Analogy – Reasoning Ability
(Lakshadweep TET – Teacher Eligibility Test)
📌 1. Simple Explanation
An analogy is a comparison that shows how two pairs of items are related in a similar way.
In TET reasoning, you are given a pair A : B and a second pair C : ?.
Your task is to find the word/term that best completes the second pair, maintaining the same type of relationship that exists between A and B.
Example
Book : Reading :: Pen : ?
The relationship “book is used for reading” → “pen is used for ________” → writing.
📚 2. Key Points & How to Tackle Analogy Questions
| # | Key Point | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relationship Types | Analogies can be based on function, cause‑effect, part‑whole, synonym/antonym, sequence, etc. | Identify the base relationship first (function, synonym, etc.). |
| 2 | Word Category | Pay attention to the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb). | The answer usually belongs to the same category as the second word in the first pair. |
| 3 | Synonym / Antonym | Many analogies rely on similarity or opposition. | If “car : drive”, the second pair might involve “plane : fly” (synonym) or “car : brake” (antonym). |
| 4 | Functional Relationship | “X is used to Y” – most common. | Look for words that indicate usage or purpose. |
| 5 | Part‑Whole / Sub‑Set | “Fruit : apple” → “Vegetable : carrot.” | Identify hierarchical or subset relations. |
| 6 | Sequence / Process | “Start : End” – often a progression. | Think of steps in a process. |
| 7 | Elimination Method | When unsure, eliminate mismatched options quickly. | Use the “definition” rule: find the word that fits the relationship and matches the category. |
| 8 | Practice with Sample Sets | Analogies improve with pattern recognition. | Solve at least 20 analogy sets daily. |
🔍 3. Worked Example
Question:
Moon : Night :: Sun : ?
Step‑by‑Step Solution
-
Identify the Relationship
- Moon appears visible during the night.
- So the relationship is: “Object that is visible/active during a specific time of day.”
-
Determine the Category of the Second Word
- The second word in the first pair (Night) is a noun referring to a period of time.
- The answer should also be a period of time.
-
Find the Corresponding Time for the Sun
- The Sun is visible during the day.
-
Check All Options
- If options were:
Day, Evening, Midnight, Dawn, choose Day because it matches the relationship and category.
- If options were:
-
Answer
Sun : Day
General Strategy Illustrated
- Recognize the function or time relationship.
- Keep the part‑of‑speech consistent.
- Use elimination to rule out mismatches.
📝 4. Quick Revision Summary
- Definition: A comparison showing a similar relationship between two pairs.
- Common Relationship Types:
- Function (e.g., pen : write)
- Synonym/Antonym (e.g., fast : quick)
- Part‑Whole (e.g., wheel : car)
- Sequence (e.g., begin : end)
- Cause‑Effect (e.g., rain : wet)
- Approach:
- Identify the relationship in the first pair.
- Keep the grammatical category consistent.
- Search the answer choices for the word that preserves the relationship.
- Eliminate mismatches quickly.
- Practice Tip:
- Solve analogy sets daily.
- Create flashcards with the first pair and test the second pair.
- Review mistakes to spot recurring patterns.
Remember: Analogies test pattern recognition and logical reasoning. With consistent practice, you’ll develop an intuition for the hidden relationships. Good luck with your Lakshadweep TET preparation!