Analogy Reasoning: Definition, Types, Tips With Question & Answer

6 mins read

Analogies involve comparing two things to draw conclusions based on their similarities. These types of questions are important in verbal ability sections of exams like SSC and Banking. The article presents different analogy question types for practice in exam preparation.

Defining Analogy Reasoning

Analogy reasoning involves comparing two items to draw conclusions. It identifies similarities and differences between the items. It allows individuals to apply knowledge from one context to another, aiding in comprehension and analysis.

By recognizing patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, analogy reasoning enhances cognitive abilities and fosters creativity.

Types Of Analogy Questions In Reasoning 

Let us study the types of analogy questions:

Letter-Based

Letter-based analogy questions involve determining the relationship between pairs of letters and applying it to a new pair. For example, if A is to B, then C is to D.

Number-Based

In number-based analogy questions, you analyze the relationship between pairs of numbers and apply the same logic to a new pair. For instance, 2:4: 6:12.

Image-Based

Image-based analogies require comparing relationships between different images and identifying patterns to find the correct answer.

Analogy questions can be based on various elements like pairs of letters, words, numbers, or images. They test your ability to recognize patterns and relationships.

• Alphabet analogy: A:B:: C:D (Letters)

• Synonym analogy: Fast:Quick:: Big: Large (Words)

• In a number analogy question, if the pair "3:9" is given, where the first number is multiplied by 3 to get the second number, then applying the same logic to "4" would result in "12.

General Knowledge Analogies

General knowledge analogies encompass a wide array of topics, testing understanding across various subjects. These analogies can span history, science, literature, and more, presenting a diverse range of comparisons.

To excel in solving general knowledge analogies, develop a strong foundation in different fields and enhance your logical reasoning skills.

Tips For Solving Analogies

Provided below are some of the tips for solving analogy reasoning questions:

Practice Techniques

Engage in regular practice sessions to enhance your analogy-solving skills. Dedicate time to solving various types of analogies to build proficiency.

Strategic Approaches

Identify the relationship between the terms in the analogy by breaking it down into smaller components. Look for patterns, associations, or common themes that link the words together.

Elimination Method

Apply elimination strategies by ruling out choices that do not fit the established relationship. Focus on understanding the underlying logic behind each analogy.

Selected Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1: If “Conductor” is to “Orchestra”, then “Helmsman” is to __?

a) Train 

b) Ship 

c) Plane 

d) Car

Answer: b) Ship 

Explanation: A conductor leads an orchestra, and a helmsman steers a ship.

Question 2: As “Philology” is to “Language”, is “Aesthetics” to __?

a) Sound 

b) Beauty 

c) Taste 

d) Smell

Answer: b) Beauty 

Explanation: Philology is the study of language, and Aesthetics is the study of beauty.

Question 3: If “Anthropology” is to “Humanity”, then “Entomology” is to __?

a) Plants 

b) Insects 

c) Animal 

d) Bacteria 

Answer: b) Insects 

Explanation: Anthropology is the study of humanity, and Entomology is the study of insects.

Question 4: As “Cartographer” is to “Maps”, “Lexicographer” is to __?

a) Novels 

b) Dictionaries 

c) Stories 

d) Scripts 

Answer: b) Dictionaries 

Explanation: A Cartographer is a specialist in maps, and a Lexicographer is a specialist in dictionaries.

Question 5: As 2 is to 4, so 3 is to ___?

a) 5

b) 6

c) 7

d) 8

Answer: b) 6

Explanation: 4 is double of 2. So, to find the corresponding number for 3, we need to double it. Hence, the correct answer is 6.

Question 6: As 5 is to 25, so 3 is to ___?

a) 6

b) 15

c) 12

d) 9

Answer: d) 9

Explanation: 25 is the square of 5. So, to find the corresponding number for 3, we need to square it. Hence, the correct answer is 9.

Question 7: Beethoven is to music as Picasso is to ___?

a) Painting  

b) Literature

c) Architecture

d) Sculpture

Answer: a) Painting  

Explanation: Beethoven is known for his significant contributions to music as a composer and pianist. Similarly, Picasso is renowned for his revolutionary contributions to art, particularly in the realm of painting.

Question 8: Leonardo da Vinci is to Mona Lisa as ___ is to The Starry Night.

a) Vincent van Gogh

b) Pablo Picasso

c) Michelangelo

d) Rembrandt

Answer: a) Vincent van Gogh

Explanation: Leonardo da Vinci is famous for painting the Mona Lisa. Similarly, Vincent van Gogh is renowned for painting The Starry Night. 

Question 9: Square is to four sides as ___ is to three sides.

a) Pentagon

b) Triangle

c) Hexagon

d) Octagon

Answer: b) Triangle

Explanation: A square has four sides. In geometry, a triangle is defined as a polygon with three edges and three vertices. Therefore, the correct choice is a triangle.

Question 10: As “Chronology” is to “Time”, “Hierarchy” is to __?

a) Place 

b) Rank 

c) Value 

d) Speed 

Answer: b) Rank 

Explanation: Chronology is a sequence of events in time, and Hierarchy is a sequence of ranks.

Conclusion

You've now grasped the essence of analogy reasoning, its significance in problem-solving, and the various analogy questions you might encounter. Whether it's letter and word analogies, number and numerical analogies, image-based analogies, or general knowledge analogies, you're equipped with the knowledge to tackle them effectively.

By applying the tips provided consistently, you can enhance your analogy-solving skills daily. Keep practising and honing your ability to decipher analogies. The more you engage with them, the sharper your analytical skills become.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is analogy reasoning?

Analogy reasoning involves identifying similarities between different concepts to draw logical conclusions. It helps in problem-solving by applying familiar patterns to new situations, aiding in critical thinking and decision-making processes.

2. Why is analogy reasoning important in problem-solving?

Analogies provide a structured approach to problem-solving by helping individuals recognize relationships between different elements. This process enhances cognitive skills, fosters creativity, and improves logical reasoning abilities for tackling complex issues effectively.

3. What are the types of analogy questions?

Analogy questions can be categorized into various types, such as letter and word analogies, number and numerical analogies, image-based analogies, and general knowledge analogies. Each type tests different cognitive abilities and reasoning skills.

4. How can letter and word analogies benefit problem-solving?

Letter and word analogies help improve vocabulary, language comprehension, and pattern recognition skills. By deciphering relationships between words or letters, individuals enhance their linguistic capabilities and develop a sharper analytical mindset for problem-solving tasks.

5. What are some tips for solving analogies effectively?

To solve analogies proficiently, it is essential to identify common patterns, establish connections between elements, analyze relationships accurately, practice regularly with diverse analogy types, and maintain a strategic approach. These tips enhance cognitive flexibility and boost analytical reasoning skills.

Suggested reads:

• Data Sufficiency- Concept, Strategy, Selected Questions & Answers
• Puzzle Reasoning- Concept And Strategy With Questions & Answers
• Mean Deviation- Definition, Formula, Selected Question & Answer 
• Verbal Classification Reasoning With Practice Questions & Answers
• Order And Ranking- Concept, Formula, Practice Question And Answer