🎓 **Mizoram TET – Reasoning Ability
Analogy**
Analogy is a logical comparison that shows how two different things are related in the same way.
In reasoning tests it is used to assess your ability to see patterns, relationships, and to generalise from known facts to unknown ones.
📌 Simple Explanation
| Concept | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Analogy | A comparison that states “A is to B as C is to D.” | Bird is to flight as fish is to swimming. |
| Types | 1. Word Analogies (semantic relations) 2. Numerical Analogies (mathematical progression) 3. Logical Analogies (cause‑effect, part‑whole, etc.) |
Word: Teacher : Knowledge Numeric: *3 : 6 :: 5 : ___* Logical: Cause : Effect |
🔑 Key Points to Master
| # | Key Point | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the relation – Is it synonym, antonym, part‑whole, function, cause‑effect, or a pattern? | Determines the strategy to solve. |
| 2 | Look for shared attributes – Colour, function, role, position, etc. | Helps to spot the hidden link. |
| 3 | Use elimination – Remove options that don’t fit the relation. | Saves time in multiple‑choice tests. |
| 4 | Practice word families – Prefixes, suffixes, root words. | Strengthens semantic analogies. |
| 5 | Work with sequences – Arithmetic, geometric, Fibonacci, or any repeated pattern. | Builds confidence in numerical analogies. |
| 6 | Visualize relationships – Draw a quick diagram or use a mental picture. | Clarifies complex analogies. |
| 7 | Check consistency – The same relation must hold for both pairs. | Avoids wrong answers that look similar but differ in logic. |
📐 Worked Example
Question:
HAND : PALM :: FOOT : ___
Step‑by‑Step
-
Identify the relation
- Hand is a part of body that is attached to arm.
- Palmer is the inner side of the hand.
- In terms of body parts, the foot is the part attached to the leg.
- The inner side of the foot is the sole.
-
Test the relation
- Hand → Palm (inner side)
- Foot → Sole (inner side)
-
Answer
- SOLE
Quick Check:
- Are we sure "sole" is the inner side? Yes, it is the underside of the foot.
- Does the relation hold? Yes – inner side of a body part.
🎯 Quick Revision Summary
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Analogy definition | “A is to B as C is to D.” |
| Main types | Word, Numerical, Logical |
| Solve in 3 steps | 1️⃣ Identify relation → 2️⃣ Look for attributes → 3️⃣ Apply to the unknown pair |
| Common relations | Synonym/Antonym, Part‑whole, Function, Cause‑Effect, Position, Sequence |
| Tips | Eliminate options, visualize, check consistency, practice word families, practice numerical patterns |
| Example to remember | HAND : PALM :: FOOT : SOLE |
📌 Quick Practice Problem
BOOK : PAGE :: CHAIR : ___
A) Leg
B) Seat
C) Back
D) Arm
Answer: B) Seat – a part of the chair, just as a page is part of a book.
📚 Suggested Study Routine
| Day | Activity | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Review all analogy types | Word & Logical |
| 2 | Solve 10 word analogies daily | Synonym/Antonym, Part‑whole |
| 3 | Solve 10 numerical analogies | Arithmetic, Geometric |
| 4 | Mixed practice (10 each) | Apply elimination & quick checks |
| 5 | Mock test | Time‑management & accuracy |
Keep a notebook of new words and common patterns you encounter; the more you expose yourself to, the faster you’ll spot analogies on the exam.
Good luck with your preparation! Remember, analogy questions are all about seeing the hidden relationship—once you spot it, the answer follows naturally.