Analogy – Quick Study Guide
(For the RHCE Reasoning Ability section)
1. What is an Analogy?
An analogy asks you to find the same relationship between two things as exists between another pair.
Think of it like a “matching game” for ideas.
- Example:
“Cat is to Kitten as Dog is to …”
The relationship is “big → small (baby)”.
The answer: Puppy.
2. How to Spot the Relationship
- Look at the first pair (A and B).
- Ask: How are A and B connected?
- Write the relationship down in one word or short phrase (synonym, opposite, part‑whole, cause‑effect, etc.).
- Find the word in the second pair (C and D) that shows the same relationship.
3. Common Relationship Types
| Type | Everyday Analogy | Quick Hint |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | “Happy – Joyful” | Same meaning |
| Antonym | “Hot – Cold” | Opposite meaning |
| Part‑Whole | “Wheel – Car” | Part is inside whole |
| Cause‑Effect | “Rain – Flood” | One causes the other |
| Function | “Pen – Write” | Tool does X |
| Process | “Plant – Grow” | One action leads to another |
4. Step‑by‑Step Solver
- Read the pair: A : B
- Ask “What is the link?”
- Choose a type from the table above.
- Apply the same link to C and pick the word that fits.
5. Tiny Example
| A | B | C | D (Answer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book | Pages | Pen | Ink |
- Relationship: “Tool that writes”
- Pen writes Ink.
6. Practice Tips
- Keep it simple – use everyday objects.
- Write the relationship on a sticky note; it helps you see patterns.
- Check both sides – sometimes the same word fits both pairs (rare but possible).
7. Quick Practice Question
Foot – Toe as Hand – …
Relationship?
(Answer: Finger – part of whole.)
8. Summary
- Analogy tests your ability to see the same link between two pairs.
- Identify the link, then find the matching link in the second pair.
- Use everyday examples and keep sentences short.
Good luck with your RHCE prep!