Objective

• To develop the ability to identify relationships between pairs of words and to apply this understanding to solve analogy questions in the Verbal Reasoning section of the GAT.

Introduction

Analogies are comparisons between two things that highlight a relationship between them. In the context of the GAT, analogy questions require you to identify a similar relationship between a second pair of words. These questions test your verbal reasoning, vocabulary, and ability to think logically about word relationships.

Structure of Analogy Questions

Analogy questions are usually presented in the following format:

              A: B :: C : D

This reads as “A is to B as C is to D.” Your task is to identify the relationship between A and B and then find the word that has the same relationship to C.

Types of Analogical Relationships

1. Synonymy (Similar Meaning)

• Example: Happy : Joyful :: Sad : ____ (Answer: Melancholy)

2. Antonymy (Opposite Meaning)

• Example: Hot : Cold :: High: ____ (Answer: Low)

3. Part to Whole

• Example: Finger : Hand :: Toe : ____ (Answer: Foot)

4. Cause and Effect

• Example: Study : Learn :: Eat : ____ (Answer: Digest)

5. Function

• Example: Knife : Cut :: Pen : ____ (Answer: Write)

6. Degree of Intensity

• Example: Warm: Hot:: Cool : ____ (Answer: Cold)

7. Characteristic

• Example: Cheetah : Fast :: Sloth : ____ (Answer: Slow)

8. Category

• Example: Dog : Mammal :: Lizard : ____ (Answer: Reptile)

9. Sequence

• Example: Monday : Tuesday :: January : ____ (Answer: February)

10. Symbol

• Example: Dove : Peace :: Red Cross : ____ (Answer: Health)

Steps to Solve Analogy Questions of the second type

1. Identify the relationship: Determine the exact relationship between the first pair of words (A and B).
2. Formulate a parallel relationship: Apply the same relationship to the second pair, involving the third word (C).
3. Select the best match: Choose the word that completes the analogy by maintaining the identified relationship with C.

Tips and Strategies

1. Understand common relationships:Familiarize yourself with the common types of relationships listed above.
2. Use elimination: If unsure, eliminate options that clearly do not fit the identified relationship.
3. Consider word forms:Be mindful of the parts of speech and ensure the analogies are grammatically parallel.
4. Expand vocabulary:A broad vocabulary helps in understanding and identifying subtle relationships.
5. Practice regularly:Regular practice with analogy questions improves your ability to quickly identify relationships.

Practice Questions for Analogy type two

Directions: For questions 1 to 5, there is a certain relationship between the two given words on one side of : : and one word is given on the other side of :: from the given alternatives, choose one word that has the same relationship with this word as the words given in the pair and blacken the letter of your choice on the separate answer sheet provided.

1.Tree : Forest :: Star : ____

a) Sun

b) Planet

c) Galaxy

d) Light

Answer: c) Galaxy (A forest is a collection of trees, and a galaxy is a collection of stars.)

2. Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ____

a) Student

b) School

c) Lesson

d) Principal

• Answer: b) School (A doctor works in a hospital, and a teacher works in a school.)

3. Knife : Cut :: Ruler : ____

a) Measure

b) Draw

c) Write

d) Erase

Answer: a) Measure (A knife is used to cut, and a ruler is used to measure.)

4. Finger : Hand :: Toe : ____
a) Shoe
b) Foot
c) Sock
d) Ankle
Answer: b) Foot
Explanation: A finger is part of a hand, just as a toe is part of a foot. Both pairs represent parts of human anatomy.
5. Pupil : Eye :: Blood : ____
a) Heart
b) Vein
c) Body
d) Artery
Answer: a) Heart
Explanation: The pupil is a part of the eye, and blood is circulated by the heart. Both pairs show an essential component and its corresponding organ.
6. Minute : Hour :: Inch : ____
a) Foot
b) Meter
c) Yard
d) Mile
Answer: a) Foot
Explanation: There are 60 minutes in an hour, just as there are 12 inches in a foot. Both pairs represent smaller units that combine to form a larger unit.
7. Puppy : Dog :: Kitten : ____
a) Cat
b) Mouse
c) Rabbit
d) Cow
Answer: a) Cat
Explanation: A puppy is a young dog, just as a kitten is a young cat. Both pairs represent young and adult forms of animals.
8. Artist : Paintbrush :: Writer : ____
a) Notebook
b) Pen
c) Computer
d) Desk
Answer: b) Pen
Explanation: An artist uses a paintbrush to create art, just as a writer uses a pen to write. Both pairs show tools used by professionals in their respective fields.
9. Roof : House :: Cap : ____
a) Head
b) Bottle
c) Pen
d) Jar
Answer: a) Head
Explanation: A roof covers a house, just as a cap covers a head. Both pairs represent protective coverings.

10. Keyboard : Computer :: Steering Wheel : ____
a) Car
b) Bicycle
c) Boat
d) Plane
Answer : a) Car
Explanation: A keyboard is used to control a computer, just as a steering wheel is used to control a car. Both pairs show essential control mechanisms for operating machines.

Conclusion

Understanding and solving analogies is a critical skill for the Verbal Reasoning section of the GAT. By recognizing common relationships and practicing regularly, you can enhance your ability to perform well in this section. Remember to stay calm, think logically, and apply the relationships consistently to find the correct answers.