Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Stream
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:Analogy questions test recognition of a precise relationship between two words and the ability to transfer that relationship to a new pair. Here, “Mountain : Hill” indicates a category-and-degree relationship (larger-to-smaller natural landforms). We must find the hydrological pair with the same degree shift.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:The governing relationship is “same kind, different magnitude.” A mountain and a hill are both elevated landforms; one is the larger, the other the smaller. By parallel reasoning, a river and a stream are both flowing watercourses; a river is the larger form, a stream the smaller. Therefore, River : Stream matches Mountain : Hill.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify relation in the stem: Mountain and Hill are of the same type; scale differs.Map to water features: seek a smaller analogue of a river among the choices.Stream is a small natural watercourse; this mirrors Hill to Mountain.Thus River : Stream completes the analogy correctly.Verification / Alternative check:Consider typical hierarchies: brook/creek/stream → river; knoll/hill → mountain. The direction and kind match in each hierarchy, confirming the choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:Choosing a word from a different subcategory (standing water vs. flowing water) or picking a man-made feature. Always preserve both “kind” and “degree.”
Final Answer:Stream
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