Reasoning – Analogy
What is Analogy?
Analogy questions are designed to test your ability to understand relationships and apply them in different contexts. The structure of an analogy is typically in the form A : B :: C : D, which reads as 'A is to B as C is to D'. Your goal is to identify the logic or function connecting the first pair and use it to determine the second pair.
Types of Analogies
1. Word Analogy: Based on synonyms, antonyms, function, category, etc.
2. Number Analogy: Involves arithmetic operations or numerical patterns.
3. Alphabet Analogy: Focuses on positions, skipping letters, reverse order, etc.
4. General Knowledge Analogy: Requires basic awareness of real-world facts.
5. Image-based Analogy: Involves pattern recognition, symmetry, and transformation in figures.
Example Questions
- Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ?
Answer: School (Function-based)
- Knife : Cut :: Pen : ?
Answer: Write (Tool and action)
- 2 : 4 :: 3 : ?
Answer: 6 (Multiplicative pattern)
- A : C :: E : ?
Answer: G (Alphabet position skip of +2)
- Mango : Fruit :: Carrot : ?
Answer: Vegetable (Category match)
Exam Tips
- Look for consistent and clear logic in the first pair.
- Use elimination for options that do not match the relationship.
- Avoid superficial similarities; focus on the actual relationship like function, degree, size, etc.
- Draw arrows or use charts when dealing with letter and number analogies to clarify the logic.
Common Mistakes
- Jumping to conclusions based on familiar word pairings rather than applying the same relationship.
- Confusing partial similarity for true analogy.
- Choosing an option that shares a general category but fails to reflect the exact relationship.
Quick Revision Checklist
- Understand types: synonym, antonym, function, cause-effect, category.
- Review number patterns, letter positions, and basic world knowledge.
- Practice with at least 10 examples from each analogy type.
- Review image analogies by identifying pattern transformations (rotation, mirroring, etc.).
Summary: Analogy questions test a student's ability to form connections between related items. With regular practice, you can enhance your pattern recognition and logical thinking, making it easier to solve complex analogy problems under timed conditions.