Why Your “GMAT Verbal Gimmicks” Might Be Hurting Your Score
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.
This may sound obvious, but it’s an easy trap to fall into. When we’re trying to move quickly or feel unsure, we often look for shortcuts—ways to make decisions without fully engaging in the reasoning process. And on the GMAT, that can backfire.
For example, let’s say you were solving the following GMAT Critical Reasoning practice question:
(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 might say that choice (A) is a good one because it “seems realistic.” But here’s the problem—what’s “realistic” in the real world doesn’t necessarily make sense in the world of GMAT logic. “Realistic” isn’t a valid criterion for choosing an answer.
Another common gimmick is automatically eliminating answers with “extreme” words like all, none, or always. Yes, extreme language can be a red flag. But it's not a guarantee that the answer is wrong. If the passage or argument justifies the extreme claim, then the answer could be 100% correct. So instead of thinking, “This word looks too strong,” ask yourself whether the reasoning actually supports the strength of the claim.
You may also see people advise choosing answers that “use the same words” as the passage. That too can be misleading. Just because an answer mimics the passage’s language doesn’t mean it reflects the author’s intended meaning. The GMAT often includes trap answers that sound familiar but are logically off-base.
So, what do all these gimmicks have in common? They don’t require any real thinking. They let us feel like we’re solving questions without actually engaging with the logic of the argument, the evidence in the passage, or the reasoning behind the answer choices.
If you want to truly improve your Verbal score, your goal should be to build airtight reasoning for every decision you make. That means identifying exactly why an answer is correct, using the information in the passage or the logic of the argument—not gut instinct, familiarity, or rule-of-thumb tricks. If your reasoning is vague—“this feels wrong” or “this seems close”—you’re missing a learning opportunity. The GMAT doesn’t reward guessing well. It rewards reasoning well.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
