A common mistake GMAT test-takers make in the Verbal section is rushing through the question stem. It’s an easy trap to fall into. After all, the more you practice, the more familiar you become with the question types. Over time, you start to recognize patterns, and this familiarity can make you feel confident. But on test day, under time pressure or stress, that confidence can turn into overconfidence—and that’s where the problems begin.

When you rush through the question stem, you risk missing critical details. For instance, the word “support” appears in both Inference and Strengthen questions, but these two question types require entirely different approaches. If you skim the question stem and misinterpret the type of question you’re answering, you might fall for a trap answer—one deliberately designed to catch test-takers who don’t take the time to read carefully.

The solution is simple: slow down and read the question stem fully and carefully. Remind yourself that rushing doesn’t actually save time. In fact, it can make answering more difficult, as you might need to re-read the question or get stuck debating between answers that seem equally correct.

Even if you’ve developed good reading habits during practice, test-day nerves or time pressure can lead to rushing. You might be behind on the clock and feel the need to catch up by skimming. Or, the pressure of the moment might cause you to fall back into old habits you thought you’d outgrown.

Understanding that rushing is a common issue—and one that can significantly hurt your score—is the first step in avoiding it. Make it a habit to read every Verbal question stem fully and carefully, ensuring you understand what’s being asked before you even look at the answer choices. By doing this, you’ll not only avoid traps but also approach each question with greater clarity and confidence.

Remember, taking a few extra seconds to read carefully is a small investment that can lead to big rewards. Stay mindful, take your time, and give yourself the best chance to succeed.

Reach out to me with any questions.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep