What should a student do if they encounter a difficult problem on the AZMerit?

When a student encounters a difficult problem on the AZMerit, choosing to skip the question and return to it later is a strategic approach. This method allows the student to manage their time effectively during the test.

By skipping the difficult question, they can focus on the problems they are more confident about, ensuring that they maximize their score on questions that they can answer correctly within the time limit. Returning to the problem later allows them to approach it with a fresh perspective and can often lead to insights that weren’t clear during the initial attempt. It is important to maintain a steady pace throughout the test and not dwell excessively on challenging questions that might consume valuable time.

In comparison, spending all their time on one difficult question may result in them running out of time for easier questions they could answer. Leaving it blank without attempting isn't beneficial either, as it guarantees no points will be earned for that question. Asking the examiner for help isn't permitted in standardized testing scenarios like the AZMerit, as the guidelines prohibit assistance during the assessment.