📚 Study Notes – Analogy (Reasoning Ability)
(For NABARD Development Assistant – Reasoning Ability Section)
1. Simple Explanation
An analogy is a comparison that shows a relationship between two pairs of words or ideas.
- Format:
A : B :: C : D- The relationship that exists between A and B should be the same as that between C and D.
- In tests, you’re given **A : B :: C : ** (blank) and must choose the word that completes the analogy.
2. Key Points
| # | What to Look For | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relationship type | Determines which option fits. | List the relationship in a single phrase. |
| 2 | Word types (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) | Helps narrow down choices. | Match part‑of‑speech first. |
| 3 | Synonym / Antonym | Common in “synonym–antonym” analogies. | Scan for words that mean/oppose each other. |
| 4 | Category / Class | E.g., “bird : chirp” → “fish : …”. | Think of the broader group. |
| 5 | Function / Purpose | e.g., “knife : cut” → “pen : …”. | Identify the tool‑task pair. |
| 6 | Sequence / Time | e.g., “summer : heat” → “winter : …”. | Look for chronological or related phenomena. |
| 7 | Cause & Effect | e.g., “rain : wet” → “fire : …”. | Identify causal relationship. |
3. Strategies to Crack Analogies
-
Identify the Relationship
- Write a one‑sentence description of how A relates to B.
- e.g., Bread is made at a bakery → “Bread : Bakery” = product : place of production.
-
Match Part‑of‑Speech
- If A is a noun, B is usually a noun or a place/role.
- If A is a verb, B is the object or result.
-
Use Process of Elimination
- Cross out options that don’t fit the relationship or part‑of‑speech.
-
Check for Synonyms/Antonyms
- Look for words that are opposite or similar to the blank word.
-
Test the Relationship on the Options
- Replace the blank with each option; see if the relationship still holds.
4. Worked Example
Question:
Bread : Bakery :: Milk : ___
| Step | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify Relationship | Bread is produced at a bakery. So the relationship is “product : place of production.” |
| 2. Look at Options | Suppose the options are: a) Dairy b) Cow c) Milkshake d) Store |
| 3. Apply Relationship | Milk is produced at a dairy. |
| 4. Choose | a) Dairy |
| 5. Confirm | Bread is to bakery the same way milk is to dairy → correct. |
Answer: a) Dairy
5. Practice Questions (Optional)
Sunglasses : Sun :: Umbrella : ___Teacher : School :: Chef : ___Fire : Heat :: Ice : ___Doctor : Hospital :: Pilot : ___Pen : Write :: Brush : ___
(Try to solve them using the steps above before checking the solutions.)
6. Quick Revision Summary
- Analogy = comparison showing a consistent relationship between two pairs.
- Identify the relationship first; write it in one sentence.
- Match part‑of‑speech before checking options.
- Common relationships:
- product : place of production (bread‑bakery, milk‑dairy)
- synonym / antonym (hot‑cold)
- category / class (bird‑beak, fish‑scales)
- function / tool (knife‑cut, pen‑write)
- sequence / time (summer‑heat, winter‑cold)
- Eliminate mismatched options; test remaining ones.
- Practice regularly to recognize relationships quickly.
Tip for NABARD Exam Day
Read the pair carefully, pause to think about the relationship, and then eliminate obvious wrong choices. Time‑management is key – keep a steady pace and don’t get stuck on one analogy for too long.