Time management is one of the biggest challenges on the GRE, especially in the Verbal section where every second matters. A common mistake test-takers make is losing track of which answer choices they have already ruled out. When that happens, they often waste time rereading options they have already decided are wrong. That extra step may seem small, but across many questions it adds up and can affect overall performance.

One approach to solving this problem is to mark eliminated choices on the scratch paper provided at the test center. While this works, it requires shifting attention away from the computer screen and physically writing down notes. That extra motion interrupts focus and slows the pace. A more efficient solution is to use a method that keeps your attention on the screen while tracking your thought process in real time.

This is where the five-finger method comes in. It is simple, quick, and requires no extra tools. Here is how it works: place one hand near the screen and assign each finger to one of the five answer choices. Your thumb represents choice (A), your index finger represents (B), and so on until your pinky represents (E). At the start of the question, all five fingers remain extended. Each time you eliminate an answer choice, fold in the finger that corresponds to that option. If you later decide that an option deserves another look, simply extend the finger again.

The advantage of this method is that it allows you to track eliminated choices without breaking concentration. You can stay focused on the problem in front of you and avoid the distraction of moving back and forth between the screen and your notepad. Over the course of the section, this small change can save valuable minutes and keep your momentum steady.

It may seem like a modest adjustment, but the five-finger method can have a meaningful impact. By removing unnecessary steps, you streamline your process and make your time on the GRE Verbal section more efficient. Sometimes success comes from adopting small but practical techniques like this one.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep