Analogy – Reasoning Ability (Tamil Nadu Patwari/Lekhpal)
Analogy is a comparison that shows the relationship between two pairs of words or concepts:
A is to B as C is to D.
In tests you will be given a pair (A : B) and a word (C).
Find the word D that keeps the same relationship.
1. Simple Explanation
| Step | What to do | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Identify the relationship between the first pair (A : B). | What is B in relation to A? (synonym, part‑whole, antonym, cause‑effect, etc.) | BOOK : KNOWLEDGE → B gives A information |
| 2. Apply that same relationship to the second word (C). | What word (D) would be to C in the same way? | BOOK : KNOWLEDGE → FOOD : ? → D = NUTRITION |
| 3. Choose the answer that best fits. | Eliminate options that don’t follow the pattern. |
Rule of Thumb:
If A gives B, then C must give D.
If A is a part of B, C is a part of D.
If A is the opposite of B, C is the opposite of D.
If A is a tool used for B, C is a tool used for D.
2. Key Points to Remember
| Category | Typical Relation | Sample Pair | How to Spot It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synonym | Two words with similar meaning | HAPPY : JOYFUL | Both express the same emotion. |
| Antonym | Opposite meaning | HOT : COLD | One is the opposite of the other. |
| Part‑Whole | One is a component of the other | WHEEL : CYCLE | Wheel is part of a cycle. |
| Whole‑Part | The reverse of part‑whole | CYCLE : WHEEL | Cycle is whole, wheel part. |
| Cause‑Effect | One causes the other | RAIN : FLOOD | Rain can cause a flood. |
| Tool‑Use | Tool used to perform an action | PEN : WRITE | Pen is used to write. |
| Function/Result | Tool’s function or result | LEARNING : KNOWLEDGE | Learning results in knowledge. |
| Location‑Object | Object located in a place | MIRROR : ROOM | Mirror is often found in a room. |
Tip: Look for shared patterns such as size, color, shape, usage, or position.
3. Worked Example
Question
GARDEN : PLANTS :: LIBRARY : ?
A. BOOKS
B. STUDENTS
C. LITERATURE
D. TEACHERS
Step‑by‑Step Solution
| Step | Analysis | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the relation between GARDEN and PLANTS | A garden is a place where plants grow. The garden provides a location for plants. | The relation is “location‑object”. |
| 2. Apply the same relation to LIBRARY | The library is a place where… | Which word is an object that lives or is found in a library? |
| 3. Check options | - A. BOOKS – Books are found in a library. - B. STUDENTS – Students may be in a library but not the primary object. - C. LITERATURE – Literature is a category, not a physical object. - D. TEACHERS – Teachers may be present but not the fundamental “object” of a library. |
A. BOOKS is the best match. |
| 4. Answer | A. BOOKS | ✅ |
Explanation
- GARDEN provides a location for PLANTS.
- LIBRARY provides a location for BOOKS.
- Hence D = BOOKS.
4. Quick Revision Summary
| What to Do | Quick Check | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Identify the type of relationship (synonym, antonym, part‑whole, etc.). | Look for similarity or difference in meaning, or role of the second word. | SICK : DOCTOR – Doctor cures sick. |
| Apply the same relationship to the second word. | Ask “What would be to C as B is to A?” | C = CITY → D = PARK (place within a city). |
| Eliminate options that break the pattern. | Choose the answer that fits the exact relationship. | Avoid picking a synonym when the pair is part‑whole. |
| Practice common analogy patterns. | Memorize 5–7 patterns: synonym, antonym, part‑whole, tool‑use, cause‑effect, location‑object, function‑result. | |
| Read the whole question carefully. | Don’t rush; read both parts twice if needed. |
Final Tips for Patwari / Lekhpal Exam
- Time Management: Spend ≤ 1 minute per analogy.
- Eliminate First: Remove obviously wrong choices.
- Look for Context Cues: Words like “contains”, “uses”, “opposite of”, “part of”