Analogies: find the link
Strategy card
Strong analogies map structure, not surface features.
- Step 1: State the relationship formally ("X is a degree beyond Y").
- Step 2: Check direction and strength of the link.
- Step 3: Reject options that are merely associated with the words.
- Step 4: If several fit, choose the one with the closest matching relationship.
Tip: Surface similarity is the most common trap; structure is what counts.
Worked example
oxygen is to element as sonnet is to ___?
oxygen→elementsonnet→?
- A: rock
- B: government
- C: minuscule
- D: poem (the answer)
- E: book
Why: A oxygen is a kind of element. In the same way, a sonnet is a kind of poem.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
candid is to evasive as benevolent is to ___?
candid→evasivebenevolent→?
Your turn 2 of 3
honey is to bee as pearl is to ___?
honey→beepearl→?
Your turn 3 of 3
judge is to courtroom as astronaut is to ___?
judge→courtroomastronaut→?
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Ask: "Where else does this same structure show up?" Parent guide
Next lesson: Sorting and odd one out