In this verbal analogy question, Sponge is to porous as rubber is to which of the following properties or characteristics?

Introduction / Context:
This is a basic verbal analogy question often seen in aptitude and competitive examinations. The test taker has to identify the relationship between the first pair of words and then apply the same relationship to complete the second pair correctly. Here the given pair is Sponge : porous, and we must find the corresponding descriptive word for rubber from the options provided.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sponge is described as porous, meaning that it has many small holes and can absorb liquids easily.
• Rubber is a material that has a well known physical property that should mirror this kind of descriptive relationship.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings of the words and common real world knowledge about materials.
• The options are Inflexible, Elastic, Solid and Massive.

Concept / Approach:
The pattern is “object is to characteristic property.” Sponge is not a synonym of porous, but it is typically described as a porous material. We must therefore choose a word that is a key characteristic of rubber. Rubber is most commonly associated with flexibility and the ability to stretch and return to its original shape, which is called elasticity. So we look for the word that names this property.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the relationship in the first pair. Sponge is a material, porous is a describing property. Step 2: Recognise that porous means full of tiny holes and able to absorb liquid. Step 3: Consider rubber and recall its most important physical property in daily life and physics, which is elasticity. Step 4: Check the options and locate the term that expresses this property. Elastic directly names the key feature of rubber. Step 5: Confirm that the relationship Sponge : porous is parallel to Rubber : elastic, because each pair links a material to its notable property.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify the answer by mentally replacing the words in simple sentences. We naturally say “a sponge is porous” and “rubber is elastic.” These sentences both sound natural and correct in standard English. None of the other options form such a strong and universally accepted statement about rubber. This cross check supports Elastic as the only fully appropriate choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Inflexible: This is the opposite of how rubber behaves. Rubber bends and stretches easily, so inflexible is an incorrect description.
• Solid: Rubber is indeed a solid material, but this is not its distinctive property in the same way that porous is distinctive for a sponge.
• Massive: This means very large or heavy in size, which is not an inherent or defining property of rubber as a material.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes pick a word that is true but not distinctive. It is true that rubber is a solid, but many substances are solids, so this does not mirror the strong link between sponge and porous. Another error is to focus on surface similarity of letters rather than meaning. The key is always to focus on the unique or most important characteristic in these analogy questions.

Final Answer:
The correct completion of the analogy is Rubber : Elastic, because both pairs link a material to its most characteristic physical property.