Analogies: challenge

T.2 Analogies: Challenge by Delta publications

Key Notes :

What is an Analogy?

An analogy is a comparison between two things that share a similar relationship. In simpler terms, it’s about finding the same relationship in different pairs of words.

Standard format: A : B :: C : D (A is to B as C is to D)

Example: SUN : DAY :: MOON : NIGHT

The relationship here is that the sun is present during the day, just like the moon is present during the night. Easy, right? Now, let’s crank up the difficulty!

Advanced Analogy Types

Beyond the basics, analogies can get tricky! Here are a few types you might encounter:

Part to Whole: A part of something compared to the whole thing.

  • Example: WHEEL : CAR :: PAGE : BOOK

Cause and Effect: One thing causes another.

  • Example: FIRE : HEAT :: RAIN : FLOOD

Degree or Intensity: Showing different levels of something.

  • Example: WARM : HOT :: HAPPY : ECSTATIC

Grammatical: The relationship is based on grammar (singular/plural, verb tense, etc.)

  • Example: IS : WAS :: RUN : RAN

Antonyms: Opposites are compared to other opposites

  • Example: UP : DOWN :: LEFT : RIGHT
Strategies for Solving Tricky Analogies

When faced with a challenging analogy, try these strategies:

  • Define the Relationship: Clearly state the relationship between the first pair of words (A : B). Be specific! Don’t just say “They’re related.” Say how they’re related.
  • Create a Sentence: Turn the A : B relationship into a short, clear sentence. For example, for SUN : DAY, you might say “The sun is present during the day.”
  • Apply the Sentence: Use the same sentence to test each answer choice (C : D). The pair that makes the sentence true is likely the correct answer.
  • Eliminate Wrong Answers: If you’re stuck, eliminate the answer choices that definitely don’t fit the relationship.
  • Consider Order: The order of the words matters! Make sure the relationship is the same in both pairs.
  • Look for Obvious Connections: Sometimes, the connection is more straightforward than you think. Don’t overcomplicate it!
Advanced Examples
Example 1:

ARCHITECT : BLUEPRINT ::a) baker : bread

b) composer : score
c) teacher : lesson
d) writer : novel		Explanation:

An architect creates a blueprint before building. A composer creates a score before a performance. Therefore, the answer is (b). Options a, c, and d represent the creator and the result of the action, not the plan/preperation involved before the action happens.
Example 2:

EPHEMERAL : PERMANENCE

::

a) fragile : strength
b) visible : obscurity
c) silent : noise
d) tasty : sustenance		Explanation:

Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time, so it’s the opposite of permanence. Fragile is the opposite of strength. Therefore the answer is (a). Note that ‘sustenance’ is something which keeps you alive, so is not the opposite of ‘tasty’.
Practice Exercises

Time to put your skills to the test! Choose the best analogy for each:

  1. ACTOR : SCRIPT :: ______ : ______
    a) artist : painting
    b) chef : recipe
    c) musician : instrument
    d) sculptor : chisel
  2. PESSIMIST : HOPE :: ______ : ______
    a) athlete : energy
    b) liar : truth
    c) student : knowledge
    d) criminal : law
  3. SURGEON : SCALPEL :: ______ : ______
    a) carpenter : wood
    b) teacher : book
    c) painter : brush
    d) writer : pen
  4. LARVA : BUTTERFLY :: ______ : ______
    a) seed : flower
    b) egg : bird
    c) tadpole : frog
    d) cub : lion

(Answers: 1. b, 2. b, 3. c, 4. c)

Next Steps

Keep practicing analogies to improve your vocabulary and reasoning skills! Look for analogies in your reading material, and try creating your own. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at spotting those tricky relationships.

List of Analogies: challenge

Let’s practice!🖊️

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