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
curator is to museum as pilot is to ___?
curator→museumpilot→?
- A: kitchen
- B: spacecraft
- C: vegetable
- D: pen
- E: cockpit (the answer)
Why: A curator works in a museum. In the same way, a pilot works in a cockpit.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
glance is to stare as concerned is to ___?
glance→stareconcerned→?
Your turn 2 of 3
ladle is to chef as telescope is to ___?
ladle→cheftelescope→?
Your turn 3 of 3
cat is to kitten as dog is to ___?
cat→kittendog→?
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Ask: "Where else does this same structure show up?" Parent guide
Next lesson: Sorting and odd one out