Analogy – Reasoning Ability (Arunachal Pradesh PSC)
Analogy is a reasoning technique that asks you to identify a relationship between two items (A : B) and then apply that same relationship to another pair (C :?).
1. Simple Explanation
| Aspect | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Definition | If A is to B as C is to D, the relationship between A and B must be the same as that between C and D. |
| Goal | Find the word or concept that completes the analogy. |
| Common Types | 1. Synonym / Antonym 2. Part‑Whole 3. Function / Use 4. Sequence / Order 5. Cause‑Effect 6. Quality / Characteristic |
2. Key Points to Master
| # | Key Point | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the relationship first – look for similarity, difference, function, or hierarchy. | Avoids guessing; ensures the correct pair. |
| 2 | List possible relations – synonyms, antonyms, part‑whole, etc. | Helps narrow down choices quickly. |
| 3 | Check consistency – the same relation must hold for both pairs. | Prevents mismatched answers. |
| 4 | Use elimination – rule out options that don’t fit any logical relation. | Saves time. |
| 5 | Practice word‑based and concept‑based analogies – many PSC questions mix both. | Builds versatility. |
| 6 | Time management – spend 10–12 sec per analogy, allocate extra time for harder ones. | Keeps overall exam time in check. |
3. Worked Example
Question:
BOOK : PAGE :: DIARY : ?
A) Entry B) Cover C) Pen D) Time
Step‑by‑Step Solution
-
Determine the relation between BOOK and PAGE.
- A book contains pages.
- Relationship: part‑whole (page is a part of a book).
-
Apply the same relation to DIARY.
- A diary contains entries.
- So, the missing word should be Entry.
-
Check options:
- A) Entry – fits the part‑whole relation.
- B, C, D – do not.
Answer: A) Entry
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Step | What to Do | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read the analogy carefully | Highlight the main words. |
| 2 | Find the relationship | Think of synonyms, antonyms, parts, functions, order, cause‑effect. |
| 3 | Apply the same relationship to the second pair | Mirror the logic. |
| 4 | Cross‑check with all options | Eliminate any that break the relationship. |
| 5 | Verify | Ensure the chosen answer is the only one that fits. |
Quick Flashcards
| Analogy Type | Example | Key Hint |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | Happy : Joyful :: Sad : ? | Think of a synonym for “Sad.” |
| Antonym | Hot : Cold :: Fast : ? | Opposite of “Fast.” |
| Part‑Whole | Car : Engine :: House : ? | Component of a house. |
| Function | Pen : Write :: Brush : ? | What does a brush do? |
| Sequence | First : One :: Second : ? | Numerical order. |
| Cause‑Effect | Rain : Flood :: Fire : ? | Result of fire. |
Pro‑Tip: When time is tight, quickly list all possible relations and immediately cross‑check them with the options. The correct answer will usually stand out after you rule out the others.
Happy practicing, and good luck with your Arunachal Pradesh PSC exam!