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4th Std Scholarship · Intelligence Test

Analogy

5 concepts · 40 practice questions with answers · Free to read

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Analogy among words

From daily life

Mother says, "What a cow is to milk, a hen is to an egg." A cow gives milk, a hen gives eggs. Spotting the link between two things and applying the same link to another pair is analogy.

Simple definition

Analogy is a question of the form "first : second :: third : ?". Find the link in the first pair and apply the same link to the third word to get the fourth. The sign "::" means "in the same way".

Links among words

LinkExample
Work / usePen : writing :: scissors : cutting
Name of the young oneCow : calf :: horse : foal
Place to liveBird : nest :: honeybee : beehive
SoundDog : barking :: cat : meowing
1
Rule 1

First say the link of the first pair in one sentence.

  • E.g. Dog : barking. Link : a dog barks. So it is a link of sound.
2
Rule 2

Apply the same link to the third word.

  • E.g. Cow : calf :: horse : ? The young one of a cow is a calf, so the young one of a horse is a foal.
3
Rule 3

See who lives or is kept where.

  • E.g. Bird : nest :: honeybee : ? The home of a honeybee is the beehive.
4
Rule 4

A link can also be whole and its part.

  • E.g. Week : day :: year : ? A part of a year is a month.
Example 1 · easy

Dog : barking :: cat : ?

  1. A dog barks. This is a link of sound.
  2. A cat meows. Answer : meowing.
Example 2 · medium

Bird : nest :: honeybee : ?

  1. A bird lives in a nest.
  2. A honeybee lives in a beehive. Answer : beehive.
Example 3 · exam type

School : headmaster :: district : ?

  1. The head of a school is the headmaster.
  2. The head officer of a district is the Collector. Answer : Collector.
Remember

Do not change the direction. The word that is first in the first pair must be first in the second pair.

Common mistake

Applying the link backwards. In "Cow : calf" the cow comes first and the young one second; for "Horse : ?" you need the young one, not the owner of the horse.

Shortcut

Memory clue : "Say the link in a sentence, apply it to the third."

Shortcut

If no link comes to mind, try the five link types one by one : work, young one, place, sound, part.

Spot the difference

LinkExample
WorkEyes : seeing
Young oneGoat : kid
PlaceFish : water

Practice questions

Easy
  1. 1Cow : milk :: hen : ?
  2. 2Pen : writing :: scissors : ?
  3. 3Eyes : seeing :: ears : ?
Medium
  1. 4Goat : kid :: dog : ?
  2. 5Week : day :: year : ?
  3. 6Teacher : school :: doctor : ?
Challenging
  1. 7Fish : water :: tiger : ?
  2. 8Carpenter : wood :: potter : ?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
  1. 1Egg (a hen lays eggs).
  2. 2Cutting (the work of scissors).
  3. 3Hearing (the work of ears).
  4. 4Puppy (the young one of a dog).
  5. 5Month (a part of a year is a month).
  6. 6Clinic (a doctor works there).
  7. 7Forest (a tiger lives in a forest).
  8. 8Clay (a potter makes pots from clay).

Analogy among numbers

From daily life

If 1 pen costs Rs 5 in a shop, then 2 pens cost Rs 10. So the number of pens and the price have a link : the number is multiplied by 5. In pairs of numbers we find a link in the same way.

Simple definition

In number analogy there is a pair like "3 : 9 :: 5 : ?". Find what was done to the first number to get the second (adding, multiplying, squaring). Do the same to the third number.

Links among numbers

LinkExample
Add / subtract5 : 8 (+3)
Multiply4 : 12 (× 3)
Square4 : 16 (4 × 4)
Cube3 : 27 (3 × 3 × 3)
1
Rule 1

Find what was done to the first number to get the second : add, subtract, multiply.

  • E.g. In 5 : 8, 3 was added. So 7 : 10.
2
Rule 2

Spot a square : multiply the number by itself.

  • E.g. In 4 : 16, 4 × 4. So 6 : 36.
3
Rule 3

Spot a cube : multiply the number three times.

  • E.g. In 2 : 8, 2 × 2 × 2. So 3 : 27.
4
Rule 4

Sometimes there are two operations : first multiply, then add.

  • E.g. In 2 : 5, double and add 1. So 4 : 9.
Example 1 · easy

4 : 8 :: 7 : ? (1) 14 (2) 12 (3) 49 (4) 21

  1. Double of 4 is 8.
  2. Double of 7 is 14. Answer : 14.
Example 2 · medium

5 : 26 :: 7 : ? (1) 50 (2) 48 (3) 56 (4) 14

  1. 5 × 5 = 25 and 1 added = 26.
  2. 7 × 7 = 49 and 1 added = 50. Answer : 50.
Example 3 · exam type

3 : 28 :: 4 : ? (1) 65 (2) 36 (3) 48 (4) 80

  1. 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 and 1 added = 28.
  2. 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 and 1 added = 65. Answer : 65.
Remember

Once you fix the operation, try it on the other pair; check whether that answer is in the options.

Common mistake

Grabbing one operation in a hurry. In 3 : 9 both squaring and multiplying by 3 fit; take the operation that fits the options.

Shortcut

Memory clue : "Add, multiply, square, cube : easy first, then two operations."

Shortcut

If the first operation does not fit, think of two operations : multiply and add.

Spot the difference

SignLink
Second number bigger, same gapAdding
Second number a multiple of the firstMultiplying
4 : 16, 5 : 25Square
2 : 8, 3 : 27Cube

Practice questions

Easy
  1. 15 : 25 :: 8 : ? (1) 64 (2) 45 (3) 13 (4) 16
  2. 26 : 12 :: 9 : ? (1) 18 (2) 14 (3) 81 (4) 12
  3. 310 : 7 :: 15 : ? (1) 12 (2) 10 (3) 5 (4) 20
Medium
  1. 44 : 17 :: 5 : ? (1) 26 (2) 23 (3) 25 (4) 30
  2. 52 : 8 :: 5 : ? (1) 125 (2) 40 (3) 10 (4) 50
  3. 63 : 10 :: 6 : ? (1) 37 (2) 18 (3) 36 (4) 20
Challenging
  1. 73 : 12 :: 4 : 20 :: 5 : ? (1) 30 (2) 25 (3) 36 (4) 24
  2. 82 : 7 :: 3 : 13 :: 4 : ? (1) 21 (2) 19 (3) 25 (4) 20
Show answers (try them yourself first)
  1. 164 (square; 8 × 8).
  2. 218 (double).
  3. 312 (subtract 3; 15 − 3).
  4. 426 (square and add 1; 5 × 5 + 1).
  5. 5125 (cube; 5 × 5 × 5).
  6. 637 (square and add 1; 6 × 6 + 1).
  7. 730 (3 × 4, 4 × 5, 5 × 6).
  8. 821 (square, the same number and 1 added : 2 × 2 + 2 + 1 = 7, 4 × 4 + 4 + 1 = 21).

Analogy among letters

From daily life

In a letter game if "A : C" is given then "E : G" follows, because we jump two letters ahead. Letters can be given numbers too : A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, so the link of letters can be found just like with numbers.

Simple definition

In letter analogy we see how far a letter moved forward or backward, whether it turned into its opposite, or whether the word was reversed. Do the same to the third.

Links among letters

LinkExample
Moving aheadB : D :: F : H (+2)
Opposite letterC : X :: D : W (sum 27)
Reversed wordDOG : GOD :: PAN : NAP
One letter changedBAT : BIT :: CAT : CIT
1
Rule 1

Give the letters numbers (A = 1) and see how far it moved ahead.

  • E.g. In B : D, 2 to 4, that is +2. So F : H.
2
Rule 2

Opposite letter : the two numbers add up to 27.

  • E.g. In C : X, 3 + 24 = 27. So D : W (4 + 23 = 27).
3
Rule 3

See whether the word is written backwards.

  • E.g. CAT : TAC. So DOG : GOD.
4
Rule 4

See whether the letter at one place was changed.

  • E.g. In BAT : BIT, A was replaced by I. So CAT : CIT.
Example 1 · easy

B : D :: F : ?

  1. From B (2) to D (4) : two ahead.
  2. Two ahead of F (6) is H (8). Answer : H.
Example 2 · medium

C : X :: E : ?

  1. C (3) and X (24) : 3 + 24 = 27.
  2. For E (5) : 27 − 5 = 22, that is V. Answer : V.
Example 3 · exam type

CAT : DBU :: DOG : ?

  1. Each letter one ahead : C → D, A → B, T → U.
  2. D → E, O → P, G → H. Answer : EPH.
Remember

Write the numbers from A = 1 to Z = 26; the link of the letters shows through the numbers at once.

Common mistake

Looking only at the link of the first letter. Check that the same operation was applied to every letter of the word.

Shortcut

Memory clue : "Letter = number; ahead-behind, opposite, reversed word."

Shortcut

For an opposite letter subtract from 27; that is the answer.

Spot the difference

SignLink
Same gap in numbersMoving ahead or back
Numbers add up to 27Opposite letter
Same letters, reversed orderReversed word

Practice questions

Easy
  1. 1A : C :: E : ?
  2. 2M : N :: R : ?
  3. 3BAT : BIT :: CAT : ?
Medium
  1. 4BD : CE :: FH : ?
  2. 5DOG : GOD :: PAN : ?
  3. 6B : Y :: G : ?
Challenging
  1. 7ACE : BDF :: MOQ : ?
  2. 8CAB : ECD :: FUN : ?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
  1. 1G (two ahead).
  2. 2S (one ahead).
  3. 3CIT (A replaced by I).
  4. 4GI (each letter one ahead).
  5. 5NAP (reversed word).
  6. 6T (2 + 25 = 27; for 7 it is 20 = T).
  7. 7NPR (each letter one ahead).
  8. 8HWP (each letter two ahead).

Analogy among figures

From daily life

Count the corners of a square roti and you get 4, of a triangular samosa 3. Figures have qualities like sides, corners and the sum of angles. We have to spot the link among them. Here the figures are given in words.

Simple definition

In figure analogy a quality of the first figure (sides, angles, the solid form) is given in the second place. Tell the same quality of the third figure.

Links among figures

LinkExample
Number of sidesTriangle : 3 :: hexagon : 6
Flat → solidSquare : cube :: circle : sphere
Sum of anglesTriangle : 180° :: quadrilateral : 360°
Lines of symmetryRectangle : 2 :: square : 4
1
Rule 1

Count the sides.

  • E.g. Triangle : 3. So pentagon : 5.
2
Rule 2

Spot the solid form of a flat figure.

  • E.g. Square : cube. So circle : sphere.
3
Rule 3

Sum of angles : split the figure into triangles, each 180°.

  • E.g. Quadrilateral = 2 triangles. 2 × 180 = 360°.
4
Rule 4

Lines of symmetry : fold the figure and see in how many ways it makes two equal halves.

  • E.g. Rectangle : 2, square : 4, equilateral triangle : 3.
Example 1 · easy

Triangle : 3 :: hexagon : ?

  1. A triangle has 3 sides.
  2. A hexagon has 6 sides. Answer : 6.
Example 2 · medium

Square : cube :: circle : ?

  1. The solid form of a square is the cube.
  2. The solid form of a circle is the sphere. Answer : sphere.
Example 3 · exam type

Triangle : 180° :: pentagon : ?

  1. A pentagon splits into 3 triangles.
  2. 3 × 180 = 540. Answer : 540°.
Remember

Make a habit of counting sides, corners and triangles; the answer shows at once.

Common mistake

Mixing up sides and triangles in the sum of angles. A pentagon has 5 sides but 3 triangles.

Shortcut

Memory clue : "Count the sides, make triangles, multiply by 180."

Shortcut

Triangles = sides − 2; so a hexagon makes 4 triangles.

Spot the difference

AskedWhat to do
How many sidesCount the sides
Sum of anglesMake triangles, multiply by 180
Solid formSquare → cube, circle → sphere

Practice questions

Easy
  1. 1Square : 4 :: pentagon : ?
  2. 2Circle : sphere :: square : ?
  3. 3Quadrilateral : 4 :: octagon : ?
Medium
  1. 4Triangle : 180° :: quadrilateral : ?
  2. 5Equilateral triangle : 3 :: square : ?
  3. 6Square : 4 :: equilateral triangle : ?
Challenging
  1. 7Triangle : 180° :: hexagon : ?
  2. 8Triangle : 180° :: octagon : ?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
  1. 15 (a pentagon has 5 sides).
  2. 2Cube (the solid form of a square).
  3. 38 (an octagon has 8 sides).
  4. 4360° (2 triangles).
  5. 54 (a square has 4 lines of symmetry).
  6. 63 (an equilateral triangle has 3 lines of symmetry).
  7. 7720° (4 triangles; 4 × 180).
  8. 81080° (6 triangles; 6 × 180).

Mixed questions and exam tricks

From daily life

In the exam words, numbers and letters come together. "Calf : cow" and "cow : calf" have opposite links; if the direction goes wrong the answer goes wrong. So first say the link of the pair in a sentence.

Simple definition

To solve any analogy, first say the link of the pair in one sentence, then apply it to the third, and finally check it in the options. If two links fit, pick the one that is in the options.

List of all links

GroupLinks
WordsWork, young one, place, sound, part
NumbersAdd, multiply, square, cube, two operations
LettersAhead-behind, opposite letter, reversed word
FiguresSides, solid form, sum of angles
1
Rule 1

Say the link of the first pair in a sentence : "A is the ___ of B".

  • E.g. Calf : cow. A calf is the young one of a cow.
2
Rule 2

Say the same sentence for the third and fourth.

  • E.g. Puppy : bitch. A puppy is the young one of a bitch.
3
Rule 3

Check in reverse : read from the fourth word to the third.

  • E.g. Foal : horse. A foal is the young one of a horse. The link is right.
4
Rule 4

If two links fit, pick whichever fits the options.

  • E.g. 3 : 9 :: 5 : ? If both 15 and 25 are in the options, look at one more pair.
Example 1 · easy

Calf : cow :: puppy : ?

  1. A calf is the young one of a cow.
  2. A puppy is the young one of a bitch. Answer : bitch.
Example 2 · medium

Writer : book :: singer : ?

  1. A writer writes a book.
  2. A singer sings a song. Answer : song.
Example 3 · exam type

J : Q :: K : ?

  1. J (10) and Q (17) : 10 + 17 = 27, opposite letter.
  2. For K (11) : 27 − 11 = 16, that is P. Answer : P.
Remember

First say the link in a sentence; once the sentence is ready the answer is easy.

Common mistake

Changing the direction. "Calf : cow" and "cow : calf" have opposite links.

Shortcut

Memory clue : "Link in a sentence, same for the third, check in reverse."

Shortcut

After getting the answer, test it with the sentence "the fourth is the ___ of the third".

Spot the difference

MistakeRight way
Applying the link backwardsFirst : second as third : fourth
Looking only at the first letterApply the operation to every letter
Grabbing one operationCheck on the second pair

Practice questions

Easy
  1. 1Crow : caw caw :: cuckoo : ?
  2. 25 : 125 :: 3 : ? (1) 9 (2) 27 (3) 30 (4) 15
  3. 3D : W :: F : ?
Medium
  1. 4Farmer : plough :: fisherman : ?
  2. 57 : 56 :: 6 : ? (1) 42 (2) 36 (3) 30 (4) 49
  3. 6FAN : GBO :: MAP : ?
Challenging
  1. 7Temperature : thermometer :: time : ?
  2. 8AZ : BY :: CX : ?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
  1. 1Coo coo (the sound of a cuckoo).
  2. 227 (cube; 3 × 3 × 3).
  3. 3U (6 + 21 = 27).
  4. 4Net (the tool of a fisherman).
  5. 542 (7 × 8 = 56, so 6 × 7 = 42).
  6. 6NBQ (each letter one ahead).
  7. 7Clock (a tool to measure time).
  8. 8DW (C and X, D and W; 4 + 23 = 27).

Quick revision of the whole lesson

TypeMemory clue
WordsSay the link in a sentence, apply it to the third
NumbersAdd, multiply, square, cube; then two operations
LettersLetter = number; ahead-behind, opposite, reversed word
FiguresCount the sides, make triangles, multiply by 180
MixedLink in a sentence, same direction, check in reverse
CheckingIs the fourth the ___ of the third?

🎯 Most important points for the exam

  • First say the link of the first pair in one sentence; apply the same to the third.
  • For words look at work, young one, place, sound and part.
  • For numbers check add, multiply, square, cube and two operations.
  • Give letters numbers; for an opposite letter look for the sum 27.
  • For figures count the sides; for the sum of angles make triangles and multiply by 180.
  • Do not change the direction; first : second as third : fourth.
  • If two links fit, pick whichever fits the options.
🧠 Study mantra

"Say the link in a sentence, apply it to the third; finally check in reverse."