Understanding the Structure:

An analogy question typically follows the format “A is to B as C is to D.” The key to answering such questions lies in understanding the relationship between A and B, and then applying the same relationship to find the correct pair, C and D.

Steps to Solve Analogies:

Identify the Relationship:

Begin by closely examining the relationship between the first pair of words (A and B). Determine what kind of link exists—is it functional (what it does), descriptive (what it is like), part of a whole, or a type of a larger category?
Example: “Doctor is to hospital.” Here, the relationship could be “works in.”

Formulate the Relationship:

Articulate the relationship in your own words, making it clear and specific. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for finding the right answer.
Example: If “A is to B” as “doctor is to hospital,” you might describe it as “a professional who works in a specific place.”

Apply the Same Relationship:

Use the relationship identified to find a word that fits the same relationship with the third word (C).
Example: If C is “teacher,” then D should be “school,” because the relationship “works in” applies here as well.

Eliminate Incorrect Answers:

Look at each answer choice and eliminate those that do not fit the relationship you’ve identified. Be careful of choices that seem right but don’t perfectly match the relationship.
Example: For “teacher is to ___,” eliminate options like “classroom,” “students,” etc., if the defined relationship specifically pertains to the place of professional work.

Double-Check:

Once you select an answer, reverse the analogy to see if it still makes sense. This helps confirm the consistency of the relationship.
Example: Just as a “doctor works in a hospital,” a “teacher works in a school.”

Practice With Varieties:

Regular practice with different types of analogies will help you quickly identify and articulate relationships. The more you practice, the faster and more accurate you will become at spotting the right connections.

Common Types of Relationships in Analogies:

Synonyms (similar to): cold is to icy
Antonyms (opposite to): hot is to cold
Function (uses of): pen is to write
Part to Whole (component of): wheel is to car
Performer and Action (does this): painter is to paint
Performer and Object (uses this): chef is to knife
Category and Example (type of): fruit is to apple

Final Tip:

If you’re stuck, try making up a sentence that describes the relationship between the first pair and see if it logically applies to the second pair. This can often help clarify which answer is correct.

By following these steps and regularly practicing different types of analogies, you can enhance your ability to solve these questions efficiently and accurately.