Reasoning Ability – Analogy
(Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu PSC – General Paper – Reasoning Ability)
1. Simple Explanation
Analogy is a comparison of two pairs of items that share a common relationship.
In reasoning tests you are asked to select the word or phrase that completes the pattern.
Example: BOOK : PAGE :: STUDIO : ?
The relation is “a part of a whole.” The answer is SHOT (a photo taken in a studio).
2. Key Points & Types of Analogies
| Type | Description | Example | Typical Question Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semantic (Similar meaning) | Two words that are synonyms or close in meaning. | CALM : SILENT :: QUIET : ? | A : B :: C : D |
| Antonymic (Opposite) | One pair is opposites, the other pair is also opposites. | LIGHT : DARK :: SUN : ? | A : B :: C : D |
| Part‑to‑Whole | A part is to a whole as another part is to its whole. | PAGE : BOOK :: SHOT : ? | A : B :: C : D |
| Whole‑to‑Part | Whole is to a part as another whole is to its part. | CAR : WHEEL :: HOUSE : ? | A : B :: C : D |
| Causal | A cause is to an effect as another cause is to its effect. | RAIN : CROP : DRAINAGE :: COURAGE : ? | A : B :: C : D |
| Purpose | An object is to its purpose as another object is to its purpose. | SWORD : BATTLE :: KNIFE : ? | A : B :: C : D |
| Function | The function of a tool is to do something. | BREAD : BAKER :: DRINK : ? | A : B :: C : D |
| Characteristic | A quality or property of the first is to the second as another quality is to the third. | SMALL : CHILD :: LARGE : ? | A : B :: C : D |
Tip: Look for relations – is it a part, whole, cause, effect, similarity, etc.
3. Strategy for Solving Analogy Questions
| Step | What to Do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the relation between the first pair (A : B). | Determines which type of analogy it is. |
| 2 | List all possible relations (part‑whole, synonym, antonym, etc.). | Avoids missing the correct pattern. |
| 3 | Apply the same relation to the second pair (C : ?). | Finds the missing word. |
| 4 | Check all options against the relation. | Eliminates wrong choices. |
| 5 | Cross‑check that the chosen answer also fits the first pair’s relation. | Ensures consistency. |
Common Pitfall: Assuming the relation is synonym when it is actually part‑whole.
Quick Test: If you can’t see a direct relationship, try reversing the pair (B : A) – sometimes the relation becomes clearer.
4. Worked Example
Question:
A : B :: C : D
A = RUN
B = JOG
C = CATCH
Options for D:
- GIVE
- HOLD
- THROW
- DROP
Solution
| Step | Action | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Examine RUN : JOG | Both are verbs describing movement; JOG is a gentler or slower form of RUN. |
| 2 | Identify the relation | JOG is a sub‑type or variant of RUN (same category, different intensity). |
| 3 | Apply to CATCH : ? | We need a verb that is a variant of CATCH. |
| 4 | Evaluate options |
GIVE – not related to CATCH
HOLD – can follow CATCH (e.g., “catch and hold”), but not a variant.
THROW – opposite action.
DROP – similar in meaning to CATCH (both involve handling a falling object). | | 5 | Choose DROP | It is the opposite or counter‑action of CATCH, but that fits the variant idea (handling a falling object). | | 6 | Verify | DROP is a variant action of CATCH in the context of handling objects. ✔️ |
Answer: 4. DROP
Note: In this example the relation is action variant (different way of handling an object).
5. Quick Revision Summary
| Item | What to Remember |
|---|---|
| Definition | A comparison of two pairs showing a shared relationship. |
| Common Types | Semantic, Antonymic, Part‑to‑Whole, Whole‑to‑Part, Causal, Purpose, Function, Characteristic. |
| Strategy | 1. Identify relation 2. List possibilities 3. Apply to second pair 4. Check options 5. Verify consistency. |
| Tip | When stuck, reverse the first pair (B : A) – sometimes the relation becomes obvious. |
| Practice | Solve at least 10 analogy questions daily; note the relation type for each solved problem. |
| Exam Focus | Time‑efficient identification of relation; avoid over‑analysis. |
6. Mini‑Practice Set
| # | Analogy | Options | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MOUTH : EAT :: ARM : ? | A. WALK B. GRIP C. |