Analogy – Reasoning Ability
Exam: India Post (GDS / Postal)
Subject: Reasoning Ability
Topic: Analogy
1. What is an Analogy?
An analogy is a comparison that shows how two pairs of items are related in the same way.
Format:
A : B :: C : D
The relationship between A and B is the same as that between C and D.
Analogy questions test your observation, categorisation and inference skills.
2. Key Points & Strategy
| # | Key Point | Why it matters | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the relationship | The core of the problem | Look for common patterns first |
| 2 | Types of relationships | Helps to narrow choices | 1. Part‑whole 2. Size/quantity 3. Function 4. Colour/shape 5. Sequence/chronology 6. Quality/degree 7. Opposite 8. Abstract/Conceptual |
| 3 | Eliminate wrong options early | Saves time | Cross‑out pairs that clearly don’t match the identified relationship |
| 4 | Use “map” method | Visualise relationships | Draw a quick diagram: A ––> B (arrow shows relation) |
| 5 | Check for multiple possible relations | Avoids mis‑interpretation | If more than one seems plausible, test each with the options |
| 6 | Avoid over‑thinking | Simpler is often correct | Stick to the most evident relation |
3. Worked Example
Question:
BOOK : PAGE :: BOOK : ?
Options:
- AUTHOR 2. PUBLISHER 3. CHAPTER 4. PAGE COUNT
Step‑by‑Step
| Step | Action | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the relationship in the first pair | A book contains pages. The relationship is part‑whole (a book is made of pages). |
| 2 | Apply the same relationship to the second pair | We need the part of a book that is analogous to page in the first pair. |
| 3 | Check options against the part‑whole relationship | • AUTHOR – not a part of a book. • PUBLISHER – external entity. • CHAPTER – a part of a book. • PAGE COUNT – a property, not a part. |
| 4 | Select the correct answer | CHAPTER (Option 3) is the part of a book, just as a page is part of a book. |
| 5 | Answer | 3. CHAPTER |
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Analogy compares two pairs: A is to B as C is to D.
- Common relationship types:
- Part‑whole (e.g., book : page)
- Quantity (e.g., two : four)
- Function (e.g., pen : write)
- Colour/shape (e.g., red : apple)
- Sequence (e.g., first : second)
- Opposite (e.g., hot : cold)
- Abstract (e.g., truth : lie)
- Solve in 3 steps:
- Identify the relationship in the given pair.
- Find the part/attribute that matches that relationship.
- Eliminate options that don’t fit.
- Practice tip: Draw a quick diagram or write “A → B” to visualise the link.
- Common pitfalls:
- Mixing up part vs whole.
- Choosing an answer that shares a property but isn’t a part.
- Over‑thinking; stick to the most obvious link.
Practice:
TREE : LEAF :: OCEAN : ?SINGER : SONG :: WRITER : ?DEATH : LIFE :: LOVE : ?
Try solving them using the steps above, and check your answers against the key points. Happy studying!