Question 1

Word analogy for the verb ‘‘harvest’’: select the most essential associated noun from {autumn, stockpile, tractor, crop} to complete the relationship.

Accepted Answer

Identify the necessary counterpart for the action. 'Harvest' means to gather agricultural yield. Essential object of harvesting: a crop. 'Autumn' is a frequent season for harvesting but not necessary across all climates/crops. 'Stockpile' is a possible result or subsequent action, not a prerequisite. 'Tractor' is a tool sometimes used, but harvesting can be manual or mechanized with different equipment. Concept/Approach Choose the option that is logically necessary (precondition) for the verb, not merely correlated in time, means, or outcome. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) Ask: what must exist to harvest? A crop must exist.2) Other options are contingent (season, tools, outcomes), hence not essential. Verification/Alternative Definition check: Harvest (v.) — to gather a ripened crop; the definition itself pairs the action with 'crop'. Common pitfalls Equating high correlation (e.g., autumn) with logical necessity; confusing tool with object. Final Answer crop

Question 2

Word association and essential-attribute reasoning: for the prompt ‘‘desert’’, choose the option that best captures the defining characteristic from {cactus, arid, oasis, flat} for vocabulary and analogy practice.

Accepted Answer

Choose the option that reflects the most essential and broadly true characteristic of a desert. Prompt: desert Options: cactus, arid, oasis, flat Concept/Approach Identify the trait that is necessary and generally applicable to deserts rather than an accessory, example, or sometimes feature. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) 'Arid' means extremely dry with low precipitation — this condition defines deserts worldwide.2) 'Cactus' occurs in many (especially American) deserts but not all (e.g., the Gobi and polar deserts lack cacti).3) 'Oasis' is a localized exception within deserts, not a defining trait.4) 'Flat' terrain is common in places but many deserts are mountainous or have dunes; therefore, not essential. Verification/Alternative Definition-level check: a desert is classically defined by low rainfall (aridity), not by specific flora or topography. Common pitfalls Confusing common examples (cactus) or occasional features (oasis, flat) with the universal defining property (aridity). Final Answer arid

Question 3

Vocabulary relationship question: for the stimulus word ‘‘book’’, select the option that represents an essential component or defining part from {fiction, pages, pictures, learning}.

Accepted Answer

We seek the element without which a book cannot exist in its basic form. Prompt: book Options: fiction, pages, pictures, learning Concept/Approach Distinguish between genre/purpose and physical constitution; target the necessary structural part. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) 'Pages' are the fundamental physical units that make up a book.2) 'Fiction' is only one of many genres; not necessary (books can be non-fiction, reference, etc.).3) 'Pictures' are optional; many books contain only text.4) 'Learning' is a common outcome but not required (books can entertain). Verification/Alternative Definition check: a traditional book is a collection of written, printed, or blank pages fastened together along one side. Common pitfalls Choosing function (learning) or category (fiction) instead of the indispensable component (pages). Final Answer pages

Question 4

Essential meaning association: for the headword ‘‘language’’, pick the choice that denotes its core building blocks from {tongue, slang, writing, words}.

Accepted Answer

Identify what language fundamentally consists of, independent of medium or subset. Prompt: language Options: tongue, slang, writing, words Concept/Approach Choose the term that represents the elemental units of language rather than organs, registers, or modalities. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) 'Words' are the basic lexical units composing phrases and sentences in language.2) 'Tongue' is a metaphor for language or a physical organ; not the building blocks.3) 'Slang' is a subset/register of words; not exhaustive or essential by itself.4) 'Writing' is a modality (written form) rather than the substance. Verification/Alternative Linguistic view: languages are systems of words (and grammar) used to convey meaning. Common pitfalls Confusing medium (writing) or metaphor (tongue) with the units (words). Final Answer words

Question 5

Core-part identification: for the cue word ‘‘school’’, select the option that names the indispensable participant or element from {student, report card, test, learning}.

Accepted Answer

The task is to determine the entity without which a school cannot function in its basic sense. Prompt: school Options: student, report card, test, learning Concept/Approach Distinguish necessary actors from administrative artifacts or outcomes. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) 'Student' is essential; a school exists to educate students.2) 'Report card' is an assessment document; schools can operate without issuing them.3) 'Test' is a method of evaluation; not strictly necessary for schooling to exist.4) 'Learning' is a goal/outcome but the essential entity is the student who learns. Verification/Alternative Institutional definition: a school is an organization for educating students. Common pitfalls Choosing an outcome (learning) or a record (report card) over the indispensable participant (student). Final Answer student

Question 6

Definition-by-essential-sense: given the term ‘‘pain’’, identify the option that most directly captures its meaning among {cut, burn, nuisance, hurt}.

Accepted Answer

We match the stimulus word to a synonym that denotes its intrinsic sensation rather than a cause or side concept. Prompt: pain Options: cut, burn, nuisance, hurt Concept/Approach Select a semantic equivalent (synonym) rather than an instance (cause) or related annoyance. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) 'Hurt' is a direct synonym describing the state/feeling of pain.2) 'Cut' and 'burn' are injuries that may cause pain but are not the definition of pain itself.3) 'Nuisance' is irritation/inconvenience; not equivalent to physical or emotional pain. Verification/Alternative Dictionary sense alignment: pain ⟷ hurt (to cause or feel pain). Common pitfalls Selecting a common cause of pain (cut, burn) instead of the synonymous sensation (hurt). Final Answer hurt

Question 7

Word-meaning selection with event context: for the prompt ‘‘gala’’, choose the option that best conveys the core nature of the term from {celebration, tuxedo, appetizer, orator}.

Accepted Answer

We identify the word that encapsulates what a gala essentially is. Prompt: gala Options: celebration, tuxedo, appetizer, orator Concept/Approach Pick the definition-level equivalent rather than attire, food, or a role that may appear at the event. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) A 'gala' is a festive occasion or celebration.2) 'Tuxedo' is clothing often worn at galas but not the essence of a gala.3) 'Appetizer' is a type of food that might be served; incidental.4) 'Orator' is a speaker; not essential to define a gala. Verification/Alternative Event definitions consistently equate gala with celebration or festive party. Common pitfalls Mistaking common accompaniments (dress, food, speakers) for the core concept (celebration). Final Answer celebration

Question 8

Precise association for ‘‘monopoly’’: select the option that expresses the defining market property from {corrupt, exclusive, rich, gigantic}.

Accepted Answer

We align the term with its central economic characteristic. Prompt: monopoly Options: corrupt, exclusive, rich, gigantic Concept/Approach Choose the property that defines a monopoly in market-structure terms, not a possible side effect. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) A monopoly entails exclusive control by a single seller over a product or service.2) 'Corrupt' may or may not apply; not definitional.3) 'Rich' and 'gigantic' can describe firm outcomes/size, but are neither necessary nor sufficient. Verification/Alternative Economic definition: monopoly = exclusive possession/control of supply or trade in a commodity or service. Common pitfalls Confusing outcomes (wealth, size) or moral judgments (corruption) with the structural essence (exclusivity). Final Answer exclusive

Question 9

Instrument–component identification: for the noun ‘‘guitar’’, choose the essential part from {band, teacher, songs, strings} that defines how the instrument produces sound.

Accepted Answer

Select the component without which a guitar cannot function as a guitar. Prompt: guitar Options: band, teacher, songs, strings Concept/Approach Identify the physical element that generates sound on the instrument. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) Guitars create sound via vibrating strings, transferred through the body/pickups.2) A 'band' is a group; not a component of the guitar.3) 'Teacher' and 'songs' relate to learning and repertoire, not construction. Verification/Alternative Instrument taxonomy: a guitar is a stringed instrument — strings are definitional. Common pitfalls Choosing associated contexts (band, teacher, songs) rather than the essential hardware. Final Answer strings

Question 10

Civics vocabulary linkage: for the term ‘‘election’’, pick the option that identifies the indispensable participant from {president, voter, November, nation}.

Accepted Answer

Determine who or what must be present for an election to take place in any context. Prompt: election Options: president, voter, November, nation Concept/Approach Focus on the universal participant across all types of elections. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) 'Voter' is essential — elections are processes where voters choose among options.2) 'President' applies only to certain elections; many elections are for other offices.3) 'November' is a common month in some countries but not universal.4) 'Nation' is not necessary; elections occur in clubs, companies, cities, etc. Verification/Alternative Minimal definition: an election requires eligible voters, candidates/options, and rules. Common pitfalls Confusing a specific office (president) or local calendar (November) with the general concept. Final Answer voter

Question 11

Object–part relationship: for the everyday item ‘‘shoe’’, select the essential physical component from {sole, leather, laces, walking} that completes the part–whole analogy.

Accepted Answer

Pick the part that is integral to the construction and function of a shoe. Prompt: shoe Options: sole, leather, laces, walking Concept/Approach Identify the indispensable structural component present across types and materials. Step-by-Step evaluation 1) The 'sole' is the bottom part that contacts the ground — fundamental to any shoe.2) 'Leather' is one of many possible materials; not necessary (fabric, rubber, synthetics exist).3) 'Laces' are a fastening method; many shoes use straps, elastic, or slip-on designs.4) 'Walking' is an activity enabled by shoes, not a component of the object. Verification/Alternative Across sneakers, boots, and sandals, the presence of a sole is consistent, whereas material and closure vary. Common pitfalls Choosing common materials (leather) or uses (walking) instead of the necessary part (sole). Final Answer sole

Question 12

Word-association and essential-relationship reasoning: choose the option most fundamentally linked to the activity 'swimming' (analyze necessity vs. accessories for the sport)

Accepted Answer

Given data Target word: swimming. Options: pool, bathing suit, water, life jacket, goggles. Concept/Approach (why this method) Use an essential vs. incidental test: an essential item must be present for the activity to occur in its basic form; accessories or contexts are helpful but not strictly required. Step-by-Step reasoning 1) Water is the medium in which swimming takes place; without water, swimming is impossible.2) A pool is merely one location containing water; people can swim in lakes/oceans too.3) A bathing suit, life jacket, or goggles are accessories; swimmers can (and often do) swim without them.4) Therefore, the unique necessary element is water. Verification/Alternative Replace the venue: ocean, lake, river — activity persists. Remove water: activity cannot occur. This confirms the choice. Common pitfalls Choosing a common venue (pool) rather than the essential medium (water). Confusing safety gear or attire with necessity. Final Answer water

Question 13

Core-concept association: identify the option most fundamentally connected to the natural phenomenon 'lightning' (distinguish cause, effect, and co-occurring events)

Accepted Answer

Given data Target word: lightning. Options: electricity, thunder, brightness, rain, wind. Concept/Approach (why this method) Identify the physical nature of lightning versus its effects or common companions. Lightning is an electrical discharge; thunder is sound produced by the rapid expansion of air due to lightning's heat. Step-by-Step reasoning 1) Lightning = a massive electrical discharge between clouds and ground/clouds.2) Thunder is a consequence (acoustic effect) of lightning, not its essence.3) Brightness describes an appearance, not the core nature.4) Rain and wind may accompany storms but are not required for lightning to occur.5) Thus the fundamental link is electricity. Verification/Alternative Lightning can occur in dry thunderstorms (little rain) and is still electrical; thunder always follows lightning, confirming electricity as the root. Common pitfalls Picking thunder due to frequent pairing (thunder & lightning) rather than causal substance. Final Answer electricity

Question 14

ovation

Accepted Answer

An ovation is prolonged, enthusiastic applause, so applause is necessary to an ovation. An outburst (choice a) may take place during an ovation; "bravo" (choice b) may or may not be uttered; and an encore (choice d) would take place after an ovation.

Question 15

bonus

Accepted Answer

A bonus is something given or paid beyond what is usual or expected, so reward is the essential element. A bonus may not involve a raise in pay or cash (choices b and c), and it may be received from someone other than an employer (choice d).

Question 16

antique

Accepted Answer

An antique is something that belongs to, or was made in, an earlier period. It may or may not be a rarity (choice a), and it does not have to be an artifact, an object produced or shaped by human craft (choice b). An antique is old but does not have to be prehistoric (choice d).

Question 17

culture

Accepted Answer

A culture is the behavior pattern of a particular population, so customs are the essential element. A culture may or may not be civil or educated (choices a and b). A culture may be an agricultural society (choice c), but this is not the essential element.

Question 18

knowledge

Accepted Answer

Knowledge is understanding gained through experience or study, so learning is the essential element. A school (choice a) is not necessary for learning or knowledge to take place, nor is a teacher or a textbook (choices b and c).

Question 19

domicile

Accepted Answer

A domicile is a legal residence, so dwelling is the essential component for this item. You do not need a tenant (choice a) in the domicile, nor do you need a kitchen (choice c). A house (choice d) is just one form of a domicile (which could also be a tent, hogan, van, camper, motor home, apartment, dormitory, etc.).

Question 20

vertebrate

Accepted Answer

All vertebrates have a backbone. Reptiles (choice b) are vertebrates, but so are many other animals. Mammals (choice c) are vertebrates, but so are birds and reptiles. All vertebrates (choice d) are animals, but not all animals are vertebrates.

Essential Part Questions