📚 TISSNET – Reasoning Ability: Analogy
Analogy is a question type that tests your ability to find relationships or patterns between two pairs of words, phrases, or concepts. Mastering analogies can boost your scores in the Reasoning Ability section of the TISSNET exam.
1️⃣ Simple Explanation
An analogy compares two items (let’s call them A and B) and asks you to choose the pair (C and D) that has the same relationship as A relates to B.
A : B :: C : D
- A → B = C → D
Think of it as a bridge that connects two sets of items through the same pattern.
2️⃣ Key Points to Remember
| # | Point | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the relationship first | Don’t jump to the answer. Define what A has to B (synonym, antonym, part‑whole, cause‑effect, etc.). |
| 2 | Categorize the relationship | Common types: • Synonym/Antonym • Same part of speech • Cause/Effect • Inclusion/Exclusion • Professional/Instrument • Opposite direction • Progression/Sequence |
| 3 | Look for patterns in all options | Even if many options seem unrelated, the correct pair will share the exact pattern you identified. |
| 4 | Use elimination | Often 2–3 options can be ruled out quickly, leaving 1–2 plausible choices. |
| 5 | Watch out for “trick” options | They may match part of the relationship but not the whole. |
| 6 | Practice with varied contexts | Analogies appear with words, phrases, numbers, and even images. |
3️⃣ Worked Example
Question:
HEART : BLOOD :: KIDNEY : ?
Options
a) Urine b) Blood c) Filtration d) Liquid
Step‑by‑Step Solution
| Step | What to Do | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify Relationship | Heart processes Blood → KIDNEY does what? |
| 2 | Think of Kidney’s Function | Kidneys filter blood to produce urine. |
| 3 | Match Relationship Type | Heart → Blood (processes) ↔ Kidney → Urine (produces). |
| 4 | Select the Correct Option | Option a) Urine fits the pattern. |
Answer: a) Urine
4️⃣ Quick Revision Summary
| Category | Typical Relationship | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | A is a synonym of B | Happy : Joyful :: Sad : ? → Depressed |
| Antonym | A is opposite of B | Hot : Cold :: Light : ? → Dark |
| Part‑Whole | A is part of B | Wheel : Car :: Hand : ? → Body |
| Cause‑Effect | A causes B | Rain : Wetness :: Fire : ? → Heat |
| Instrument | A is used to do B | Brush : Paint :: Pen : ? → Ink |
| Profession/Tool | A is profession, B is tool | Doctor : Stethoscope :: Chef : ? → Knife |
| Progression | A precedes B in a sequence | Morning : Day :: Night : ? → Time |
Practice Tips
- Read the pair aloud – hearing the words can reveal hidden similarities.
- Write down the relation (synonym, part, etc.) before scanning options.
- Mark out any option that doesn’t fit the identified relation.
- Use process of elimination – often 2–3 options can be ruled out instantly.
- Time yourself – analogies are quick once you spot the pattern.
Good luck!
Master these steps, practice regularly, and you’ll conquer the analogy section with confidence.