prepare an outline of your answer, using the parts and sub-questions to create headings and sub-headings in the outline. List the major points of your answer to each part or sub-question along with notes on the sources you wish to cite from your course materials and relevant parts of the case.

• It is helpful to prepare an outline of your answer, using the parts and sub-questions to create headings and sub-headings in the outline. List the major points of your answer to each part or sub-question along with notes on the sources you wish to cite from your course materials and relevant parts of the case. This outline can keep you on track when you begin writing your answer so that key points are not missed and minor points do not derail your thought process. Noting your sources helps you check that you have the correct facts and figures from the case, that you are drawing on the relevant concepts and theories from your course materials, and that you have referenced your sources properly.
• Use the précis style when writing your answers:
 Keep introductions and conclusions short.
 Clearly state any assumptions.
 Make each paragraph one complete unit of thought. The first sentence of each paragraph should state what it is about. Break up long paragraphs.
 Avoid copying long passages into your essay. Incorporate them by reference.
 Use the active voice (good resources are Strunk’s The Elements of Style [4th ed.] referred to in your MBAO Study Guide or your Prentice Hall Reference Guide for Canadian Writers).
 Use grammar and spell checkers as necessary. Review and edit your work as needed.
• Check your citations for correct APA format and prepare a Reference list (for only those sources you actually cited, a bibliography is not needed).
Ways to Increase Your Mark
• Each question must be awarded a 70% grade to be considered a pass. Students are allowed only one sub-70% mark to successfully pass the exam. It is acceptable to submit only five answers. Any answer not submitted will be treated as a fail.
• Based on marker feedback, papers receiving lower marks typically have the following problems:
 Do not display a logical thought process that proceeds from statement of the issue to presentation and analysis of relevant data and then to a firm conclusion.
 Fail to differentiate between highly important and less important issues. As a result, too many objectives are addressed. Read the question carefully to understand what is being asked.
 Indicate that students have difficulty reading or following instructions – for example, adhering to word limits or using appropriate font and font size.