already provided for you.
  • If the question says ‘show your work’ then do so. Show work for all calculations. Partial credit is often awarded for correct formulas and inputs even when answers are incorrect.
  • Pay attention to the instructions on the front cover and throughout the exam book. This will help you
    • Avoid overlooking any questions or question parts.
    • Avoid answering sequential, related questions out of order.
    • Manage your time in accordance with the stated minute allocations.
    • Avoid writing your answers on question pages or pages intentionally left blank, where the answers will not be graded.
  • Answers are not graded for language and style. As long as the answer is clear, the grammar does not have to be perfect.
  • Use short phrases and bullet points to save time, but be sure your meaning is clear.
  • Common abbreviations and symbols are okay, but when in doubt write it out.
  • Points are awarded for direct answers to a question. Points are not awarded for general knowledge that does not address the question.
  • Focus on addressing the bold command words used in each question. Command words are defined on the inside of the front cover of the exam book. Review the LOS command words (PDF).
  • If the question requires a decision (e.g., command words Determine or Recommend), clearly state or, in template questions, select your choice. When your intent is unclear to the grader, or contradictory information is included in an answer, no points will be awarded. For example, if the question requires you to Justify a recommendation, the information you provide should clearly show why the recommendation is correct. Make sure to provide reasons that clearly and directly Support or Justify your answers when asked to do so.
 
daharmattan1: Lol I am an l3 candidate, just haven’t updated profile. Thanks for the extnsive answer.
 
is it OK to draft some calculations on ‘intentionally left blank’ parts? will i commit any crime there? This sounds silly but it just pops up.
 
  • Avoid writing your answers on question pages or pages intentionally left blank, where the answers will not be graded.
Draft calculation sounds ok.
 
daharmattan1 wrote:
Hey..so assume you’re L3 candidate even though it says L2…but
You can and should use bullet points, abbreviations (as long as commonly understood–the exam actually has a list of acceptable abbreviations right after the front cover). so your “Statement 1: true is totally acceptable.” Not only that, time management is everything in the AM section so it will help you pass. There’s also plenty of other tips and tricks that can help you navigate the morning section. Here’s a blog post with some of them.
Finally, here’s the list of morning exam pointers straight from the CFA Website:. Notice things like “valuable time is wasted by repeating words from a template…”
  • Only the answers recorded on the answer sheets are graded. You may circle or underline important information and write down your equations or logic in your exam book for your own reference.
  • Answers written on the question pages or on the pages marked “Intentionally Left Blank” are not graded.
  • Follow the instructions given in the template and record your answer on the templates provided. CFA Institute grades the answers written on the pages labeled for a specific answer, regardless of whether the template is used. You will not be penalized if you do not use the template provided.
    • Templates are provided to assist candidates in providing only the information necessary to directly answer the question.
    • Instructions in bold print immediately preceding a question will direct you to the page numbers of the template (if a template is provided).
    • Valuable time is wasted by repeating words from a template that is already provided for you.
  • If the question says ‘show your work’ then do so. Show work for all calculations. Partial credit is often awarded for correct formulas and inputs even when answers are incorrect.
  • Pay attention to the instructions on the front cover and throughout the exam book. This will help you
    • Avoid overlooking any questions or question parts.
    • Avoid answering sequential, related questions out of order.
    • Manage your time in accordance with the stated minute allocations.
    • Avoid writing your answers on question pages or pages intentionally left blank, where the answers will not be graded.
  • Answers are not graded for language and style. As long as the answer is clear, the grammar does not have to be perfect.
  • Use short phrases and bullet points to save time, but be sure your meaning is clear.
  • Common abbreviations and symbols are okay, but when in doubt write it out.
  • Points are awarded for direct answers to a question. Points are not awarded for general knowledge that does not address the question.
  • Focus on addressing the bold command words used in each question. Command words are defined on the inside of the front cover of the exam book. Review the LOS command words (PDF).
  • If the question requires a decision (e.g., command words Determine or Recommend), clearly state or, in template questions, select your choice. When your intent is unclear to the grader, or contradictory information is included in an answer, no points will be awarded. For example, if the question requires you to Justify a recommendation, the information you provide should clearly show why the recommendation is correct. Make sure to provide reasons that clearly and directly Support or Justify your answers when asked to do so.
Click to expand...
you forgot this one:
write on the side of the pen where ink comes out
 
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