4. Analogies [2]
Section 3: Analogies (2 Marks)
Objective: This section tests your ability to recognize, understand, and articulate logical relationships between pairs of words or concepts. It evaluates verbal reasoning, vocabulary depth, and the ability to think abstractly about how ideas connect.
Question Format:
2 questions × 1 mark each.
The classic format is:
WORD1 : WORD2 :: WORD3 : ?It reads as: "WORD1 is to WORD2 as WORD3 is to what?"
You must identify the relationship in the first pair and then find the word that creates the most precise and logical parallel relationship with WORD3.
The Core Strategy: Relationship First, Vocabulary Second
The key is to first define the relationship between the first two words in a clear, concise sentence. Then, apply that same sentence structure to the second pair.
Formula: WORD1 [relationship] WORD2. Therefore: WORD3 [same relationship] ?
Common Logical Relationship Categories
Here are the primary types of relationships tested, with examples:
Type & Example (or Degree of Intensity)
Example: COLD : FREEZING :: HAPPY : ECSTATIC
Relationship: "FREEZING is an extreme degree of COLD, as ECSTATIC is an extreme degree of HAPPY."
Function (Tool & Its Primary Action)
Example: SCALPEL : INCISE :: AWL : PIERCE
Relationship: "A SCALPEL is used to INCISE (cut), as an AWL is used to PIERCE."
Part to Whole (or Whole to Part)
Example: CHAPTER : BOOK :: ACT : PLAY
Relationship: "A CHAPTER is a part of a BOOK, as an ACT is a part of a PLAY."
Cause and Effect
Example: INFECTION : FEVER :: OVEREXPOSURE : SUNBURN
Relationship: "An INFECTION can cause a FEVER, as OVEREXPOSURE can cause a SUNBURN."
Antonym (Opposition)
Example: TRANSPARENT : OPAQUE :: PERMEABLE : IMPERVIOUS
Relationship: "TRANSPARENT is the opposite of OPAQUE, as PERMEABLE is the opposite of IMPERVIOUS."
Synonym (Similarity - often with nuance)
Example: ERRATIC : UNPREDICTABLE :: METHODICAL : SYSTEMATIC
Relationship: "ERRATIC means UNPREDICTABLE, as METHODICAL means SYSTEMATIC."
Worker and Tool/Product
Example: AUTHOR : MANUSCRIPT :: ARCHITECT : BLUEPRINT
Relationship: "An AUTHOR creates a MANUSCRIPT, as an ARCHITECT creates a BLUEPRINT."
Characteristic Quality
Example: WARRIOR : VALIANT :: JUDGE : IMPARTIAL
Relationship: "A defining quality of a WARRIOR is to be VALIANT, as a defining quality of a JUDGE is to be IMPARTIAL."
Sequence (or Step in a Process)
Example: BLUEPRINT : CONSTRUCTION :: PROPOSAL : IMPLEMENTATION
Relationship: "A BLUEPRINT comes before CONSTRUCTION, as a PROPOSAL comes before IMPLEMENTATION."
Sample MCQ Analogies
Question 1 (1 Mark)
EPHEMERAL : PERMANENCE :: GENUINE : _____
A) Authentic B) Fraudulent C) Valuable D) Ancient
Answer & Step-by-Step Solution:
Define Relationship 1: EPHEMERAL means short-lived, which is the absence of PERMANENCE. They are direct antonyms.
State the formula: "EPHEMERAL is defined by a lack of PERMANENCE."
Apply to Pair 2: "GENUINE is defined by a lack of _____."
What is the direct, defining opposite of GENUINE (real, authentic)? It is FRAUDULENT (fake).
Check: EPHEMERAL : PERMANENCE (Antonym) :: GENUINE : FRAUDULENT (Antonym). Perfect parallel.
Correct Answer: B) Fraudulent
Question 2 (1 Mark)
ANALGESIC : PAIN :: ANTISEPTIC : _____
A) Bleeding B) Infection C) Inflammation D) Fever
Answer & Step-by-Step Solution:
Define Relationship 1: An ANALGESIC is a substance that reduces or relieves PAIN. (Function/Effect)
State the formula: "AN ANALGESIC is used to counter PAIN."
Apply to Pair 2: "An ANTISEPTIC is used to counter _____."
What is the primary thing an antiseptic is used to prevent or counter? It is INFECTION (by killing microbes).
Check: ANALGESIC counters PAIN :: ANTISEPTIC counters INFECTION. The relationship of "agent to its target ailment" is perfectly maintained.
Correct Answer: B) Infection
Tricky Variations & Pitfalls
Multiple Relationships: Sometimes, two options might seem to fit a weak relationship. You must find the strongest, most essential, and most direct relationship.
Example: OAK : TREE :: ?
Is the relationship Type (Oak is a type of Tree)? Then Salmon : Fish works.
Is the relationship Part to Whole (Oak is made of Tree)? That's illogical. So you dismiss this weaker link.
Vocabulary is Key: If you don't know the meaning of one word in the stem pair, you cannot solve it. This is why vocabulary building is critical for analogies.
Your Preparation Strategy for Analogies:
Learn the Relationship Types: Memorize the 9 categories above. When you see a practice question, first categorize it.
Build a Strong, Nuanced Vocabulary: Focus on learning words in pairs (synonyms, antonyms) and in categories (tools, professions, abstract qualities).
Practice with a Sentence Bridge: Always articulate the relationship in a sentence. Don't just look for a vague connection. Be precise.
Process of Elimination:
If your defined relationship doesn't fit an option, eliminate it.
Eliminate any answer that creates a different type of relationship than the stem pair.
Use Specialized Resources:
Old GRE/SAT analogy books (search for PDFs online—analogies were a major part of these tests).
Vocabulary.com or Quizlet decks specifically for "word relationships" or "analogies."
This section, while only 2 marks, is a sharp test of logical thinking and verbal precision. Consistent, thoughtful practice is the only way to master it.
You now have a complete blueprint for the Communication English (10 Marks) section:
Critical Reasoning (6 Marks): Text Completion & Reading Passages
Error Analysis (2 Marks): Grammar & Professional Style
Analogies (2 Marks): Logical Word Relationships
Your next step is to source practice material for each type (GRE/GMAT resources are best) and begin a disciplined study schedule, dedicating time to each sub-section based on its weight and your personal weakness.