Tackling Essay Questions

Thanks, Sooraj! I’ve updated the link in the opening post now. cheers for catching that! GOOD LUCK!
 
Bumping this thread because it’s awesome. Other good sources:
http://www.analystforum.com/forums/cfa-forums/cfa-level-iii-forum/91314226
http://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/exams/Pages/index.aspx
Here is my general mental model for answering essay questions so far.
  • Answer the question (especially the command words) directly. (From CFAI website: “No points are awarded for general knowledge that is not responsive to the question.”)
  • My general format for answering questions is: “If X, then Y. Because X, therefore Y” or “If X, then Y. Because not Y, therefore not X.” May not include “If X, then Y” if the meaning is clear.
  • Be clear on your meaning. Don’t leave it up to the imagination of the grader. (Thanks s2000magician).
  • There is hardly any time to finish the AM session, so write answers concisely. Spend a few moments to think about how you should write the question before writing it, so you don’t waste time re-writing things.
  • Other than that, I’m not going to worry about anything except just answering the question correctly. If it’s direct, clear, concise, and correct… I’m not sure why I should be worried.
Is there anything to this that I should add or I should take into consideration?
 
How short can an asnwer be?
I wrote in my mock exam today “Risk > Policy statement requirement” “Not enough cash” as my reasons to refuse portfolio choices (from a list of candidates for a rich dude) and those answers are essentially correct based on the answer sheet. I want to ask if I can write like that (and save some time from bs-ing) in my real exam
Thanks!
 
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