Analogies: find the link
Strategy card
Analogies test whether you can name a relationship precisely.
- Step 1: Build a precise bridge sentence for the first pair.
- Step 2: Decide the relationship type (degree, function, part-whole, cause-effect, category).
- Step 3: Apply it to the third word; predict before reading options.
- Step 4: Eliminate options that only share a topic, not the relationship.
Tip: Watch for direction: "puppy : dog" is not the same as "dog : puppy".
Worked example
spark is to fire as practice is to ___?
spark→firepractice→?
- A: flood
- B: famine
- C: push
- D: skill (the answer)
- E: cold
Why: Spark can cause fire. In the same way, practice can cause skill.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
scalpel is to surgeon as baton is to ___?
scalpel→surgeonbaton→?
Your turn 2 of 3
triangle is to polygon as granite is to ___?
triangle→polygongranite→?
Your turn 3 of 3
gavel is to judge as stethoscope is to ___?
gavel→judgestethoscope→?
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Discuss how two different things can share the same structure. Parent guide
Next lesson: Sorting and odd one out