BFP Entrance Exam Analytical Ability — Analogy & Verbal RelationshipsFlash Cards

What is an analogy?

An analogy identifies the similarity between like features of two different things by classifying the relationship between a pair of words. It establishes a pattern of relationship that can be used to compare and contrast other word pairs. Example: canine : dog :: feline : cat (both show the relationship between scientific classification and common name).

What are the two main approaches to solving analogy questions?

1. Single Word Approach - Given a pair of words followed by a third word, you choose the word that relates to the third word the same way the first pair relates. 2. Paired-Word Approach - Given a pair of words, you choose another pair that has the same or similar relationship as the given pair.

What does DTR stand for and how is it used in solving analogies?

DTR stands for 'Define the Relationship.' It's a technique where you state the relationship between the given pair of words using a sentence. Example: For 'frog : amphibian', you define it as 'A frog is an example of an amphibian.' Then find the answer pair with the same relationship pattern.

What is a synonym-antonym relationship in analogies?

Synonym relationships show words with similar meanings (clean : tidy), while antonym relationships show contrasting concepts (dark : light). In analogies, if the first pair shows synonyms, the answer pair should also show synonyms. If the first pair shows antonyms, the answer pair should show antonyms.

Explain the classification relationship with an example.

Classification relationship shows that one word is a type or category of another word. Example: stiletto : shoe (a stiletto is a type of shoe), or rose : flower (a rose is a type of flower). The first word represents a specific item, while the second word represents the general category it belongs to.

What is a part-to-whole relationship in analogies?

Part-to-whole relationship shows that the first word is a component or part of the second word. Example: lens : camera (lens is a part of a camera), or wheel : car (wheel is a part of a car). This relationship can also be reversed as whole-to-part.

Describe the cause-and-effect relationship with examples.

Cause-and-effect relationship shows that the first word causes or leads to the second word. Example: flood : typhoon (a flood can be caused by a typhoon), or study : success (studying can lead to success). The first word is the cause, and the second word is the effect or result.

What is a function-purpose relationship?

Function-purpose relationship shows what something is used for or its primary function. Example: pencil : write (a pencil is used to write), or stethoscope : listen (a stethoscope is used to listen to heartbeats). The first word is the object, and the second word is its function or purpose.

Explain the worker-tool relationship with examples.

Worker-tool relationship shows the connection between a person and the tool they use in their profession. Example: arrow : archer (an arrow is used by an archer), or stethoscope : doctor (a stethoscope is used by a doctor). The relationship can also be expressed as tool : worker.

What is the 'narrow the relationship' technique?

When the stated relationship is too broad and multiple answers seem correct, you need to narrow or refine the relationship. Example: club : golf could match several sports, but if you narrow it to 'A club is used to hit a ball in golf,' then bat : baseball becomes the clear answer because it follows the same specific pattern.

What does 'observe parallelism' mean in analogy questions?

Observe parallelism means ensuring grammatical consistency in the analogy. If the given pair consists of noun : noun, then the answer should also be noun : noun. Example patterns: noun : noun :: noun : noun, or noun : adjective :: noun : adjective. This helps eliminate grammatically incorrect options.

Why should you not reverse the order in analogies?

You should not reverse the order because the relationship must follow the same pattern as the given pair. If the first pair shows A relates to B in a specific way, the answer pair must show C relates to D in the same way, not D relates to C. Reversed options are often included as distractors to confuse test-takers.

What is a sequence relationship in analogies?

Sequence relationship shows a progression or developmental order between the words. Example: wriggler : mosquito (a wriggler develops into a mosquito), or caterpillar : butterfly (a caterpillar becomes a butterfly). This shows stages of growth, development, or chronological order.

Explain the composition relationship with examples.

Composition relationship shows what something is made up of or composed of. Example: human : cells (humans are made up of cells), or book : pages (a book is composed of pages). The first word is the whole entity, and the second word represents what it's made of.

What is a location-position relationship?

Location-position relationship shows where something is located or positioned. Example: Manila : Philippines (Manila is located in the Philippines), or heart : chest (the heart is positioned in the chest). This relationship connects an object or place with its location.

What is the substitution technique in single-word analogies?

In substitution technique, you define the relationship between the first pair, then substitute the third word for the first word and think of an appropriate substitute for the second word. Example: pork : pig :: mutton : ? You know pork is meat from pig, so mutton (which is meat) must come from sheep.

What is a quantity relationship in analogies?

Quantity relationship shows numerical or measurement connections between words. Example: pentagon : five (a pentagon has 5 sides), or decade : ten (a decade consists of 10 years). The relationship involves specific numbers, amounts, or quantities associated with the first word.

Explain the difference relationship with examples.

Difference relationship shows contrast in size, intensity, or degree between two similar things. Example: bungalow : mansion (a bungalow is smaller than a mansion), or whisper : shout (whisper is quieter than shout). Both words are in the same category but differ in degree or intensity.

What is a complement relationship in analogies?

Complement relationship shows words that naturally go together or complete each other. Example: yin : yang (yin complements yang in Chinese philosophy), or salt : pepper (salt and pepper commonly go together). The words are paired concepts that work together as a unit.

What are characteristics relationships in analogies?

Characteristics relationships show defining traits or qualities. Examples include: Age (colt : stallion - a colt is a young stallion), Gender (doe : stag - doe is female deer, stag is male deer), and Symbolism (flag : independence - a flag symbolizes independence). These show inherent qualities or attributes.

Solve this analogy: Mendel : Heredity :: Newton : ?

The answer is Gravitation. This shows the relationship between a scientist and their major discovery or field of study. Gregor Mendel is known for his work in heredity (genetics), while Isaac Newton is famous for his work on gravitation (law of universal gravitation).

Solve this analogy: Stethoscope : Physician :: Microscope : ?

The answer is Scientist. This shows the tool-user relationship. A stethoscope is a tool used by a physician, and a microscope is a tool used by a scientist. Both represent professional instruments used by specific types of professionals.

Solve this paired analogy: Iron : Ferum :: ? : ?

The answer is Gold : Aurum. This shows the relationship between an element and its Latin/scientific symbol. Iron's scientific symbol is Fe (from Ferum), and Gold's scientific symbol is Au (from Aurum). Both show element-to-Latin name relationships.

What grammar relationship exists in analogies?

Grammar relationship shows different forms of the same word or grammatical patterns. Example: see : saw (see is present tense, saw is past tense), or run : running (run is base form, running is present participle). This relationship focuses on grammatical transformations or tenses of words.

How do senses relationships work in analogies?

Senses relationships connect objects with the sense used to perceive them or sounds with their sources. Examples: boxing ring : square (visual perception of shape), chirp : birds (auditory - birds make chirping sounds). These relationships involve how we perceive things through our five senses.