What should students practice to improve their writing for the AZMerit?

Organizing thoughts clearly and providing evidence to support ideas is crucial for effective writing, especially in a standardized test setting like the AZMerit. This approach helps students construct coherent arguments and communicate their points effectively. By having a clear structure, students can guide their readers through their reasoning, making it easier for them to follow along and understand the main ideas presented. Additionally, using evidence strengthens their claims, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills, which are often evaluated in writing assessments.

In contrast, relying on elaborate vocabulary without substance can detract from the clarity of the message, while writing without drafts or revisions can lead to unrefined and unclear writing. Emphasizing emotional responses over structured arguments may appeal on a personal level but does not fulfill the objective of presenting a well-reasoned, logical argument, which is expected in academic writing. Thus, focusing on organization and evidence is the most beneficial practice for students preparing their writing for the AZMerit.