Analogy – Quick & Easy Study Notes
(For TISSNET Reasoning Ability – Beginner Level)
1. What is an Analogy?
- Analogy is a comparison that shows how two pairs are related in the same way.
- Think of it as a matching game:
- If A is to B, then X must be to Y.
- Everyday example:
- Apple is to fruit as carrot is to vegetable.
2. Why Do We Use Analogies?
- Tests your pattern‑recognition skills.
- Shows how well you can spot relationships.
- Helps you think in parallel ways: same rule, different items.
3. Common Types of Analogy Questions
| Type | Example | How to Spot It |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | Happy : Joyful :: Sad : ___ | Words that mean the same. |
| Antonym | Hot : Cold :: Light : ___ | Words that are opposites. |
| Part‑Whole | Tree : Leaf :: Car : ___ | One thing that is part of the other. |
| Function | Pen : Write :: Brush : ___ | Tool → What it does. |
| Cause‑Effect | Rain : Flood :: Heat : ___ | Event → Result. |
| Similarity | Teacher : School :: Chef : ___ | Same kind of relationship. |
(In practice you’ll see a mix of these; the key is to find the rule that connects the first pair.)
4. Step‑by‑Step Approach
- Read the first pair carefully.
- Note the relationship (synonym, part, function, etc.).
- List all possible relationships you can think of.
- Apply each relationship to the second pair from the options.
- Choose the option that fits the same relationship.
Tip: If you’re stuck, try using a word‑map:
First word → Second word
▲ ▲
| |
└─ same link ─┘
5. Mini Example
Question:
Sun : Day :: Moon : ___
| Option | Answer |
|---|---|
| A. Night | ✔️ |
| B. Day | ❌ |
| C. Sun | ❌ |
| D. Sky | ❌ |
Why?
- The Sun is what makes a Day bright.
- The Moon is what makes a Night bright.
- So the pair is Moon : Night.
6. Quick Practice
| # | Analogy | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Book : Read :: Song : ___ | A. Sing B. Write C. Listen D. Dance | A |
| 2 | Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ___ | A. School B. Classroom C. Book D. Pen | A |
| 3 | Hot : Cold :: Fast : ___ | A. Slow B. Quick C. Long D. Short | A |
| 4 | Wheel : Car :: Wing : ___ | A. Plane B. Bird C. Airplane D. Bird | C |
| 5 | River : Water :: Tree : ___ | A. Leaves B. Wood C. Branch D. Roots | B |
(Try to solve them before looking at the answers!)
7. Tips for Success
- Read slowly – rush leads to missing the connection.
- Eliminate nonsense choices – often only one fits the rule.
- Think of synonyms/antonyms first – many analogies use these.
- Use mental picture – imagine the relationship in real life.
- Practice with timer – in exam you’ll have to be quick.
8. Final Thought
Analogies are simply matching games with words.
Once you spot the rule, the answer usually comes naturally.
Keep practicing, and you’ll feel the patterns come easier and faster.
Good luck with your TISSNET preparation!