5 min readConcept sheetPair-relation and analogical-argument MCQs
Analogies
An analogy reasons from shared features: A is to B as C is to D. Find the exact relation first, then test each option against it.
NotationA : B :: C : D
Argument by analogyInductive; conclusion only probable
Stronger withMore relevant similarities and instances
Weaker withRelevant differences (disanalogies)
Common relations in analogy items
| Relation | Example pair |
|---|---|
| Tool and function | Pen : Write |
| Worker and tool | Carpenter : Saw |
| Maker and product | Poet : Poem |
| Part and whole | Petal : Flower |
| Cause and effect | Fire : Smoke |
| Synonym / antonym | Big : Large / Ancient : Modern |
| Adult and young one | Cow : Calf |
| Individual and group | Bee : Swarm |
| Degree | Warm : Hot |
| Instrument and what it measures | Thermometer : Temperature |
Solving a pair analogy in three moves
- Write a bridge sentence for the given pair: 'A pen is used to write.'
- Put each option into the same sentence; keep only those that fit exactly.
- If two still fit, make the sentence sharper (direction, degree, category) and test again.
Judging an argument by analogy (Copi's criteria)
- More entities compared: stronger.
- More variety among the compared cases: stronger.
- More respects of similarity: stronger.
- Relevance of the similarities to the conclusion matters most.
- Relevant differences (disanalogies): weaker.
- A modest conclusion is stronger than a sweeping one.
Worked example: a letter analogy
Problem
ACE : BDF :: GIK : ?
Working
- Compare A→B, C→D, E→F: each letter moves forward by one.
- Apply the same rule to GIK: G→H, I→J, K→L.
Answer
HJL
How NET asks this: a pair such as 'Doctor : Hospital' is given and you pick the pair with the same relation, or you judge which change makes an argument by analogy stronger or weaker.
Typical MCQ: “Book : Author :: Statue : ?” Sculptor. The relation is product and its maker.
Typical MCQ: “Which change weakens an argument by analogy?” Finding a relevant difference between the cases compared, or making the conclusion bolder.
Make a bridge sentence for the first pair and run every option through the same sentence. The option that fits word for word is the answer.