In the analogy “Saw : carpenter :: axe : ____”, which option best completes the tool–user relationship?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy is based on tools and the professionals who use them in their primary work. A saw is a common tool used by a carpenter to cut wood into required shapes and sizes. The second pair involves an axe, and you must choose the professional who most typically uses an axe as a main tool. This checks your ability to map the relationship “tool : user of that tool” across different occupations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• First pair: saw and carpenter.
• Second pair: axe and an unknown user.
• Options: Ironsmith, Woodcutter, Cobbler, None of those, Farmer.
• We assume standard traditional roles for each profession.

Concept / Approach:
The relationship is straightforward: a carpenter is a worker in wood, and a saw is one of his key tools. An axe is a heavy, bladed tool primarily used for chopping wood and cutting down trees. The person whose main job is cutting wood, especially chopping logs or felling trees, is a woodcutter. Thus, axe : woodcutter mirrors saw : carpenter as “wood working professional” paired with “preferred cutting tool.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Understand the first pair. A carpenter uses a saw to cut planks and boards. Step 2: Label the relationship as “tool : professional user.” Step 3: For the second pair, identify what job typically requires an axe as a main tool. Step 4: A woodcutter cuts trees, branches, and logs, using an axe as a primary tool. Step 5: Therefore, the pair axe : woodcutter matches the pattern of saw : carpenter.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check each option. An ironsmith (blacksmith) primarily works with metal using hammers, anvils, and forges rather than axes. A cobbler repairs shoes and uses tools like awls and hammers, but not primarily an axe. A farmer may sometimes use an axe for farm work but it is not the defining tool of that profession, unlike the woodcutter. “None of those” is clearly incorrect because a fitting option, woodcutter, exists in the list.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Ironsmith and cobbler both work mainly with materials other than raw wood, so an axe is not their central tool. Farmer is a broad profession with many tools, such as ploughs, hoes, and tractors, so the axe is not uniquely associated with farmers. Choosing any of these would weaken the clear parallel to the strong saw–carpenter connection. Only woodcutter forms the same strong, direct association.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse woodcutter with farmer or choose ironsmith due to the association of heavy tools with metal work. Remember that, in analogies, the strength and directness of the association matter. If you can immediately think “which tool defines this job?”, you are more likely to pick the correct pair.

Final Answer:
The correct completion is “Saw : carpenter :: axe : woodcutter”.