Reasoning Ability – Analogy
Study notes for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Forest Guard exam
1. What is an Analogy?
- An analogy compares two pairs of words.
- It shows that the relationship between the first pair is the same as the relationship between the second pair.
- Think of it like a matching game: you match the rule that links the first pair to the second pair.
Everyday example
A key unlocks a door.
A pen writes on a paper.
The rule is “tool → object it works on.”
2. Why Analogies Matter
- They test how well you see patterns.
- Useful for exams, interviews, and daily problem‑solving.
- Easy to practice: just look for the connection.
3. Types of Analogies
| Type | Example | How it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | Happy : Joyful | Same meaning |
| Antonym | Hot : Cold | Opposite meaning |
| Part‑to‑Whole | Leaf : Tree | One part of the whole |
| Function | Knife : Cut | Tool performs a job |
| Cause‑Effect | Rain : Flood | One causes the other |
| Sequence | Spring : Summer | Order in a series |
(Tip: Most exam analogies are of the “function” or “part‑to‑whole” type.)
4. How to Solve an Analogy
- Read the first pair carefully.
- Identify the relationship (synonym, opposite, tool‑object, etc.).
- Find the same relationship in the second pair.
- Choose the pair that best matches that relationship.
Short sentence steps:
- Look at A:B.
- Think of the rule.
- Match the rule with C:D.
5. Quick Tips
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Keep it simple | Use everyday objects you know. |
| Write the rule | E.g., “tool → object it works on.” |
| Eliminate wrong choices | If the rule doesn’t fit, skip. |
| Practice with time limit | Real exams are timed. |
| Remember common pairs | Key‑lock, pen‑paper, cat‑meow, etc. |
6. Tiny Example
Given: Dog : Bark
Find: Cat : ___
- Relationship: Animal → Sound it makes.
- Fill in: Meow
So the correct pair is Cat : Meow.
7. Mini Practice Question
Question
Tree : Branch :: Car : ___
| Choice | Explanation |
|---|---|
| A. Engine | Function – not the same as part‑to‑whole |
| B. Wheel | Part of the car – fits the rule |
| C. Road | Not a part of the car |
| D. Driver | Not a part of the car |
Answer: B. Wheel
- Rule: Whole → Part (Tree has Branch).
- Car has Wheel as a part.
8. Summary
- An analogy is a relationship puzzle.
- Identify the rule between the first pair.
- Match that rule to the second pair.
- Practice with simple examples to build speed.
Good luck! 🌳🚗📚