The incorrect choices in Critical Reasoning questions are written to use our cognitive biases against us. In other words, they’re worded to feel correct if we read them without thinking too much about what exactly they say.

For instance, in a CR question about “incompetent politicians,” an incorrect choice may say something about “corruption.” In such a case, it’s not by accident that the question-writers put the word “corruption” in the incorrect answer. They know that we associate corruption with politicians and therefore will be biased toward choosing that choice even though it’s incorrect.

Why do question writers do this? Because the point of Critical Reasoning questions is to test whether we’re skilled in the use of logic and paying attention to what we’re reading. If we’re using logic and paying attention, we won’t fall for these trap choices. On the other hand, if we’re rushing through the questions without carefully analyzing how the choices relate logically to the argument in the passage, we’ll choose trap choices and get questions incorrect.

So, the key takeaway here is the following. When answering CR questions, we should maintain awareness that incorrect choices are written to appeal to our biases and resist the urge to go with a choice without carefully considering whether it actually does what the correct answer must do.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep