Reasoning Ability – Analogy
(For Tripura Patwari / Lekhpal Examination)
📌 1. Simple Explanation
An analogy asks you to find a pair of words that have the same relationship as the given pair.
- Relation can be: synonym, antonym, cause‑effect, part‑whole, function, similarity, difference, etc.
- The task is not to find the meaning of the word, but to spot how the words are connected.
Example
Cold : Warm :: ____ : Hot
Cold and Warm are opposites.
So the missing word must also be an opposite of Hot → Cold.
📚 2. Key Points & Strategies
| # | What to Look At | How to Approach |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the Relation | Is it synonym, antonym, part‑whole, function, cause‑effect, etc.? |
| 2 | Test Each Option | For each candidate word, check if the same relation holds with the second word in the pair. |
| 3 | Eliminate Irrelevant Options | Discard words that don’t fit any known relation. |
| 4 | Use Process of Elimination | Often, only one option satisfies the relation. |
| 5 | Mind the Context | Some relations are domain‑specific (e.g., “teacher : classroom” – function). |
| 6 | Avoid Long‑Term Memory | Focus on relation, not on the meaning itself. |
| 7 | Practice Variety | Solve analogies with different relation types to build flexibility. |
Common Relation Types
| Relation | Example | Quick Test |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | Happy : Joyful | Are the words interchangeable? |
| Antonym | Hot : Cold | Are they opposites? |
| Part‑Whole | Wheel : Car | Does the first belong to the second? |
| Function | Doctor : Hospital | Does the first perform a role in the second? |
| Cause‑Effect | Rain : Flood | Does the first lead to the second? |
| Similarity | Sparrow : Bird | Is the first an example of the second? |
| Difference | Dog : Cat | Are they in the same group but distinct? |
🧮 3. Worked Example
Question:
Brisk : Lethargic :: ____ : Energetic
| Step | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify the relation | “Brisk” is the opposite of “Lethargic” → relation: Antonym. |
| 2. Apply the relation to the new pair | We need a word that is the opposite of “Energetic”. |
| 3. Find the antonym of “Energetic” | Lazy, Sluggish, Inactive … |
| 4. Choose the best fit | Lazy is the most common antonym. |
Answer: Lazy |
Quick Check
Lazy : Energetic– Yes, they are opposites. All other options would fail.
📝 4. Quick Revision Summary
- Understand the Question – Find the relation, not the meaning.
- Common Relations – Synonym, Antonym, Part‑Whole, Function, Cause‑Effect, Similarity.
- Solve in Steps –
- Identify relation.
- Apply the same relation to the new pair.
- Eliminate options that break the relation.
- Practice Varied Types – Helps build intuition.
- Time Management – Spend ~1–2 minutes per analogy; skip if stuck, return if time permits.
🎯 5. Quick Tips for the Tripura Patwari / Lekhpal Exam
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Read All Options First | You can sometimes spot the relation by scanning choices. |
| Use a Mini‑Dictionary | Quick synonyms/antonyms help when stuck. |
| Mark Unfamiliar Words | Flag them for later review; you may skip if time is tight. |
| Keep a Cheat‑Sheet | Notes on common relations and example words. |
| Practice Under Timed Conditions | Simulate exam pressure. |
🔁 6. Practice Questions
| # | Analogy | Options | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle : Rough :: ____ : Fragile | A. Strong B. Delicate C. Hard D. Soft | C. Hard |
| 2 | Teacher : Classroom :: ____ : Library | A. Student B. Book C. Reader D. Librarian | B. Book |
| 3 | Bitter : Sweet :: ____ : Sweet | A. Sour B. Bitter C. Salty D. Sour | A. Sour |
(Try solving these on your own before checking the answers.)
Final Thought
Analogies test your ability to see relationships rather than definitions. By mastering the quick identification of the relation and systematically applying it, you can tackle any analogy within seconds. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that the “aha!” moment comes faster and more often. Good luck!