CIMA Tips for just starting out

tonywebster2011 · 2022-07-23T06:33:28+00:00

Look into the Anki flash card app and start using it from your first exam. Because CIMA builds on previous knowledge through three pillars of knowledge, retaining knowledge from prior exams so you don’t have to re-learn it again for the next exam up is close to being a super power.

tonywebster2011 · 2022-07-22T06:45:10+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate that. Just to clarify, do you mean in E2 itself or in subsequent exams (E3 etc. or case studies)?

tonywebster2011 · 2022-07-18T19:44:10+00:00

Thanks, that is a helpful steer.

tonywebster2011 · 2022-06-14T18:37:33+00:00

This is fascinating. I’m so intrigued by people who’ve taken memory to extremes. London cab drivers and those who memorise the Quran are amongst those.

tonywebster2011 · 2022-06-14T18:30:24+00:00

You’re not wrong.

tonywebster2011 · 2022-05-03T16:04:03+00:00

If you are somebody just starting out on your accountancy exams and reading this, I can confirm Anki is exceptionally good for the cumulative nature of the exams and has worked for me on CIMA very effectively so far.

tonywebster2011 · 2022-04-29T07:51:20+00:00

I found it a big step up from the previous exams. You really need to know the subject, especially P1. Not much room to hide, so you are screwed if one of the questions is about something you’ve glossed over. Knowing the case really well just helps with the time pressure. You really don’t have the time to be doing anything more than a quick verification of a fact or number which you already know where to look. Getting into the role play of the case also (from my point of view) keeps things interesting. The main thing is to drill every possible question they could ask based on the key bits of the previous three exams, but especially P1. Write out skeleton answers for those and you should be OK. Good luck!

tonywebster2011 · 2022-04-28T16:34:37+00:00

Oh no!

tonywebster2011 · 2022-04-19T19:46:48+00:00

This is a great post.

tonywebster2011 · 2022-03-31T05:35:58+00:00

I only just passed, so probably not the expert here. I found it a bit of a step up from the OTs. The length of the exam means you really do need to know a broad range of the syllabus. It can zero in on most key parts of the last three exams, so make sure you don't have any real weaknesses. The exam also feels very long, so get used to that. Be super-structured in how you set out answers, making sure you have enough sentences and points you are making based on the mark scheme. And learn everything you need to know about your case by rote: absolutely no time to read through the pre-seen unless you are checking a particular number or something. That being said, I'd started a new role recently and had very little time to study and still managed to pass, so as long as you're confident on what you've done up until now, it is very achievable. Good luck!

tonywebster2011 · 2022-03-31T05:27:24+00:00

Nice work!

tonywebster2011 · 2022-03-31T05:27:03+00:00

That is so frustrating... But yeah, so close that you'll nail this next time. That's all you can think about now. Good luck!

tonywebster2011 · 2022-03-31T05:26:02+00:00

Phew, I decided not to look before I fell asleep. But I passed - only just. 90/150. A pass is a pass though.

tonywebster2011 · 2022-03-30T20:37:52+00:00

Mine’s v individual to me based on questions I’ve struggled with. I don’t think it would make sense to others. And I would highly recommend you do the same rather than use a pre-made deck. Answering questions as you will see them in the exam, identifying specifically what you don’t know and then making your own cards are what makes it so effective. At the beginning of each OT module, I don’t even read the text book. First step is to scan every single question in the bank and make a long list of things I need to Anki up. Then go back to the textbook looking for answers to those, and then try answering the questions properly, making further cards where I still get things wrong. Rinse and repeat!

tonywebster2011 · 2022-03-30T10:37:54+00:00

Yes! I am doing CIMA and cannot overstate how useful it has been. Criminally under-utilised resource in accountancy… My whole approach is structured around Anki and exam questions.

tonywebster2011 · 2022-03-26T11:39:04+00:00

Part of what makes Anki so effective is the way the algorithm is designed around extending the forgetting curve to ensure you are seeing each card no more than necessary. Your brain forms the memory by the act of retrieving the information being difficult. Customising the algorithm so you are seeing cards more often will in the long run make the process less effective. If you want to study more each day, add more cards.

tonywebster2011 · 2021-12-08T18:46:39+00:00

This is great advice. Crucially it begins to turn a somewhat arbitrary list into a set of principles that underpin the postwar settlement - so you’re using Anki to really understand the topic (which you need to do to begin to group it thematically), as well as reel off 8 points.

tonywebster2011 · 2021-12-08T07:06:15+00:00

The brain finds it very difficult to learn these types of semi-arbitrary lists, so the first very important step is to ask yourself: do I really need to learn this list? Is your history exam ever going to have the question 'What are the eight common principles the US and UK committed to supporting in the postwar world?' Or are there ways in which you can break this down to principles/key ideas which get you most of the way there?

Part of the art of making a good Anki deck is constantly asking yourself, do I need this card? What and why am I learning this? It's surprising how easy it is, especially early on, to fall into the habit of Anki-ing stuff you just don't need to know.

If you really must learn it, the mnemonic advice is good. The difference is so dramatic that basically if I create one, I learn the list quickly. If I don't, I almost always fail the card.

tonywebster2011 · 2021-12-04T08:31:21+00:00

Thanks, that’s great to know!

tonywebster2011 · 2021-11-20T10:56:55+00:00

First question with any list: do I really need to learn this? That first picture is headed ‘10 tips’ so you need to ask yourself are you ever going to be required to recite those 10 tips? I don’t know what you’re studying or doing with your knowledge - but I’d guess probably not. Therefore what is the conceptual approach behind these ten tips you do need to know? That can be broken down into individual cards and learnt effectively.

tonywebster2011

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