Analogy – Reasoning Ability
Mizoram PSC – Study Notes
1. Simple Explanation
An analogy is a comparison that shows a similarity between two pairs of words or concepts.
The format is usually:
A : B :: C : D
A is to B as C is to D.
The task is to find the word D that best completes the second pair, following the same relationship that links A and B.
2. Key Points
| # | Point | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the relationship between the first pair (A : B). | It gives the rule you need to apply to the second pair. |
| 2 | Common relationship types: • Function/Use • Part‑whole • Cause‑effect • Attribute (color, size) • Process • Group/Category |
Most analogies in PSC exams use one of these. |
| 3 | Look for patterns in the options (e.g., all nouns, all verbs, all adjectives). | Helps eliminate wrong choices quickly. |
| 4 | Use elimination: discard options that don’t fit the relationship. | Saves time and reduces guessing. |
| 5 | Practice with synonyms & antonyms – they often appear in analogies. | Builds a quick mental map of word relations. |
3. How to Solve an Analogy
| Step | Action | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read the first pair (A : B). | Law : Judge |
| 2 | Determine the relation. | A law is a system that a judge enforces. |
| 3 | Apply the same relation to the second word (C). | Teacher |
| 4 | Find the word (D) that matches the relation. | Teacher → Educator |
| 5 | Verify all options. | Choose the best fit. |
4. Worked Example
Question
A : B :: C : D
Teacher : Classroom :: Student : ?
Options
A. Desk
B. Lecture
C. Classroom
D. Exam
Solution
| Step | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Teacher : Classroom – A teacher uses the classroom. |
| 2 | Relationship: “X uses Y” (function/role). |
| 3 | Apply to Student – a student uses what? |
| 4 | The most logical choice is Exam (students take exams). |
| 5 | Verify options: • Desk (can be used by a student, but not as the primary function). • Lecture (students attend, not use). • Classroom (students are in it, but the analogy is about use). • Exam is the correct answer. |
Answer: D. Exam
5. Quick Revision Summary
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Definition | A comparison that shows a similarity between two pairs of words. |
| Common Types | Function, Part‑whole, Cause‑effect, Attribute, Process, Group/Category. |
| Strategy | 1. Identify relation in first pair. 2. Apply to second word. 3. Choose the best match. 4. Eliminate wrong options. |
| Tip | Look for the role or attribute that connects the first pair – it’s the key. |
| Practice | Solve at least 10 analogies daily; focus on different relationship types. |
| Exam Pattern | Usually 4 options; always a single best answer. |
Mini‑Quiz for Self‑Checking
-
Analogy: Pen : Write :: Eraser : ?
(a) Ink (b) Delete (c) Paper (d) Color -
Analogy: River : Water :: Sky : ?
(a) Air (b) Clouds (c) Birds (d) Stars
Answers: 1(b) Delete, 2(a) Air
Good luck with your preparation! Remember, the key is to quickly spot the relationship and then apply it. Regular practice will turn this into a second‑nature skill.