WAC11 exam technique

The paper

• 3 hours, 200 marks; 100% of the International AS and 50% of the full A level.
• Section A: two compulsory questions of 55 marks each, often based on data such as a trial balance.
• Section B: answer three of four questions of 30 marks each.
• A resource booklet holds the data; calculators are allowed.
• Ratio formulae are not given: learn Appendix 7.

Timing: 200 marks in 180 minutes is about 0.9 minutes a mark, so roughly 50 minutes for each Section A question and 27 minutes for each Section B question, with a few minutes to choose your Section B questions.

Command words

From Appendix 8 of the specification

How marks are lost and won

• Evaluations (6 and 12 marks in the June 2024 paper) are marked in levels; the top level needs balanced points for and against applied to the business, using financial and non-financial information, and a conclusion with a reason. Any conclusion can score if it is supported. Cover every option in the question (both sources of finance, both vehicles).
• The own figure rule often applies: a later mark can be earned from your own earlier figure, so always show working.
• Use IAS terms; write narratives and headings in full (the 2024 examiners' report said abbreviations such as b/d, I/S and P/L will not earn marks).
• Statements need a full heading and labelled subtotals (gross profit, profit for the year, total assets).
• Common slips flagged by examiners: leaving the overdraft out of current liabilities, charging only the interest paid, confusing clubs with sole traders, not attempting over- or under-absorption, weak definitions of day work and piecework, and poor knowledge of the causes of depreciation.

Worked example

You have 60 minutes left and two Section B questions to do. How should you split the time?

1. Each Section B question is worth 30 marks.
2. At about 0.9 minutes a mark, each needs about 27 minutes.
3. That leaves about 6 minutes to check figures and finish evaluations.

Answer: About 27 minutes each, with a few minutes to check.

Check yourself

1. At 0.9 minutes per mark, how many minutes should you spend on a 55-mark Section A question?
   Show answer

   49.5 minutes. 55 x 0.9 = 49.5 minutes.

2. How many Section B questions must you answer?
   Show answer

   3. Three of the four 30-mark questions.

3. What is the total mark for the WAC11 paper?
   Show answer

   200. 2 x 55 + 3 x 30 = 200.

4. Are the accounting ratio formulae given in the WAC11 exam?
   • Yes, on a formula sheet
   • No, they must be learned
   • Only for profitability ratios
   • Only in Section B
   Show answer

   No, they must be learned. Appendix 7 states they will not be supplied.

5. What must an answer to an 'Evaluate' question include to reach the top level?
   • A list of as many points as possible
   • Only the calculations
   • A definition of each term
   • Balanced points applied to the scenario and a supported conclusion
   Show answer

   Balanced points applied to the scenario and a supported conclusion. Evaluation means weighing up and reaching a judgement with a reason.

6. You make an error in calculating gross profit in part (a). Part (b) asks for the gross margin. What does the own figure rule mean?
   • You lose all marks in (b)
   • You can still earn the marks in (b) if you use your figure from (a) correctly
   • You must leave (b) blank
   • The examiner corrects (a) for you
   Show answer

   You can still earn the marks in (b) if you use your figure from (a) correctly. The method mark in (b) is awarded on your own figure.

Practise with instant feedback Print this lesson

Sources

• Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level in Accounting specification (issue 2), Unit 1 and Appendices 6 to 8

Last updated 8 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.