Just as you spend time analyzing passages to find clues that lead to correct answers, you should also spend time analyzing answer choices if you want to get better and faster at eliminating wrong ones. This step is crucial because, as you practice, you’ll notice that GRE Verbal answer choices often follow certain patterns.

The GRE uses recurring traps to get test-takers to select incorrect answers. The more you study and analyze answer choices, the easier it becomes to recognize these patterns. This is true across all types of Verbal questions.

For example, in Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion questions, you’ll often see answer choices that include antonyms of the words you need. When evaluating choices, look for words with opposite meanings. This can help you quickly eliminate options that clearly go in the wrong direction. Keep in mind that just because two choices are opposites does not guarantee that one is correct. The goal is to narrow your options efficiently and focus on the choices that make sense in context.

Another common trap appears in Reading Comprehension answer choices. Some options may state something true in the real world or sound plausible, but they do not answer the question or relate to what the passage actually says. These answers are easy to fall for because the information is correct, but it is irrelevant to the task.

Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions often use a similar approach. A sentence may describe a scenario, and the answer choices may include words that are familiar or commonly associated with the context, like “comprehensive” or “meticulous” for research. These words may seem appealing because they are logical in the real world, but they may not fit the sentence correctly. Recognizing this trap allows you to avoid being misled by familiar but incorrect choices.

Being able to identify common trap answers is a highly useful skill. As you work through more practice questions, you’ll notice additional patterns. Keeping a brief list of the traps you encounter can help. For instance, you might note “partially correct” for an RC trap and define it as “answers only part of the question or is only partially true.” The list should stay short and manageable, but it helps you process the traps during untimed practice. Over time, noticing these recurring traps will become automatic, allowing you to focus on the correct answer without hesitation.

The key takeaway is this: studying answer choices systematically is just as important as studying passages. By paying attention to recurring patterns and traps, you will improve your ability to select the correct answer efficiently and accurately.

If you have questions about your GRE preparation, I encourage you to reach out.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep