Module 8 focuses on test taking strategies and concludes the course. It reviews key points from previous modules and provides tips for taking tests, such as answering the question, managing time, brainstorming before writing, using specific examples, paying attention to grammar, and proofreading. Students are asked to complete a final writing assignment within 25 minutes as a second assessment to compare to their initial diagnostic test at the start of the course.
2. Module 8 Outline
Review of previous module
Writing: Test Taking Strategies
Writing Assignments
Final Writing Assessment
Course Conclusion
Summary of Course Material
Areas for Improvement
3. Review of previous modules
At the bottom of this page, look for a link to upload your
Module 6& 7 feedback document after you have addressed
the comments. I hope that you found the comments helpful.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions.
4. Review of Article Usage
Check your answers with the answer key posted in Module 7. Remember the 3 rules to help
avoid article mistakes:
Use a, an, or the (or another word such as my or this) in front of a singular count noun.
Incorrect: Obama will also end the tax breaks for gas and oil companies.
Correct: Obama will also end tax breaks for gas and oil companies.
In this case an article is not necessary before tax breaks. If, however, you were
referring to a specific set of tax laws “the” could be used. See the next rule.
Use the with specific noun references
Incorrect: The idea for new taxes came from billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
Correct: The idea for the new taxes came from billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
Do not use the with general noun references.
Incorrect: The reports say the proposal is likely to be called the Buffett Rule.
Correct: Reports say the proposal is likely to be called the Buffett Rule.
5. Test Taking Tips
1. Answer the question. Make sure to answer the question clearly and
directly. The main points of your response should be at the start of
your memorandum.
2. Manage your time. Make sure that you are keeping track of your
time. In this course, we did not focus too much on time;
however, when taking the CPA you will need to outline, write, and
proofread your response in approximately 20-25 minutes.
3. Brainstorm and organize your response FIRST. Use the first couple
of minutes 1) understand the question, 2) brainstorm your ideas and
key vocabulary, and 3) organize your response into major ideas. It is
common to want to change your response midway through writing.
This creates a confusing response. Make sure you know what you
want to write BEFORE you start writing.
6. Test Taking Tips (cont.)
4. Support your response. Make sure to include specific details and
examples to support your major ideas. If you are explaining the risks of a
certain action be specific about what could go wrong.
5. Pay attention to grammatical errors. Not all errors are treated equally.
Pay special attention to subject verb agreement and verb tenses.
Also, remember: Its shows possession while it’s = it is. Eliminate this error
by avoiding contractions in formal writing.
6. Guide the reader. Use transition words to guide the reader through your
response. Be clear when you are introducing examples, discussing a
contrasting opinion, or drawing a conclusion.
7. Leave time to re-read your response. Although you will be pressed for
time, it is important that you proofread your response. Make sure that
each sentence has a main subject and verb. Check for basic grammatical
errors such as spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
7. Final Writing Assessment
This week you will be asked to complete one final writing
assignment that will act as a second assessment and can be
compared to the diagnostic assignment you completed at
the start of this course.
You will have 25 minutes to respond to the prompt.
As always, just do your best. Good luck!
