If there is one factor that makes GRE Reading Comprehension particularly demanding, it is the way the answer choices are constructed. They are almost never obvious. Instead, they are deliberately designed to blur the line between right and wrong, making incorrect options seem plausible and correct ones feel uncertain at first read.

Many wrong answers succeed because they are partially accurate. They may reflect a detail from the passage or address one aspect of the question, but they stop short of fully answering what is being asked. Falling for these choices often happens when test-takers skim or fail to fully evaluate each option. Every word in an answer choice matters, and unless the choice satisfies the question in its entirety, it should be eliminated.

Other trap answers rely on familiarity. They echo the passage's language so closely that they feel safe or reassuring. But similarity in wording does not guarantee correctness. What matters is whether the idea expressed aligns with the passage, not whether the phrasing sounds familiar.

In contrast, correct answers often look unfamiliar. They may paraphrase, condense, or reframe the passage’s ideas rather than repeat them. Sometimes they even use unexpected wording. This can make them seem questionable at first glance. Confidence comes from recognizing that a correct answer is one that is fully supported by the passage’s meaning, even if it does not resemble the original text.

Ultimately, GRE Reading Comprehension is designed to exploit common habits such as skimming, rushing, and making assumptions. Strong performance depends on slowing down and evaluating each answer choice with precision, testing it against both the passage and the question. Learning to separate subtle traps from genuinely supported answers is a skill that improves with practice, and it is what distinguishes high scorers from the rest.

If you have questions about your GRE prep, feel free to reach out. Happy studying.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep