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Learning objective

Understand that a trial balance is a summary of account balances as of a specific date. Describe the purposes and drawbacks of a trial balance. Create a trial balance based on a provided list of balances and correct a trial balance that has mistakes. Recognize and clarify errors that do not impact the trial balance, including commission, compensating, complete reversal, omission, original entry, and principle errors.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Exam focus

  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE AccountingVerification of accounting records

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Quick explanation

Understand that a trial balance is a summary of account balances as of a specific date. Describe the purposes and drawbacks of a trial balance. Create a trial balance based on a provided list of balances and correct a trial balance that has mistakes. Recognize and clarify errors that do not impact the trial balance, including commission, compensating, complete reversal, omission, original entry, and principle errors

  • This point belongs to The trial balance, especially The trial balance outcomes.
  • You need to be able to understand that a trial balance is a summary of account balances as of a specific date. Describe the purposes and drawbacks of a trial balance. Create a trial balance based on a provided list of balances and correct a trial balance that has mistakes. Recognize and clarify errors that do not impact the trial balance, including commission, compensating, complete reversal, omission, original entry, and principle errors.
  • The key ideas to know are Outline, Prepare, and Identify.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

OutlinePrepareIdentifyExplain

Why it matters

This objective helps connect The trial balance outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for The trial balance.

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Flashcards10 linked cards

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Practice Questions7 linked questions

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Paper 2 structured question: The trial balance

Paper 2Structured Written Paper3 marks

Data Table

Account Balances

Prepare a trial balance based on the following account balances.

AccountBalance
Cash5000
Accounts Receivable3000
Accounts Payable2000
Capital6000
  1. a

    Prepare a trial balance for the company as of the specified date.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]
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