One of the more subtle challenges in GRE Critical Reasoning is that incorrect answer choices are not written at random. They are carefully designed to exploit common cognitive biases. These choices often sound reasonable or even persuasive when read quickly, which is precisely why they are so effective at tricking test-takers who are not reading with full attention.

For example, suppose a question discusses “incompetent politicians.” You might notice that one of the incorrect answers mentions “corruption.” That wording is not accidental. The test writers know that people often associate corruption with politicians, and they deliberately use that association to draw you toward a choice that feels right but is not supported by the logic of the argument.

This technique reflects what Critical Reasoning is meant to test. The GRE is not assessing whether you agree with a statement or whether it sounds plausible. It is measuring your ability to separate logical reasoning from emotional or associative thinking. In other words, it tests how well you can identify what is actually being said and evaluate the reasoning on its own terms, without letting familiarity or bias influence your decision.

When you encounter these types of traps, slow down and ask yourself clear questions:

• Does this answer directly address the conclusion or reasoning in the argument?
• Is this choice introducing outside assumptions or emotional associations?
• Am I selecting it because it sounds right, or because it is logically right?

By consciously checking your reasoning in this way, you train yourself to spot when the GRE is appealing to your biases instead of your logic. Over time, you will begin to recognize these patterns almost automatically.

The key is awareness. When you remember that wrong answers are intentionally crafted to feel right, you give yourself the mental distance needed to evaluate them objectively. This mindset not only helps you avoid trap choices but also strengthens the precision and clarity of your thinking, both on test day and beyond.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about your GRE prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep