👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!

When we answer multiple-choice questions on the GRE Verbal section, it’s easy to lose track of which answer choices we’ve already ruled out. This may seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to real inefficiencies. If we don’t clearly remember which choices we’ve eliminated, we may end up re-reading and re-analyzing options we’ve already determined are incorrect. Over time, this slows us down and increases cognitive load—two things we want to avoid on a tightly timed exam like the GRE.

Some test-takers try to solve this problem by writing down eliminated choices on their notepad. While this approach can help with organization, it comes with its own drawbacks. For one, it takes time to glance away from the screen and write. And in a high-stakes environment where every second counts, even small disruptions can add up. More importantly, the act of shifting attention between screen and paper can break concentration and interrupt the flow of reasoning.

That’s why it’s helpful to adopt a simple technique that allows you to track answer choices without writing anything down and without taking your eyes off the screen. We call it the five-finger method, and it’s both easy to implement and surprisingly effective.

Here’s how it works. When you begin a multiple-choice question, raise one hand and hold it discreetly in front of you—ideally in your lap or just beneath the desk where your hand remains visible to you but not distracting. Let each of your five fingers represent one answer choice: the thumb is (A), the index finger is (B), the middle finger is (C), the ring finger is (D), and the pinky is (E).

Start with all five fingers extended. As you eliminate an answer choice, fold in the finger corresponding to that option. If you later reconsider and want to bring a choice back into play, simply raise the finger again. This method gives you a quick and intuitive way to visually manage the choices you’re actively considering—without ever looking away from the screen or losing your rhythm.

Simple, discreet, and effective, the five-finger method is a small habit that can make a meaningful difference in your pacing and focus on test day. It’s especially useful for tougher Verbal questions, where staying mentally organized is key. Try it out during practice sessions and see if it helps you move more efficiently through your decision-making process.

Reach out to me with any questions about your GRE prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep