What should students do if they encounter a particularly difficult question during the exam?

When students encounter a particularly difficult question during an exam, the recommended approach is to move on and come back to it if time permits. This strategy allows students to manage their time effectively during the exam. By not getting stuck on a single challenging question, they can continue to answer other questions that they may find easier, ultimately maximizing their overall score.

Addressing the difficult question later also gives students a fresh perspective; sometimes, answering other questions can help jog their memory or provide insights that may assist in solving the tough question. This technique also reduces anxiety and helps maintain momentum throughout the test.

In contrast, immediate panic or skipping the question without consideration can lead to lost potential points. Spending too much time on just one question may cause students to run out of time for other, potentially more straightforward questions. Ignoring the question altogether may not be taken as seriously when students could have made an educated guess if they had revisited it later. Thus, the best practice is clearly to move forward and return to difficult questions later.