This 10-mark question covered the topics of planning, sampling and audit reports.

Part (a) for 4 marks required candidates to explain the benefits of audit planning. This question was answered well by almost all candidates with many scoring full marks.

Most candidates were able to identify the benefits of identifying risks early, achieving an efficient and effective audit, selecting appropriate teams and resolving problems quickly. Weaker answers were those who focused on the benefits of gaining an understanding of an entity rather than of audit planning. Also some answers were again too short and resembled brief notes rather than explanations.