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Formulas in Word

A

Abby

Member
Hi,
I have some queries about the CS2 exam. I am finding it difficult to type up the formulas and workings in Word. I don't think it is allowed to copy a formula from another word document to the exam answer booklet? Just a similar equation format.
If not, how about if I copy the same formula from the answer booklet to another part of the same booklet?
Also, the Equation Editor in Word is useful, but based on the Pre-Exam instructions,
1. Candidates should type their workings and answers into the Word document using standard keyboard typing. Candidates DO NOT need to use notation that requires specialised equation editing e.g. the “Equation Editor” functionality in Word.

Should we be using it then? I noticed that it is available in Word 2010, so it should be allowed to be used in the exam? Also would like to ask whether anyone has any ideas what functions are in Word 2019 but not in Word 2010?
Also, is it allowed to use abbreviations?
And how do we decide which intermediate steps should be excluded in our workings? As there may not be sufficient time to type it all out.

Would appreciate some advice. Thanks!

Regards,
Abby
 
Hi Abby,
You can't use pre-prepared templates and so no you can't copy from another Word doc I'm afraid.

But you're fine to copy stuff you've produced during the exam. In particular, sometimes you might want to copy from one line to the next and edit it.

The Equation Editor is standard functionality and so you can use it if you want to, and I know many do. The IFoA are saying that you don't have to, but for some I think it will be quicker and easier using it to follow what they are doing. Some like to use keyboard entry within the editor, eg \int for an integral.

I personally think that just using super-script and sub-script fonts in Word can help a lot - just use the buttons in the menu bar or set up shortcut keys to switch between them.

Abbreviations are fine as long as the marker can follow what you're doing. If it's not obvious, define it on first use.

How much working is tricky and will vary by question. The key is to show enough for the marker to see what you've done and where you might have gone wrong. As long as you always have a complete first line (or bunch of lines) and then break any big components down when calculating them then you should achieve this - but appreciate that's easier said than done.

There are some sample questions on the IFoA's website but I'm not sure they're that useful to indicate the level of working in CS2. You could have a look at CM1 to give you a feel. There are links in the middle of: https://www.actuaries.org.uk/studying/prepare-your-exams/past-exam-papers-and-examiners-reports.

Good luck.
 
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