Abbreviations

[asdfasdf]

So in doing past papers I've just gotten used to using some abbreviations to save time, does anyone know if they will be graded the same / it is safe to use abbreviations like for 8R EE for employee and ER for employer, etc?

[Emily]

Originally Posted by asdfasdf

So in doing past papers I've just gotten used to using some abbreviations to save time, does anyone know if they will be graded the same / it is safe to use abbreviations like for 8R EE for employee and ER for employer, etc?

Sure, why not?

[asdfasdf]

Guess I'm just concerned that I might use some that the graders might not recognize right away, I will be able to get more information on the paper using them, but if I don't get credit for a bunch of points due to over abbreviation then I have shot myself in the proverbial foot.

[Phil]

I've asked this question before, and I was told that the common ones ("ee", "er", "ALM" for asset-liability management, if you're taking an investment exam and especially if that's the topic of the question) can be used freely.

But for other abbreviations, you should define it the first time but then you can abbreviate it thereafter.

For example,

Ito's Lemma (IL) and Frank's Copula (FC) are two estimation methods, but IL is more accurate than FC.

And then you can use IL and FC freely for the rest of the question.

[Actuary_JB]

I've graded exams the last 2+ years, and Phil is correct. If it's a common abbreviation, then it's not a big deal, but if it might be unclear you should define it first.

If you want to make sure that the grader knows what you are referring to, you should probably write it out at the beginning of your answer just to be safe.

Good Luck!

JB

[asdfasdf]

Thanks!

[kenny G]

You are welcome.