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
ancient is to antique as stubborn is to ___?
ancient→antiquestubborn→?
- A: quiet
- B: obstinate (the answer)
- C: minuscule
- D: fast
- E: silkworm
Why: Ancient and antique mean almost the same. In the same way, stubborn and obstinate mean almost the same.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
stubborn is to obstinate as ancient is to ___?
stubborn→obstinateancient→?
Your turn 2 of 3
act is to play as chapter is to ___?
act→playchapter→?
Your turn 3 of 3
ant is to colony as beaver is to ___?
ant→colonybeaver→?
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Ask: "Where else does this same structure show up?" Parent guide
Next lesson: Sorting and odd one out