During a timed cognitive section, what should you do with hard items?

• A. Leave blank
• B. Spend extra time on each hard item
• C. Guess randomly on hard items
• D. Skip and return if time allows

Answer: (D)

Time management is the key. In a timed cognitive section, you want to keep moving and avoid getting stuck on a single problem. If a question is taking too long, skip it and return only if you have time left. This approach helps you answer more items, especially easier ones, and increases the chance of earning points across the section. Leaving it blank wastes potential points, spending excessive time on a hard item reduces the number you can tackle overall, and random guessing on hard items can waste time with uncertain payoff. Skipping and returning if time allows balances speed and accuracy to maximize your overall score.