Use Logic, Not Gimmicks While Solving GMAT Verbal Questions

If our explanations for why a Verbal answer choice is correct or incorrect are based on gimmicks instead of sound logic, then regardless of what other strategies we use, we’re unlikely to consistently get questions correct.

To illustrate this point, let’s return to our previous example:



(A) Because fig trees can thrive in a range of climates, it is possible to grow figs in many areas of the country.

Many GMAT students would say that choice (A) is a good one because it’s “realistic.” However, being “realistic” in the world beyond the GMAT does not make an answer choice logical in the presented scenario. This all-too-common GMAT hack does not work.

Similarly, many students automatically eliminate any Verbal answer choices that use “extreme” words such as all, none, or every. This supposed shortcut is no more effective than selecting “realistic” answers or selecting answers because they match the passage’s wording.

What do all of these GMAT gimmicks have in common? They don’t ask us to do any real thinking! Sure, we’d be happier if we could score high on Verbal Reasoning without having to do any actual reasoning. Unfortunately, that isn’t reality.

Instead of relying on gimmicks, identify concrete, specific reasons why each answer choice is correct or incorrect. Make sure that when you select an answer, you’ve used logic and evidence from the passage to solidly support it. The fact that, for example, a Reading Comprehension answer “seems wrong” is not solid support for eliminating that answer. If you find that your reasons for eliminating or selecting answers are vague, you probably have Verbal knowledge gaps to fill.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep