What is an analogy? Explain the types of analogy with examples and the method of solving them.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in two lines. An analogy compares two pairs that share the same relationship, written A : B :: C : D. The question tests whether you can spot the relationship and apply it again.
2 · Draw the method. [Diagram: Read the first pair → Name the relationship in a sentence → Apply it to the third term → Check each option → Confirm with the same sentence]
3 · Word (verbal) analogy.
Worker and tool: Tailor : Needle.
Part and whole: Petal : Flower.
Deficiency and disease: Iodine : Goitre.
Adult and young one: Cow : Calf; instrument and measure: Thermometer : Temperature.
4 · Number analogy.
Square: 4 : 16 :: 7 : 49.
Cube plus one: 3 : 28 :: 5 : 126.
Product of neighbours: 6 : 42 :: 8 : 72.
5 · Letter analogy.
Shift: ACE : FHJ :: KMO : PRT (+5).
Opposite letters: A : Z :: E : V (places add to 27).
Position: D : 4 :: K : 11.
6 · Choose-the-pair type. Pick the pair with the same relationship in the same order: Tailor : Needle matches Carpenter : Saw, not Saw : Carpenter.
7 · Use in competitive exams. Bank, SSC, railway and placement tests all set analogy items; naming the rule first avoids the trap options.
8 · Close in one line. An analogy is solved by finding one rule and applying it in exactly the same way to the second pair.
Scoring tip: Write the relationship as a sentence ('Lack of X causes Y'); examiners reward the rule, not only the answer.
