Foulks Lynch ACCA Study Text > Reviews (5)

Kaplan Publishing Foulks Lynch is an established leading provider of Accountancy and Finance training materials. There aim is to provide students with high quality professional study material, which is essential for passing such professional examinations, in order to achieve their educational and career goals. It is no wonder then that Foulks Lynch is the recommended publisher for ACCA (Association of Chartered and Certified Accounts).

Having recently changed course material from BPP publishing to Foulks Lynch I was keen to commence studying for my next set of exams using their material. The study texts I chose are available from the Foulks Lynch website, www.kaplanfoulkslynch.co.uk, and whilst they don't exclusively provide material for ACCA (covering CIMA, AAT and others in addition); I was assured of their reputation for high standards from the ACCA website. Each study text costs £28, alongside exam kits from £15 and pocket notes from £10. Also available are "Course in a Box" packages which also offer dedicated tutor support.

Each study text comes in a similar format with the main sections as follows:

Introduction - Each text commences with an introduction from the publishers advising that the edition concerned covers the syllabus and study guide in great details, at all times being targeted very closely on the exam, ensuring that topics are given the appropriate weighting.

Syllabus and Study Guide - The study guide is there to help plan your study progress and to ensure the reader concentrates on the key elements of the text. The idea is to provide guidance in the skills expected for the actual examination.

Examination Format - Each examination is structured in a slightly different way, so the study text reminds the student of the format of their particular exam, advising whether there will be short knowledge based questions, or problem based proving the students ability to examine different scenarios presented to them. There are some very useful tips included within this section for example dividing your time in proportion to the marks on offer; plan and tailor your answer before attempting the question; State assumptions when you are unsure as if they prove to be logical the examiner still may award mark. Such exam tips are invaluable for students at this level.

Study Skills and revision guidance - Many students don't fully prepare themselves for the amount of work and effort involved in professional qualifications, so when guidance is provided you should always make note. The Foulks Lynch text provides information on how to make the most of an effective study plan, involving active reading, study plans, and revision guidance.

After each of these sections has been reviewed you then approach the actual syllabus, which is broken down into manageable and more meaningful sections, and covers approximately 80% of the actual study text. Each chapter is structured carefully, ensuring that detail is provided where applicable, without generality, and alongside are Definitions (text defining key words and concepts in the margin), Key Points (detailed in the margin at regular intervals which summarise concisely the material involved), Activities (Brief questions designed to focus your learning and attention whilst reviewing the chapter), Self Test Questions (Focused at the end of each chapter allowing you to revise key elements), and End of Chapter Questions (Examination type questions to enhance learning and to provide examples of similar questions in the actual exam).

At the end of the Syllabus chapters are the answers to exam-type questions. These answers should always be compared against the students own as they provide essential guidance in how the examiners are looking for the questions to be answered, and the level of detail required. However I would recommend that alongside Foulks Lynch exam type practise questions that students also revise using past exam papers as they provide a true reflection and prepare you for the actual examination.

An Appendix is also included, and whilst there is no need to thoroughly analyse this section it is recommended for reviewing to ensure the student has made thorough preparation for the exam.

At the end of each study text is a Foulks Lynch Study Text Review Form where they are inviting students provide feedback about the study guides so they can ensure there material is as appropriate as possible and provides the students with an excellent base for their examinations.

Since I have changed from BPP Publishing to Foulks Lynch I have been impressed at the way my own studying and revision has improved. They key notes and definitions are an invaluable resource to me, alongside the clear explanations in a straightforward language without the need for sidetracking. The structure of the study text is very impressive and more clearly defined than those I previously used with BPP Publishing. I have made excellent use of the self-test questions and practise questions and feel sure that when it is time to take the exam I will have a thorough grounding in the subject, and won't question my abilities to pass.

Although I would recommend that students, where possible, enlist the aid of a tutor or experienced person for guidance, I know this is not always possible. In these scenarios I would definitely recommend Foulks Lynch materials and believe them to be a valuable resource to any ACCA student. In their own words they have already helped thousands of students pass their exams, now it's my turn.

If you would like further information on Kaplan Publishing Foulks Lynch then may I recommend accessing their website at www.kaplanfoulkslynch.com