Reasoning Ability – Analogy
(Sikkim PSC – Reasoning Ability – Analogy)
1. Simple Explanation
An analogy is a comparison between two pairs of items that share a similar relationship.
Typical format:
A : B :: C : D
Meaning: “A is to B as C is to D.”
The key is that the type of relationship between A and B is the same as that between C and D.
2. Types of Analogies
| Type | Relationship | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | Same meaning | Happy : Joyful :: Sad : ______ |
| Antonym | Opposite meaning | Hot : Cold :: Big : ______ |
| Part‑whole | One is part of the other | Wheel : Car :: Leaf : ______ |
| Cause‑effect | Cause leads to effect | Rain : Flood :: Fire : ______ |
| Function | Purpose or use | Pen : Write :: Knife : ______ |
| Tool‑user | Tool used by the user | Doctor : Stethoscope :: Teacher : ______ |
| Process‑result | Process produces result | Plant : Grow :: Brain : ______ |
| Degree | Comparative (more/less) | Small : Smaller :: Big : ______ |
Tip: Many PSC papers mix two or more of these types in a single analogy.
3. How to Solve an Analogy Question
-
Identify the relationship
- Read the first pair (A : B) carefully.
- Determine why A is related to B: synonym, part‑whole, etc.
-
Apply the same relationship
- Look through the options (C : ?) and see which option completes the same relationship.
-
Check for uniqueness
- Often only one option satisfies the relationship perfectly.
-
Eliminate wrong answers
- Remove options that violate the relationship or are obviously unrelated.
4. Worked Example
Question:
Table : Furniture :: Bed : ______
| Option | Explanation |
|---|---|
| A. Chair | Chair is furniture, but the relationship furniture → furniture is not a part‑whole or function link. |
| B. Room | Bed is part of a room, but the first pair doesn’t involve part‑whole. |
| **C. Bedroom | Table is a piece of furniture; bed is also a piece of furniture → same category (synonym type). |
| D. Bedroom | Bed is part of a bedroom, but the first pair doesn't express a part‑whole relation. |
Answer: C. Bedroom
- Both pairs are category analogies: Table (a piece of furniture) → Furniture (the category) and Bed (a piece of furniture) → Bedroom (the category).
- Only option C maintains the same type of relationship.
5. Quick Revision Summary
| Step | Action | Key to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read A : B | Identify the exact relationship |
| 2 | Match relationship to options | Look for the same pattern |
| 3 | Eliminate mismatches | Only one correct fit |
| 4 | Double‑check | Ensure no other option could also fit |
-
Common pitfalls:
- Confusing synonym with antonym.
- Mixing up part‑whole with function.
- Over‑looking the degree (e.g., big : bigger).
-
Practice tip:
Write down the first pair, then brainstorm possible relationships (synonym, part, cause, etc.) before scanning the options.
Quick Flashcard
| A : B | C : ? | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher : Classroom | Doctor : ___ | Place where the professional works → Hospital |
| Pen : Write | Brush : ___ | Tool used for an action → Paint |
| Car : Drive | Book : ___ | Object for an action → Read |
| Root : Tree | Stem : ___ | Part of whole → Leaf |
Use these flashcards to test yourself quickly before the exam. Good luck!