Analogy

📚 Study Notes – Analogy

Reasoning Ability → Arunachal Pradesh Police Constable Exam

1️⃣ Simple Explanation

An analogy is a comparison that shows a relationship between two pairs of items.
In reasoning tests the typical format is:

A is to B as C is to ?

You must find the word or concept that best completes the relationship that exists between A and B.

2️⃣ Key Points & Types

Tip: 90 % of exam questions are in 1–4 categories.

3️⃣ How to Solve Analogy Questions

1. Identify the relationship

   • Look at A → B.
   • Ask: What connects A and B? (synonym, part, function, etc.)

2. Apply the same relationship to C

   • Find the item in the list that fits the pattern.

3. Check all options

   • Eliminations: discard any that break the identified rule.

4. Double‑check

   • Confirm that the chosen answer creates a valid analogy.

4️⃣ Worked Example

Question:

SHEPHERD : WOLF :: (A) FISH : SEA (B) FISH : BASS (C) FISH : WATER (D) FISH : GOLDFISH

Step 1 – Find the relationship A → B

• Shepherd protects the Wolf from danger.
• Relationship: Guardian / Protector → Threat.

Step 2 – Apply to C → D

• Fish is a guardian? No.
• Instead, consider Fish lives in Water.
• The natural pairing: Fish → Water (habitat).

Step 3 – Check options

• (A) FISH : SEA – Sea is a type of water, not the primary habitat.
• (C) FISH : WATER – Direct habitat.
• (B) FISH : BASS – BASS is a type of fish, not a habitat.
• (D) FISH : GOLDFISH – Another fish species.

Answer: (C) FISH : WATER

Why (C)? It maintains a part‑whole relationship: Fish lives in Water.

5️⃣ Quick Revision Summary

• Definition: A comparison that shows a relationship between two pairs.
• Common Types: Synonym, Antonym, Part‑Whole, Function, Goal‑Result, Process‑Product, Attribute‑Use, Sequence.
• Solve in 4 Steps:
  1. Identify A→B relation.
  2. Apply same relation to C.
  3. Eliminate wrong options.
  4. Double‑check fit.
• Practice Tip:
  Write down the relationship in one word (e.g., “protection”) and match it quickly to the options.
• Exam Focus:
  Most questions (≈70%) involve synonym/antonym or part‑whole patterns.

Quick Self‑Check (5‑minute drill)

Answer: (C) AIR, (C) MELODY, (D) WHEEL

Use these drills to reinforce pattern recognition and speed. Good luck!