Analogy – Reasoning Ability
CBI Recruitment – Reasoning
1. Simple Explanation
An analogy is a comparison that shows how two different things are related in the same way.
In reasoning tests, analogue questions ask you to pick the pair that has the most similar relationship to the given pair.
Example:
Dog : Bark :: Cat : ___
The correct answer is Meow because a dog barks and a cat meows – the same kind of “sound made by” relationship.
2. Key Points
| # | Point | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the Relationship | The core of the problem – what connects the first pair? (e.g., “action”, “source”, “part‑of”, “effect”, “opposite”, “origin”, “type‑of”, “attribute”.) |
| 2 | Look for Patterns | Many analogies follow simple patterns: A is to B as C is to D. Recognize if it’s a cause‑effect, part‑whole, function‑object, opposite, similarity, sequence, etc. |
| 3 | Avoid Hasty Choices | Don’t jump to the first answer that seems related. Check all options against the identified relationship. |
| 4 | Use Process of Elimination | Discard options that clearly don’t fit the relationship. |
| 5 | Practice Quick Scanning | In exams, you only have a few seconds per question. Develop a habit of quickly spotting the relationship before scanning all options. |
| 6 | Keep a Reference List | Maintain a mental list of common analogy types and example relationships for quick recall. |
3. Worked Example
Question
Pencil : Write :: Brush : ___
Options
A. Paint
B. Color
C. Write
D. Paintbrush
Step‑by‑Step Solution
| Step | What to Do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify Relationship in the Given Pair | Pencil is a tool used to write. So the relationship is “Tool → Function”. |
| 2 | Apply the Same Relationship to the Unknown Pair | We need a tool that brush is used for. |
| 3 | Check Each Option |
- A. Paint – the act of applying paint, not the object.
- B. Color – an adjective/noun, not a function.
- C. Write – wrong function.
- D. Paintbrush – a tool used for painting. | | 4 | Select the Correct Answer | D. Paintbrush (tool that brushes paint). |
Quick Reasoning
- Pencil → Write (Tool → Action)
- Brush → Paintbrush (Tool → Action, same pattern)
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Topic | Take‑away |
|---|---|
| Definition | Comparison showing two pairs share the same type of relationship. |
| Common Relationships | - Tool → Function - Part → Whole - Cause → Effect - Opposite - Sequence (before/after) - Attribute → Object |
| Strategy | 1. Identify relationship in the given pair. 2. Apply it to the second pair. 3. Eliminate mismatches. |
| Common Mistakes | - Assuming the relationship is “opposite” when it isn’t. - Mixing up function with attribute. - Choosing the first seemingly correct option. |
| Practice Tip | Create flashcards with pairs and write the relationship on the back. Review daily. |
| Exam Tip | Spend 2–3 seconds scanning the given pair, then 3–4 seconds scanning options. |
Final Thought
Analogies test your ability to see patterns in relationships. The more you practice recognizing the underlying pattern, the faster and more accurate you’ll become in exams like the CBI Recruitment test. Happy practicing!