Choose the most appropriate word: “Rustle” is to “Leaves” as “Patter” is to which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of words that describe characteristic sounds associated with particular natural phenomena. Rustle is a sound word often linked with leaves. In the same way, you must decide which option is most naturally associated with the sound word Patter. These sound based analogies are common in English vocabulary sections of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
1) Rustle is the soft, continuous sound made when dry leaves or paper are moved or disturbed.
2) Leaves are light objects that can rustle in the wind when they move against each other.
3) Patter is a light, repeated tapping or drumming sound.
4) The options are Snow, Wind, Rain, and Storm.
5) We assume typical, everyday associations between sounds and weather events.

Concept / Approach:
The relationship in the model pair is Sound word to Source. Rustle is a sound that we usually hear from leaves, especially in a breeze. Patter is another sound word. We need to identify the option that commonly produces a pattering sound. In everyday language, the phrase patter of rain or rain pattering on the roof is very frequent, indicating that rain is the natural partner of the word patter.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Rephrase the first pair as a sentence. Leaves rustle, or we hear the rustle of leaves. Step 2: Understand Patter. Patter describes light, repeated tapping sounds, such as when drops of liquid hit a surface repeatedly. Step 3: Examine Snow. Snow usually falls softly and quietly and does not produce a clear pattering noise when it lands. Step 4: Examine Wind. Wind can howl or whistle, but we do not commonly talk about the patter of wind. Step 5: Examine Rain. Raindrops falling on roofs, windows, and the ground create a continuous light tapping sound that is widely described as the patter of rain. Step 6: Examine Storm. A storm can produce thunder, heavy wind, or roaring sounds, but the specific word patter is not normally used for a storm itself. Step 7: Conclude that Rain is the most natural and precise partner for Patter, just as Leaves are for Rustle.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider common phrases in English: rustle of leaves and patter of rain are standard collocations. Phrases like patter of snow or patter of wind are uncommon, and patter of storm is rarely, if ever, used. This simple check with natural language usage confirms that rain is the only option that fits the analogy strongly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Snow tends to fall silently, so associating it with patter is not accurate. Wind is more likely to howl, whistle, or gust. Storm is a broader event that may include many sounds, but the specific sound word patter is not characteristic for it. Since the analogy requires a clear, direct association between a sound and its usual source, only rain qualifies.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may try to connect Patter with Storm because both are related to weather, but they may ignore the requirement that the relationship must be between a sound and the direct source of that sound. Others may overthink and consider snow landing on windows, but that is not a standard or well known collocation. Always rely on the most common and natural English phrase when solving such analogy questions.

Final Answer:
The correct completion of the analogy is Patter : Rain, just as Rustle : Leaves.