👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!

One of the more subtle challenges in GRE Critical Reasoning questions is that incorrect answer choices are not simply wrong. They are written to feel right. Question writers intentionally use our cognitive biases against us. In other words, these trap answers are crafted to sound appealing to the way we naturally think when we are not being fully analytical.

For example, imagine a question about “incompetent politicians.” An incorrect answer choice might mention “corruption.” That is not random. The test makers understand that many people instinctively link political incompetence with corruption, and that bias can push test-takers to choose the wrong option. It feels correct on the surface because it aligns with a familiar narrative, but it fails to meet the logical requirements of the question.

This kind of subtle manipulation is part of what makes the GRE a reasoning test rather than a reading test. The purpose of Critical Reasoning questions is not to measure how much we agree with an idea, or how familiar it sounds, but to measure how precisely we can analyze arguments. The writers of the GRE expect us to separate our intuition from our logic, and that distinction is what high scorers consistently do well.

The key, then, is awareness. When you approach a Critical Reasoning question, recognize that the wrong answers are designed to exploit your assumptions. They will often sound persuasive, contain familiar words, or feel like they “fit” the situation. But your task is not to select what sounds plausible. Your task is to identify which option logically satisfies the conditions of the question.

Take your time to examine each answer. Ask yourself, “Does this choice truly address the argument’s reasoning, or does it just feel right?” That moment of pause is often enough to prevent a careless error. By slowing down and analyzing the logical structure of each option, you not only avoid traps but also strengthen your reasoning skills for the rest of the exam.

The best test-takers are those who remain calm and methodical, who read for logic rather than intuition. If you can stay aware of how biases influence your thought process, you will find yourself selecting correct answers with greater confidence and consistency.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep