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
lion is to den as ant is to ___?
lion→denant→?
- A: lodge
- B: nest
- C: dog
- D: colony (the answer)
- E: pearl
Why: A lion lives in a den. In the same way, a ant lives in a colony.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
sheep is to lamb as kangaroo is to ___?
sheep→lambkangaroo→?
Your turn 2 of 3
fish is to pond as lion is to ___?
fish→pondlion→?
Your turn 3 of 3
friction is to heat as drought is to ___?
friction→heatdrought→?
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Ask: "Where else does this same structure show up?" Parent guide
Next lesson: Sorting and odd one out