CIMA: Pass First Time!: (CIMA Exam Support Books)

Students of professional qualifications often work in the dark. Many take no formal tuition and are often left to learn off the page. Many students learn the theory but are unable to identify what the question requires. They miss marks they could, and should have picked up for material they have spent precious time studying. They fail exams they have the ability to pass. This book spotlights what examiners look for and helps you ask, and answer, this key question: What exactly does the examiner want? The book covers exam techniques, how to approach different styles of question (such as CBA, essays, case studies) how to lay out your work, etc. Written in a straightforward manner, this study buddy gets the point across clearly without dumbing down important messages. Cartoons, illustrations and mind-maps show you how you should be thinking, and what you should be doing in order to work smarter, not harder. Professional exams are highly time pressured, both for the student and the marker. Good exam technique is a priority. This book will help you get all the marks you deserve, and perhaps a few you don't! You can get the most out of your study time, and maximum marks at exam time this books shows you how to work smarter, not harder. It is written by a CIMA Examiner and Tutor, this study buddy shows you exactly what the examiner is looking for. Illustrations, mind-maps and cartoons cool your nerves and show you how to plan and write your answer succinctly and successfully

Table of Contents:
Background to this text, and how to use it; Planning your study and revision; Objective-oriented study; Developing your skills; Know your examiner(s); Cool those nerves; What examiners and markers want; The formula; Answer planning; Writing for marks; Marker-friendly layout; Exit strategy; Summary

Review :
Having sat CIMA exams for a number of years now following numerous exam techniques, this is first book that has covered everything in a 'quick and easy understanding manner'. The chapters are brief and to the point which is very beneficial for anybody trying to fit anything else in apart from studying prior to exam. It clearly identifies the processes that students should follow and doesn't go on about 'making sure you have a timetable and that you make sure you stick to it as other books do'. David obviously understands fully the subject that he has written about and his extensive knowledge and guidance comes across in his text. I am sitting my final exams in May, first attempt at all three and I believe that the approaches highlighted in the book will hopefully help me to pass all three first time. I really enjoyed the point about working smart and not hard. I used to just go through notes after notes after notes trying to commit everything to memory but having taking the advice from this book I now realise that the commitment to memory is only part of the story and it is application that wins the most marks. I have incorporated Mind Mapping into my answer plans now which helps me focus on the requirements and I will continually read the 'Verb' explanation list up to the day of the exam as this has been a problem area for me in the past. I am sure you agree there is nothing worse in an exam reading a question wondering 'What exactly do they want me to do?' The verb list and David's explanations will help you through this. I recommend this book to anybody about to sit CIMA exams in May or in future as it will certainly benefit you. Good Luck UPDATE AFTER EXAMS - CIMA STRATEGIC LEVEL EXAMS MAY 2007 Well the results are now in and...having read this book by David Harris, 'I did pass first time!' This is not a plug for myself but merely to say to any student wanting to pass CIMA exams first time they should most definitely buy this book. Please see my initial comments on my first post for an overview and all I would add is that this book will not do it ALL for you, you still need to get a solid understanding of the subject but what this book does do is fully detail the exam technique and approach which should be applied which I believe ultimately got me through 3 tough CIMA exams 'FIRST TIME' Good luck Andrew Craven, ACMA