Question 1

In this symbolism analogy, Pigeon is to Peace as White flag is to which idea or outcome?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Many analogy questions in reasoning tests are based on common symbols and what they represent. In this question, the pigeon is linked with peace, which is a widely recognised international symbol. Similarly, the white flag is also a strong symbol in conflicts and negotiations. The challenge is to recall what the white flag conventionally represents and select the option that best captures that meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy given: Pigeon : Peace :: White flag : ? Pigeon is commonly used as a symbol of peace and harmony. White flag is commonly used in war, conflict, or tense negotiations. Options: Surrender, War, Victory, Friendship. We assume standard international symbolism and not private or unusual interpretations. Concept / Approach: In a proportion analogy A : B :: C : D, the relationship between A and B must mirror the relationship between C and D. Here, the first pair is symbol to concept. The pigeon does not cause peace; it represents peace. Therefore the white flag should also be mapped to the concept it represents, not to an opposite or unrelated idea. Under international conventions, a white flag signals a wish to stop fighting, often to negotiate, surrender, or request a truce. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the first pair. Pigeon is widely recognised as a symbol of peace, especially in artwork, posters, and peace movements. Step 2: Translate that relationship. The pattern is symbol to its meaning or message. Step 3: Recall what the white flag means. In wars or conflicts, when one side raises a white flag, they signal that they do not wish to continue fighting and may be surrendering or asking for a ceasefire. Step 4: Compare this meaning to each option. Surrender most closely captures the typical meaning of a white flag raised by a losing or overwhelmed side. Step 5: Confirm that the other options do not match the conventional symbol–meaning relationship for a white flag. Verification / Alternative check: We can rewrite the analogy explicitly: Pigeon represents peace. White flag represents surrender. Both are nonverbal symbols used to communicate a peaceful or non aggressive intention. Peace is an abstract desire or state, while surrender is the concrete action of giving up in a conflict, usually indicated by a white flag. The pattern is therefore consistent and widely recognised in real world contexts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: War: A white flag does not stand for war; it is raised when parties want to end or pause hostilities. Victory: Victory is usually symbolised by flags raised triumphantly, trophies, or celebrations, not by a white flag. Friendship: Friendship is a positive relationship, but the white flag is specifically about surrender or ceasefire, not general friendship. Common Pitfalls: Some learners confuse peace and surrender, thinking the white flag directly means peace. In fact, it usually means surrender or a request to negotiate. Another mistake is to pick words with positive connotations like friendship or victory instead of the precise conventional meaning. In analogy questions, precision matters more than general positivity or negativity of the word. Final Answer: White flag stands for the act or message of Surrender, making that the correct completion of the analogy.

Question 2

Taxonomy is related to Classification in the same way as Pedology is related to which subject matter?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy tests knowledge of scientific terms and what they study. Taxonomy and pedology are both specialised disciplines with precise meanings. To solve the analogy correctly, you need to recall which object or subject each field deals with. This type of question is very common in general science and general knowledge portions of competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: Taxonomy : Classification. Second pair pattern: Pedology : ? Options: Mountain, Nature, Soil, Farming. Taxonomy is known as the science of classification of living organisms. Pedology is a recognised scientific term within earth and environmental sciences. Concept / Approach: In A : B :: C : D, we must match relationship type. Taxonomy is not something that is classified, it is the science or study of classification itself. So A is the scientific field and B is its subject or focus. To maintain the pattern, C should be a scientific discipline and D should be what it studies. Therefore, we need to recall what pedology focuses on and choose the option that correctly names this subject matter. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the first pair. Taxonomy is the branch of biology that deals with the classification and naming of organisms. Its central focus is classification. Step 2: State the relationship: Field of study to its main subject. Step 3: Recall the meaning of pedology. Pedology is the branch of science that studies soils, their formation, classification, and distribution. Step 4: Match pedology to the given options. The direct subject of pedology is soil, including its properties and layers. Step 5: Confirm that none of the other options capture this meaning as precisely as Soil does. Verification / Alternative check: Write the completed analogy explicitly: Taxonomy is the science of classification. Pedology is the science of soil. Thus Taxonomy : Classification :: Pedology : Soil. Both pairs follow the pattern of scientific discipline to what it studies. The analogy is clean and symmetric, confirming Soil as the correct term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Mountain: Mountains are landforms, not the specific primary subject of pedology. Geomorphology and geology study mountains more directly. Nature: Nature is a very broad concept and not specific enough. Pedology focuses narrowly on soils. Farming: Farming uses knowledge of soil, but farming itself is an activity or practice, not the core subject that pedology studies. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to associate pedology with agriculture or farming because farmers care about soil. However, the analogy is asking for the scientific subject, not a practical application area. Learners may also choose a broad term like nature, which lacks precision. For analogy questions involving scientific vocabulary, always focus on the exact dictionary meaning of the term. Final Answer: Pedology is the scientific study of Soil, so Soil correctly completes the analogy.

Question 3

Hooke is related to cells in the same way as Mulder is related to which class of biological substances?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy question checks your awareness of scientific discoveries and the scientists associated with them. Robert Hooke and Gerrit Jan Mulder are both notable names in the history of biology and chemistry. To solve the analogy, you need to recall which major discovery or concept each scientist is associated with and then pair the second scientist with the correct type of substance. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: Hooke : cells. Second pair pattern: Mulder : ? Options: Carbohydrates, Minerals, Vitamins, Proteins. Robert Hooke is known for observing cork under a microscope and coining the term cells. Mulder is a scientist linked with early work on one specific group of biomolecules. Concept / Approach: In this analogy, the first term is a scientist and the second term is the key discovery or concept strongly associated with that scientist. Robert Hooke observed tiny compartments in cork and called them cells, making him historically connected with the cell concept. In exactly the same way, we must identify which group of food or body substances Mulder is known for studying and naming. This requires linking Mulder to proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or minerals. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Clarify the first pair. Hooke used an early microscope to examine cork and reported box like structures, which he named cells. This created a lasting association between Hooke and the concept of the cell. Step 2: Recognise the pattern: Scientist to key concept or discovery. Step 3: Recall Mulder's contribution. Gerrit Jan Mulder was a Dutch chemist who worked on the composition of organic substances and is closely associated with the early concept and naming of proteins. Step 4: Compare Mulder's work with each option. Carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins have different historical discoverers and naming histories. Step 5: Proteins are the group of biomolecules that Mulder studied in detail, analysing their composition and introducing the word protein into scientific usage. Verification / Alternative check: We can restate the analogy explicitly: Hooke : cells :: Mulder : proteins. Hooke is famous for discovering and naming cells. Mulder is famous for characterising and naming proteins as distinct nitrogen rich organic compounds. The parallel is scientist to the structural or chemical unit he is known for, which confirms that proteins are the correct match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Carbohydrates: Important biomolecules, but their systematic study and naming are not specifically linked to Mulder in the same way. Minerals: These are inorganic substances, and mineralogy is a different field; Mulder is not especially famous for mineral studies. Vitamins: Vitamins were identified and named later by other scientists such as Casimir Funk and others, not primarily by Mulder. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse the roles of different scientists and guess based on what seems like a common nutrition term such as vitamins or carbohydrates. Another mistake is assuming that any nutrient can fit, without recalling the specific historical association. For analogy questions, you must identify the unique and most famous contribution of each scientist rather than any loosely related topic. Final Answer: Mulder is most closely associated with the study and naming of Proteins, so Proteins correctly complete the analogy.

Question 4

In this letter analogy, MP is related to KN in the same way as DG is related to which pair of letters?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reasoning question uses an analogy based on alphabetical letter positions. The pair MP is connected to KN by a particular positional rule, and the same rule must be applied to DG to find its corresponding pair. Such questions test your ability to recognise patterns in letter shifts and apply them consistently. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: MP and KN. Second pair pattern: DG and ? Options: FI, GJ, HK, BE. Alphabet positions: A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26. The transformation from MP to KN is consistent for both letters in the pair. Concept / Approach: We interpret each letter by its position in the alphabet and examine how the letters in MP change to become KN. Once we find the numeric shift, we apply the same arithmetic change to D and G. The key idea is that a consistent pattern, such as subtracting the same number from each position, must hold for the analogy to be valid. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert letters in MP to numbers. M is 13 and P is 16. Step 2: Convert letters in KN to numbers. K is 11 and N is 14. Step 3: Find the difference. M (13) to K (11) is a shift of minus 2. P (16) to N (14) is also minus 2. Step 4: Conclude the rule: to go from MP to KN, subtract 2 from the position of each letter. Step 5: Apply the same rule to DG. D is 4 and G is 7. Step 6: Subtract 2 from each: D (4) minus 2 gives 2, which is B. G (7) minus 2 gives 5, which is E. Step 7: The required pair of letters is BE. Verification / Alternative check: Write both mappings clearly: MP → KN using minus 2 on each letter. DG → BE using minus 2 on each letter. Check the options and confirm that only BE matches the result from the same transformation. Since the positional shift is consistent and simple, and the same rule correctly produces BE, the analogy is correctly preserved. Why Other Options Are Wrong: FI: F is 6 and I is 9. From D (4) to F (6) is plus 2, not minus 2. This breaks the established rule. GJ: G is 7 and J is 10. From D (4) to G (7) is plus 3, which is inconsistent with the transformation used from M to K. HK: H is 8 and K is 11. From D (4) to H (8) is plus 4, again not matching the minus 2 pattern. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes compare letters visually rather than numerically, leading to confusion. Another common mistake is to miscount positions in the alphabet, especially around middle letters like M, N, and P. To avoid these issues, always write down the alphabet with positions or do careful counting, and ensure that the same numeric operation applies to both letters of each pair. Final Answer: Using the same minus two shift that maps MP to KN, DG must be mapped to BE.

Question 5

Bruise is related to Fall in the same way as Bump is related to which likely cause or action?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy question explores cause and effect relationships between everyday events and injuries. A bruise often results from a fall or impact, and a bump on the body is also caused by a similar sudden force. To solve the analogy, you must focus on what action most commonly causes a bump, in the same way that a fall commonly causes a bruise. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: Bruise : Fall. Second pair pattern: Bump : ? Options: Lump, Knock, Limp, Wound. Bruise is taken as an injury resulting from a fall or heavy impact. Bump usually refers to a swelling or raised area on the body after hitting something. Concept / Approach: In the analogy A : B :: C : D, the relationship between A and B must mirror that between C and D. Here, B is the likely cause of A. A fall commonly causes a bruise. In the second pair, we look for the action that commonly causes a bump. A knock, such as hitting a head or limb against a hard surface, is a direct cause of a bump. The other options describe conditions or injuries but do not represent clear causal actions in the same pattern. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the first pair. A person falls and, as a result, may get a bruise. So Fall is the cause, and Bruise is the effect or injury. Step 2: Identify the relationship: cause to effect relationship, where B is the cause of A. Step 3: Consider the word bump. A bump is a raised swelling on the body, typically arising after an impact. Step 4: Look at the options and identify which word describes the action that leads to a bump. A knock is a hit or impact that can cause a bump. Step 5: Confirm that the other options either describe different outcomes or do not fit the role of a cause. Verification / Alternative check: We can restate the analogy: Bruise results from a fall. Bump results from a knock. This maintains a simple cause and effect relationship. When you fall, you can bruise yourself. When you knock your head against a wall or table, you can get a bump. The pattern is consistent and direct, making Knock the best match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Lump: A lump is more like a type of bump or mass, not the action that causes it, so it does not mirror the cause in the first pair. Limp: A limp is a way of walking, usually a consequence of pain or injury, not the cause of a bump. Wound: A wound is another kind of injury, similar to bruise or bump, but the analogy requires a cause for bump, not another effect. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes match effect to effect, such as bruise to wound or bump to lump, ignoring the underlying causal structure. Another common mistake is to see superficial similarity and ignore whether the second term is actually a cause or an effect. Always check whether you are matching cause to cause or effect to effect consistently. Final Answer: Bump is most commonly caused by a Knock, so Knock correctly completes the analogy.

Question 6

Boxing is to Ring as Wrestling is to which place or venue in this sports analogy?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sports based analogy questions often link a sport with its usual playing area or venue. Boxing is strongly associated with a boxing ring. Wrestling, although sometimes held in a ring, is more generally linked with the broader concept of an arena, especially in reasoning questions. The task is to choose the term that best parallels the relationship between boxing and ring. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy: Boxing : Ring :: Wrestling : ? Options: Ring, Court, Arena, None of these. Boxing is typically conducted in a boxing ring, a square platform with ropes. Wrestling is carried out in special competition areas, often called mats within a larger arena. The question aims for the most commonly accepted reasoning exam answer, not every possible real world usage. Concept / Approach: The relationship in the first pair is sport to its typical venue or area. Therefore the second pair should match wrestling to a venue term. Among the options, court usually belongs to games like tennis or basketball, ring is strongly tied to boxing, and arena is a more generic term for an enclosed area used for sports or entertainment, including wrestling. Reasoning exam keys generally match wrestling with arena to show a different but parallel venue to ring. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: State the first relationship. Boxing is played or fought in a ring. So Boxing is to Ring represents sport to specialised fighting area. Step 2: Identify the required relationship for wrestling. We need a term that names the usual place where wrestling contests take place. Step 3: Examine Ring. Although some types of wrestling can take place in a ring, ring is already closely tied to boxing, and using ring again does not create a parallel but distinct analogy. Step 4: Examine Court. Court is mainly associated with games like tennis, badminton, and basketball, not with wrestling. Step 5: Examine Arena. Arena is a broad term for an enclosed area where spectators can watch sporting events, including wrestling matches. Step 6: Conclude that Boxing : Ring :: Wrestling : Arena gives a clear sport to venue mapping, just with different specific words. Verification / Alternative check: The complete analogy becomes: Boxing is held in a Ring. Wrestling is held in an Arena. Each pair expresses a sport and a common or generic fighting venue. Ring is highly specific to boxing, while arena is a broader venue name that fits wrestling well. The analogy therefore remains balanced and meaningful. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Ring: Repeating ring would make the second pair less informative. The test setter usually wants a distinct but parallel venue term. Court: Courts are used for ball games such as tennis, volleyball, and basketball, not for boxing or wrestling. None of these: This is incorrect because Arena is a valid and commonly used term for a wrestling venue. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to choose Ring simply because some wrestling matches do take place in rings. However, analogy questions typically emphasise variety and avoid repeating the same second term. Another issue is not recognising that arena is a generic word for sports venues. Pay attention to both real world usage and exam conventions when solving such items. Final Answer: The correct completion of the analogy is Arena, giving Boxing : Ring :: Wrestling : Arena.

Question 7

Fill in the blanks with the correct verb forms: Countries which ______ still undergoing the economic processes ______ known as developing countries.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your grasp of subject verb agreement and the correct use of auxiliary verbs in complex sentences. The sentence describes countries that are undergoing economic processes and states that they are known as developing countries. You need to choose the correct combination of verbs to keep the grammar accurate and consistent in number and tense. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Countries which ______ still undergoing the economic processes ______ known as developing countries. Options: are, are are, is is, are were, are Subject of the sentence is Countries, which is plural. The sentence talks about a present general truth regarding developing countries. The phrase still undergoing the economic processes works like a present continuous description. Concept / Approach: We must ensure that the verb agrees with the plural subject Countries and that the tense is appropriate for a general statement. The first blank introduces a present continuous passive like idea, so we expect are still undergoing. The second blank appears before known as developing countries, which describes the same plural subject Countries, so the verb must also be plural and present, that is are known. Both blanks must be filled with are to keep subject verb agreement and present tense consistency. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the subject Countries. It is plural, so any present tense helping verb for this subject should usually be are, not is. Step 2: For the first blank, the sentence fragment is Countries which ______ still undergoing the economic processes. To form a continuous like description, we need are still undergoing, not is still undergoing. Step 3: For the second blank, read the remaining part: still undergoing the economic processes ______ known as developing countries. This clause still refers back to the same plural noun Countries. Step 4: The correct present passive form for a plural subject is are known, not is known, because is is singular. Step 5: Therefore both blanks must be filled with are, yielding Countries which are still undergoing the economic processes are known as developing countries. Verification / Alternative check: Check each option quickly: are, are → Countries which are still undergoing the economic processes are known as developing countries. Correct number and tense. are, is → The second verb is would mismatch the plural subject. is, are → The first verb is would mismatch the plural subject. were, are → Were suggests past time, which does not fit a general present truth. Only are, are produces a smooth, grammatically correct general statement about developing countries. Why Other Options Are Wrong: are, is: The second blank uses is known, which is wrong because Countries is plural. is, are: The first blank uses is still undergoing, which incorrectly pairs a singular verb with the plural subject Countries. were, are: Were indicates a past time frame, while the sentence talks about an ongoing general economic classification, so the tense becomes inconsistent. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to concentrate on only one blank and forget to check both for subject verb agreement. Another error is to be distracted by the phrase economic processes and think it controls the verb, but the actual subject remains Countries. Always identify the true grammatical subject and make sure each verb agrees in both number and tense. Final Answer: The grammatically correct sentence uses the pair are, are, giving Countries which are still undergoing the economic processes are known as developing countries.

Question 8

Complete the word analogy: ______ is to trail as grain is to grail (single letter change analogy).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy focuses on English word formation and the idea of creating new words by changing just one letter. The second pair grain and grail differ by a single letter. The task is to find a word that, when altered by one letter, produces trail in exactly the same way that grain changes to grail. Such questions assess your attention to spelling and letter patterns rather than vocabulary meaning alone. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy pattern: ______ : trail :: grain : grail. Known pair: grain and grail differ by one letter at the end, n changing to l. Options: path, holy, train, wheat. We assume that both sides of the analogy are built by a single letter change within a similar base word. Concept / Approach: The pair grain and grail share the letters g, r, a, i and differ only in the last letter, n versus l. Thus, the pattern is base word plus last letter change. To maintain parallel structure, we must find a base word that differs from trail in the same simple way, ideally by one letter substitution at one position. Among the choices, train is the closest candidate and can be turned into trail by changing the last letter n into l, mirroring the change from grain to grail. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine the known pair. grain and grail both start with grai and differ only at the last letter: n becomes l. Step 2: Identify the pattern: change one letter at the end to form a new valid word. Step 3: Now look at the target word trail. We want a word from the options that can become trail by just changing one letter, preferably the final one. Step 4: Inspect train. The letters t, r, a, i are the same as in trail, and the difference is only at the last letter: train ends with n, trail ends with l. Step 5: Confirm that the transformation train → trail, by changing n to l, is structurally identical to grain → grail, where n changes to l as well. Verification / Alternative check: Check each remaining option: path cannot become trail by a single letter change. holy has a completely different pattern. wheat does not resemble trail in a single letter substitution manner. Only train differs from trail by exactly one letter, and specifically by n and l at the end. This perfect parallel to grain and grail confirms that train is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: path: More than one letter would need to change to produce trail, so the word pair would not mirror grain and grail. holy: Has a different structure and does not convert to trail by a simple one letter substitution. wheat: Shares only some letters with grain and grail in a broad sense but does not map to trail in a parallel way. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus on meanings such as grain and wheat, which are semantically related, and choose wheat based on vocabulary similarity. However, this analogy is built on letter changes, not semantic categories. Always check whether the pattern is based on spelling, sound, or meaning before deciding which word continues the analogy. Final Answer: The word that behaves like grain does with grail is train, since train becomes trail with the same single letter change.

Question 9

Cup is related to coffee in the same way as Bowl is related to which most appropriate content?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy uses everyday kitchen objects and what they typically hold. A cup is strongly associated with coffee as its usual content. Similarly, a bowl is associated with certain common foods. The task is to select the option that parallels the relationship of cup to coffee by naming a typical item placed in a bowl. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy: Cup : coffee :: Bowl : ? Options: Rice, Food, Spoon, Dish. A cup is a container commonly used to hold coffee or similar beverages. A bowl is a container commonly used to hold foods such as rice, soup, or cereal. We want a specific content relationship, not just any association. Concept / Approach: In Cup : coffee, the second term is a specific typical content of the container. The relationship is container to a common thing contained. To maintain the pattern, the second pair must be container to a typical specific content. Among the options, food is too general, spoon is a utensil, and dish is another container. Rice is a specific food that is very commonly served in a bowl, matching the specificity of coffee in the first pair. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the first pair. A cup is used to hold coffee, tea, or other drinks. Here, coffee is a specific example of content. Step 2: Express the relationship: Cup holds coffee as its usual content. Step 3: Consider the second pair. Bowl is the container, and we must supply the specific item that is typically served in a bowl. Step 4: Evaluate Rice. Rice is a staple food that is often placed in bowls, especially in many cuisines. Step 5: Compare that with the other options and confirm that Rice mirrors the specificity of coffee more closely than a generic term like food. Verification / Alternative check: Write the full analogy: Cup : coffee :: Bowl : rice. In both cases, the first object is a container, and the second is a standard content example. While bowls can hold many types of food, rice is widely recognised as a typical bowl item. Food is too broad, spoon is a utensil that may be used with a bowl but is not a content, and dish is another container. Therefore, Rice is the best structured match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Food: This is a general category and does not match the specificity of coffee, which names a single common drink. Spoon: A spoon is used to eat from a bowl but is not content; it is an accessory rather than what fills the container. Dish: A dish is another container, similar to a plate, and does not play the same role as coffee does with a cup. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes focus on related kitchen items like spoon or dish and forget the container content pattern. Another mistake is to accept food because it is broadly correct but not parallel in specificity. Analogy questions often require matching both relationship type and level of detail, so a specific content word like rice is preferred over a broad category. Final Answer: The bowl stands to a typical food content just as the cup stands to coffee, so the correct answer is Rice.

Question 10

Dilatory is related to Expeditious as Direct is related to which contrasting term in this antonym analogy?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your vocabulary and understanding of antonyms through analogy. Dilatory and expeditious are opposite in meaning with respect to speed and promptness. You must apply the same contrast based logic to the word direct, choosing from the options the best opposite in sense. The choices include both synonyms and antonyms that may distract an unprepared reader. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: Dilatory : Expeditious. Second pair pattern: Direct : ? Options: Tortuous, Straight, Circumlocutory, Curved. Dilatory means slow, delaying, or not prompt. Expeditious means quick, efficient, and prompt. Direct means straightforward, straight, and to the point, especially in speech or route. Concept / Approach: The pair Dilatory : Expeditious represents antonyms. Therefore, in Direct : ?, we must also look for a word that is the opposite of direct, not merely related. In language, circumlocutory describes speech or writing that is indirect and wordy, literally speaking around the point. This makes circumlocutory a precise antonym of direct in a verbal context. Tortuous can also mean twisting, but circumlocutory more directly mirrors direct as used for communication. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Confirm the relationship in the first pair. Dilatory suggests delay and slowness. Expeditious suggests speed and efficiency. They form a clear pair of opposites in terms of promptness. Step 2: Identify the type of relationship: antonym relationship. Step 3: Consider the word direct. It can refer to a straight line or path, and also to clear, straightforward speech. Step 4: Look through the options for a word that means indirect or roundabout, especially in language. Step 5: Circumlocutory refers to using many words where fewer would do, or speaking in an indirect, roundabout way. This is a strong opposite to direct speech or direct expression. Step 6: Tortuous tends to describe winding or twisting paths more than speech, and thus is slightly less precise here than circumlocutory. Verification / Alternative check: We can restate the analogy: Dilatory (slow) : Expeditious (fast) :: Direct (straightforward) : Circumlocutory (indirect and wordy). Both pairs contrast a positive quality with its opposite. Expeditious and circumlocutory provide the opposite shades of meaning to dilatory and direct respectively in their most relevant usages, confirming circumlocutory as the best fit. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Tortuous: Means twisting or winding, usually applied to roads or paths. It does suggest indirectness but is usually physical and less about language than circumlocutory. Straight: Straight is actually a synonym of direct, so it cannot complete an antonym analogy. Curved: Curved is the opposite of straight in physical shape, but the analogy is focused on verbal or figurative directness rather than geometry. Common Pitfalls: Students often choose straight because they think in terms of physical direction and see direct as a synonym of straight. Others may choose tortuous because it suggests bending, but neglect the verbal nuance. Analogy questions require not just basic opposites but contextually appropriate opposites. Here, circumlocutory is the best contextual antonym of direct in expression. Final Answer: The word that stands to direct as expeditious stands to dilatory is Circumlocutory.

Question 11

Firm is related to Flabby as Piquant is related to which contrasting taste quality?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy checks understanding of adjectives and their opposite meanings. Firm and flabby are opposites when we describe physical texture and tone. In the same pattern, we apply this idea of contrast to piquant, a term that describes taste. Your task is to locate the taste related word that best contrasts with piquant in the same way that flabby contrasts with firm. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy: Firm : Flabby :: Piquant : ? Options: Pleasant, Bland, Small, Salty. Firm suggests hard or well toned, while flabby suggests soft and loose. Piquant describes food that is pleasantly sharp, spicy, or stimulating in taste. We are looking for a word meaning tasteless or dull as a taste contrast. Concept / Approach: Firm and flabby form a pair of opposites in texture. Therefore, Piquant must be paired with its opposite in taste. Piquant means lively, sharp, or spicy in flavour. The natural opposite is bland, which means lacking strong taste, dull, or insipid. Pleasant is positive but not opposite, small relates to size, and salty is just one kind of strong taste, not the opposite of piquant. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Verify the first pair. Firm often describes something tight or well toned, and flabby describes loose or soft flesh. The two words are contrasting adjectives. Step 2: Identify the relationship type: antonym relationship based on opposite qualities. Step 3: Understand the word piquant. It refers to food that has a pleasantly sharp or spicy flavour that stimulates the palate. Step 4: Find the best opposite taste description from the options. Bland refers to food that lacks strong flavour and is dull to taste. Step 5: Confirm that bland is the most direct opposite to piquant, as both are taste adjectives focusing on the intensity of flavour. Verification / Alternative check: Express the complete analogy: Firm : Flabby :: Piquant : Bland. In both cases, the first term has a strong, intense quality, while the second term refers to weakness or lack of intensity in the same area. This symmetry supports the selection of bland as the correct contrasting taste quality for piquant. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Pleasant: Piquant flavours can be pleasant, so pleasant is not an opposite. It is too broad and not a contrast. Small: Small is an adjective of size, not taste, and does not contrast with piquant. Salty: Salty is another strong taste, not the absence of taste. It is closer in spirit to piquant than opposite to it. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is choosing salty because both salty and piquant can describe strong flavours. However, analogies based on opposites require a term that negates the quality, not one that shares it. Students may also be tempted by pleasant because piquant food is often considered pleasant, but the question asks for a contrasting pair, not a similar one. Final Answer: Piquant, which means sharply flavoured, contrasts most directly with Bland, which means lacking flavour.

Question 12

Dilatory is related to Expeditious as Direct is related to which opposite term in this second antonym analogy?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This second analogy with the same starting pair again tests antonym relationships, but this time with a slightly different focus. Dilatory and expeditious are opposites describing speed, and we now match Direct with the best contrasting term from a new set of options. The emphasis here is on physical or figurative direction, such as a straight route versus a twisting one. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: Dilatory : Expeditious. Second pair pattern: Direct : ? Options: Straight, Curved, Circumlocutory, Tortuous. Dilatory means slow or tending to delay; expeditious means fast and efficient. Direct here is interpreted primarily in the sense of a straight, uncomplicated route or path. Tortuous and curved both refer to bending, but tortuous suggests complex winding paths. Concept / Approach: The first pair uses antonyms. In this version of the second pair, Direct is being contrasted with a word that captures the idea of not straight, not simple. Tortuous means full of twists, turns, and complexity, which is the opposite of a direct route. Straight is a synonym for direct, curved is partly opposite but modest, and circumlocutory focuses more on language than on physical direction. Therefore, tortuous best matches direct as an opposite in spatial and figurative sense. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Confirm that the first pair is an antonym pair: Dilatory (slow) versus Expeditious (quick, efficient). Step 2: Carry this pattern forward: Direct should be paired with an antonym. Step 3: Consider Direct as describing a straight, uncomplicated path or way of proceeding. Step 4: Review the options: Straight, Curved, Circumlocutory, and Tortuous. Step 5: Straight is synonymous with direct and therefore not an antonym. Step 6: Curved is the opposite of straight in shape, but does not imply complexity or difficulty as strongly. Step 7: Tortuous suggests highly winding, twisty, and complex paths, clearly opposite to straightforward and direct paths. Verification / Alternative check: Rewriting the analogy: Dilatory : Expeditious :: Direct : Tortuous. Dilatory is to expeditious as slow is to fast. Direct is to tortuous as straight is to highly twisting. Both pairs feature one clear, simple quality and its strong opposite. Therefore, tortuous offers the best contrasting meaning to direct among the given options in this particular analogy. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Straight: This is essentially a synonym for direct, not an opposite, so it breaks the antonym pattern. Curved: While curved contrasts with straight in geometry, it may represent mild bending rather than complex or confusing paths. Tortuous expresses a stronger and more complete opposite to direct. Circumlocutory: This is an antonym of direct in speech, but this question is emphasising the spatial sense of direct, and circumlocutory was used appropriately in another item. Here, tortuous provides a better match for the intended nuance. Common Pitfalls: Test takers may remember circumlocutory from similar questions and choose it out of habit, even though the present options include a more suitable opposite in spatial context. Others may pick straight due to confusion about whether the question wants synonyms or antonyms. It is crucial to check the relationship in the first pair and carry that relationship type over consistently to the second pair. Final Answer: In this analogy, the opposite of direct that best completes the pattern is Tortuous.

Question 13

Paragraph is related to Sentence in the same way as Sentence is related to which smaller unit?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy focuses on the hierarchical structure of written language. A paragraph is built from sentences, and a sentence is in turn built from smaller units. To solve the analogy, you must recall how written language is organised and which unit is the immediate building block of a sentence among the options given. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy: Paragraph : Sentence :: Sentence : ? Options: Paragraph, Type, Write, Letter. A paragraph is a group of sentences expressing a single idea. A sentence is a string of words and letters that expresses a complete thought. The question asks for a unit analogous to the way sentences relate to paragraphs. Concept / Approach: Paragraph and sentence have a part whole relationship: many sentences combine to form one paragraph. In the second pair, sentence must be the whole, and we seek the part that sentences are composed of. While the direct answer in linguistic theory would be words, the option closest to a fundamental written unit here is letter. Since words are built from letters and sentences are built from words and letters, the exam key typically takes letter as the smallest unit of written language in such analogies. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Analyse the first pair. A paragraph consists of multiple sentences grouped together to support an idea. Step 2: Recognise the relationship as whole to parts: many sentences form one paragraph. Step 3: Consider the second pair. A sentence must now be viewed as the whole, and we look for a basic unit that helps construct it. Step 4: Review the options. Paragraph is too large; type and write are actions, not units. Letter is a basic symbol in writing. Step 5: Although an intermediate level unit, the exam uses letter as the fundamental piece of written sentences, and no other option fits the part whole pattern. Verification / Alternative check: Write the analogy explicitly: Paragraph is made up of sentences. Sentence is made up of letters (and words that are themselves sequences of letters). Within the constraints of the options, letter is the only logical choice. It preserves the pattern of a larger structure being composed of multiple smaller units of language. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Paragraph: Repeating paragraph would not make sense, because a sentence is not composed directly of paragraphs. Type: Type is an action related to writing, not a structural unit of language. Write: Write is also an action verb, not a component that sentences are built from. Common Pitfalls: Some test takers may be confused because the most immediate unit of a sentence is a word, which does not appear in the options. Others may be tempted by paragraph due to repetition. In reasoning questions, when the ideal answer is absent, you must pick the closest logical unit from the given choices. Here, letter is the only structural unit of written language listed, so it must be chosen. Final Answer: Sentence relates to its smallest written building blocks, so the correct completion is Letter.

Question 14

Cup is related to Lip in the same way as Bird is related to which body part in this everyday analogy?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy builds on the relationship between an object and the edge or part that it touches during normal use. A cup touches the lip when a person drinks from it. In a similar way, a bird uses a particular part of its body to pick up food or interact with its surroundings. Solving this question requires recognising the parallel between lip and the corresponding bird part. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy: Cup : Lip :: Bird : ? Options: Grass, Forest, Beak, Bush. A cup is an object that meets the lip of a person when drinking. A bird uses its beak as the point of contact with food and other objects. The relationship involves the part that comes into contact during action. Concept / Approach: The link between cup and lip is not ownership but contact: when you drink, the rim of the cup touches the lip. For a bird, the analogous contact point is the beak, which meets food, water, or other objects. Grass, forest, and bush are environments where birds may live, but they are not parts of the bird. Therefore, beak is the only option that mirrors lip as a body part at the interface of an action. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider cup and lip. The lip is the body part that directly contacts the cup during drinking. Step 2: Identify the type of relationship: object of use to the body part that touches it. Step 3: Now consider a bird. When a bird eats or drinks, it uses its beak to pick up food or water. Step 4: Among the options, beak is the only body part of the bird. Grass, forest, and bush are places where the bird might be found but not parts of the bird. Step 5: Align the relationships: Cup touches Lip. Bird uses Beak. Both identify the active point of contact in a routine action. Verification / Alternative check: Write the full analogy: Cup : Lip :: Bird : Beak. In each pair, the second word is a body part that serves as the contact surface in a typical interaction: the lip touches the cup and the beak touches food or other objects. None of the remaining options provide a similar body part relationship, so beak fits perfectly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Grass: Grass is part of the environment, not part of the bird. It does not parallel lip as a body part. Forest: A forest is a habitat, not an anatomical feature of the bird. Bush: Bush is also part of the environment or vegetation and has no direct body part connection analogous to lip. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may mistakenly think in terms of habitat and choose forest or bush because birds live among these. However, the first pair clearly links an object to a body part, not a habitat. Always identify the exact nature of the relationship in the first pair before selecting the second pair. Final Answer: The correct completion of the analogy is Beak, giving Cup : Lip :: Bird : Beak.

Question 15

Whale is related to Mammal in the same way as Rat is related to which biological group?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy tests classification knowledge in biology. A whale is classified within a certain major group of animals, and a rat also belongs to a specific classification. Recognising these categories, and not being distracted by broader or unrelated groups, is key to answering correctly. Such questions are common in general science sections of competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy: Whale : Mammal :: Rat : ? Options: Rodent, Mammal, Amphibian, Reptile. Whale is a large marine animal that breathes air and is scientifically classified as a mammal. Rat is a small animal commonly seen in households and fields with a specific order classification. Rodent is an order within the class Mammalia. Concept / Approach: In the analogy, the relationship between Whale and Mammal is that of animal to its class. All whales are mammals, even though they live in water. For the second pair, Rat must be linked to its more specific group, not simply to the whole class Mammal again. Rats are members of the order Rodentia, commonly called rodents. Therefore, the parallel relationship is Rat : Rodent, matching the pattern of individual example to classification group. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Confirm the first pair. Whales give birth to live young, nurse them with milk, and breathe air through lungs. These features place whales in the class of mammals. Step 2: Identify the relationship as example animal to its classification group. Step 3: Consider the rat. A rat is clearly also a mammal, but the question expects a more specific group parallel to Mammal for whales. Step 4: Recall that rats belong to the order Rodentia, which includes mice, squirrels, and similar gnawing mammals. Commonly, such animals are referred to as rodents. Step 5: Match rat to rodent, just as whale is matched to mammal. Verification / Alternative check: Write out the completed analogy: Whale : Mammal :: Rat : Rodent. Whale is a kind of mammal. Rat is a kind of rodent. Although rats are also mammals, using mammal again would not parallel the more specific classification provided in the first pair, where mammal is the immediate group name for whales. In standard exam keys, rodent is regarded as the correct category for rats in this type of analogy. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Mammal: While true that a rat is a mammal, this answer is too broad, and it does not mirror the level of specificity intended by whale and mammal already used in the first pair. Amphibian: Amphibians are animals like frogs and salamanders that live part of their life in water and part on land, which does not match rats. Reptile: Reptiles include snakes, lizards, and crocodiles, and do not have the defining features of rats. Common Pitfalls: Many students quickly pick mammal because they know rats are mammals. However, they overlook that whales are already matched with mammal and that the second pair is expected to show a more specific group for rat. Others may be confused about which group rats belong to. Always remember that rats, mice, and squirrels are rodents, a distinct group within mammals. Final Answer: The correct completion of the analogy is Rodent, giving Whale : Mammal :: Rat : Rodent.

Question 16

Frugal is related to Parsimonious in the same way that which pair of words shows a similar synonym relationship?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy tests your understanding of synonym relationships. Frugal and parsimonious both describe someone who is very careful with money and resources. Your task is to identify which of the given pairs also represents a strong similarity of meaning rather than opposition or weak association. Analogy questions like this often require fine distinctions between near synonyms and antonyms. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: Frugal : Parsimonious. Second pair to select: one of joy : ecstasy, rich : poor, love : hate, poor : misery. Frugal means economical or sparing in the use of resources. Parsimonious means extremely unwilling to spend money; very frugal or stingy. The relationship is primarily one of similarity in meaning. Concept / Approach: Frugal and parsimonious are near synonyms related to a cautious attitude toward spending. The second pair must also consist of words that are very close in meaning, not opposites. Among the options, joy and ecstasy both denote strong positive feelings of happiness, with ecstasy being an intensified form of joy. The other pairs represent opposites or loosely related concepts and do not parallel the synonym pattern. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Confirm the first pair. Frugal describes someone who spends money very carefully. Parsimonious describes someone who is even more extremely careful, sometimes to the point of stinginess. The two words share the same basic idea of careful spending. Step 2: Identify the relationship type as synonym or near synonym, not antonym. Step 3: Examine the pair joy : ecstasy. Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness, while ecstasy is an even more intense feeling of overwhelming joy or delight. Step 4: Compare with rich : poor. These words are clear opposites, describing opposite ends of a wealth spectrum. Step 5: Consider love : hate. This pair is also an antonym pair, expressing opposite emotions. Step 6: Evaluate poor : misery. Poor describes lack of wealth, whereas misery is a condition of extreme unhappiness; they are related but not close synonyms in the same direct way as joy and ecstasy. Verification / Alternative check: We can rewrite the analogy as: Frugal (careful with money) : Parsimonious (very careful with money) :: Joy (strong happiness) : Ecstasy (extreme joy). In both pairs, the second word represents an intensified or more extreme version of the quality expressed by the first word. The relationship is therefore parallel, confirming joy and ecstasy as the correct matching pair. Why Other Options Are Wrong: rich : poor: An antonym pair rather than a synonym pair, so it does not mirror frugal and parsimonious. love : hate: Another clear antonym pair, again not matching the pattern of similar meanings. poor : misery: These words are related in that poverty can lead to misery, but they are not direct synonyms and do not show a neat similarity pattern. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may be tempted by poor and misery because both sound negative, but analogy questions require the precise type of relationship. Simply being related in context is not enough; the similarity or opposition must be as strong as the example pair. Always check whether the pair mirrors synonymy or antonymy exactly, rather than just sharing a general mood or field. Final Answer: The pair that stands to each other as frugal stands to parsimonious is joy : ecstasy.

Question 17

School bullying scenario: which situation described in the playground should the recess aides report to the principal as possible bullying?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to identify signs of bullying in a school environment based on short descriptions of playground situations. The school principal has asked recess aides to monitor recess and report any likely bullying incidents. You must read each scenario carefully and decide which one most clearly fits a pattern of bullying behaviour rather than ordinary conflict, rule breaking, or solitary behaviour. Given Data / Assumptions: The principal has received complaints about bullying during recess and wants the aides to watch closely. Four scenarios are given, each describing a different situation in the school yard. Options range from solitary behaviour, mild conflict, rule breaking, to possible group intimidation. Bullying typically involves an imbalance of power, repeated or potential harm, and intimidation or control. We assume the aides are looking for the most alarming and urgent behaviour to report immediately. Concept / Approach: Bullying is more than just disagreement or rule violation. It often shows power imbalance, such as a group targeting a single child, and may involve taking possessions or restricting freedom. We must evaluate each option against these features. The description where four girls surround another girl and appear to control her backpack clearly suggests a power imbalance and possible harassment, and therefore stands out as the most likely bullying scenario that requires prompt reporting. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Review option A. A boy is sitting alone, glumly reading a book. He is not interacting, but there is no sign that others are targeting or harming him. Step 2: Review option B. Two boys are playing basketball and arguing about a basket. Disagreements in games are common and do not automatically indicate bullying. Step 3: Review option C. Three boys are huddled around a video game device, breaking a school rule by having it on school grounds. This is a rule violation but not necessarily bullying. Step 4: Review option D. Four girls are surrounding another girl and appear to have possession of her backpack. This suggests that a group is targeting one individual and may be preventing her from freely accessing her belongings. Step 5: Recognise that option D best matches the hallmarks of bullying: group against one, potential intimidation, and control of personal property. Verification / Alternative check: Bullying signs include repeated aggression, power imbalance, and harassment. Only option D hints strongly at power imbalance and aggressive control of someone else's property. The other options describe loneliness, casual conflict, or rule breaking. Therefore, in the context of what the principal is most concerned about, the aides should certainly report the incident described in option D. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A boy sitting glumly on a bench: This is concerning emotional wellbeing but not clearly bullying. He may be choosing to be alone or simply be upset for other reasons. Two boys arguing over basketball: Competitive games often involve disputes and do not automatically mean bullying, especially when both are participating equally. Three boys with a video game: They are breaking a school rule, but no one is being targeted or harmed, so this is a discipline issue, not bullying. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse any misbehaviour with bullying. However, the principal specifically wants to address bullying, which is a pattern of aggression directed at victims. It is important to focus on scenarios where one child is being ganged up on by others, not merely on rule violations or arguments between equals. Always distinguish bullying from general misbehaviour and normal peer conflict. Final Answer: The recess aides should report the situation where Four girls are surrounding another girl and appear to have possession of her backpack, as this most clearly suggests bullying.

Question 18

Genuine is related to Authentic in the same way as Mirage is related to which concept?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy question relies on vocabulary and conceptual understanding. Genuine and authentic both describe something that is real or true. Mirage, however, is a natural optical phenomenon that looks real but is not. Your task is to select the word that stands to mirage as authentic stands to genuine, preserving the pattern of meaning between the pairs. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: Genuine : Authentic. Second pair pattern: Mirage : ? Options: Transpiration, Illusion, Reflection, Image. Genuine and authentic are near synonyms, both indicating that something is real and not fake. A mirage is an apparent visual phenomenon often seen in deserts or on hot roads, where distant objects or water seem to appear but are not actually there. Concept / Approach: Genuine and authentic share almost identical meanings; they are synonyms. Thus, the second pair must also contain a synonym relationship. A mirage is commonly defined as an optical illusion, something that looks real but is not. Therefore, illusion is the word that shares the same meaning relation with mirage. The other options are related to natural processes or visual phenomena but do not capture the essential idea that a mirage is something illusory. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Confirm the first relationship. Genuine refers to something real, true, and not counterfeit. Authentic similarly means real, original, or verified as true. Step 2: Recognise that Genuine : Authentic is a pair of synonyms. Step 3: Focus on the word mirage. A mirage is a phenomenon where you see something, like water in a desert, that appears real but has no physical substance. Step 4: Check the options. Illusion is something that deceives the senses or mind, making something seem real when it is not. Step 5: Note that illusion precisely describes the nature of a mirage, thus mirage and illusion share a synonym relationship similar to genuine and authentic. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the analogy: Genuine (real) : Authentic (real) :: Mirage (unreal appearance) : Illusion (unreal appearance). In both cases, the words in each pair share very closely related meanings. Mirage is a type of illusion, just as authentic is a type of genuine realness. This structure confirms that illusion is the correct completion of the analogy. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Transpiration: This refers to the process of water movement and evaporation in plants, especially through leaves. It is unrelated to the optical nature of mirages. Reflection: A reflection is a real optical effect where light bounces off a surface like a mirror and can be verified physically. A mirage is not simply a reflection. Image: An image is any visual representation and may be real or unreal. It is too broad and does not specifically capture the deceptive or unreal aspect that illusion emphasises. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may be drawn to reflection or image because they are visual terms. However, analogy questions demand the closest conceptual match, not just any related idea. Mirage is important not because it is an image, but because it is a deceptive one. That key idea is best expressed by the word illusion, which you must recognise as the true parallel. Final Answer: Mirage is best described as an Illusion, so Illusion correctly completes the analogy.

Question 19

Ice is related to water in the same way as rock is related to which corresponding material state or form?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy explores physical states of matter and natural transformations. Ice and water are two forms of the same substance, differing by state. Likewise, rock can also change form under intense heat. Recognising these relationships is important in basic science and helps you answer analogy questions that connect different natural processes. Given Data / Assumptions: Analogy: Ice : water :: Rock : ? Options: Lava, Oil, Sand, Mud. Ice is solid water; water is the liquid state of the same substance. Rock can melt under high temperature and appear as molten material beneath or on the surface of the earth. We assume general school level earth science knowledge about lava and magma. Concept / Approach: The relationship between ice and water is that they are different physical states of the same material. Ice is water in solid form; water is the liquid form. For rock, the analogous state change happens when rock melts under extreme heat, turning into molten rock, known as lava when it reaches the earth's surface. Therefore, the second pair must match rock with lava as different states or forms of the same material, mirroring the ice water relationship. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the first pair. Ice is simply frozen water, a solid state of the substance H2O. When ice melts, it becomes liquid water, but the chemical substance remains the same. Step 2: Identify the relationship: solid state to liquid state of the same substance. Step 3: Consider rock. When rock is exposed to intense heat inside the earth, it melts and becomes molten rock. Step 4: When molten rock erupts and flows on the earth's surface, it is called lava. Step 5: Thus, rock (solid) is to lava (molten or liquid form) as ice (solid) is to water (liquid). Verification / Alternative check: Test each option: Oil is a different substance, not a melted form of rock. Sand is a granular material derived from rock but not its liquid form. Mud is a mixture of water and soil. Lava specifically refers to molten rock on the surface. Only lava stands in the same kind of state transformation relationship to rock as water does to ice, which confirms lava as the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Oil: Oil is an organic liquid and not the melted state of rock. The relationship with rock is not one of state transformation. Sand: Sand originates from weathered rock but is still a solid granular form, not the liquid or molten state. Mud: Mud is water mixed with fine soil or clay and has no direct state change relationship with rock as ice has with water. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may choose sand because it is derived from rock or mud because of its semi liquid appearance. However, the key idea is different states of the same material, not substances that come from or mix with rock. Always focus on the transformation relationship in the first pair and find the exact parallel in the second pair, rather than just general association. Final Answer: Rock in its molten state is known as Lava, so Lava correctly completes the analogy Ice : water :: Rock : lava.

Question 20

In the biological analogy “Tadpole is to frog as larva is to ____”, which option best completes the relationship between juvenile and adult forms?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This analogy question checks your understanding of basic biological life cycles and classification. The pair “Tadpole : frog” represents a juvenile stage and its corresponding adult form in amphibians. To solve the second half “larva : ?”, you must know which broad group typically has a larval stage that later transforms into an adult of that group. Such questions frequently appear in aptitude and general science based reasoning sections. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair: Tadpole is related to frog. Second pair: Larva is related to an unknown adult group. Options: insect, spider, worm, amphibian, reptile. We assume standard school level biology definitions of life stages. Concept / Approach: A tadpole is the aquatic, juvenile stage in the life cycle of a frog. In the same way, a larva is the immature stage in the life cycle of many insects. The pattern in the analogy is therefore “juvenile form is to adult animal as juvenile form is to adult animal.” We only need to identify the group for which “larva” is the recognised immature form leading to an adult of that group. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the first pair. A tadpole is the young form of a frog before metamorphosis. Step 2: Recognise the relationship: “young stage of an organism is to adult organism.” Step 3: Apply the same idea to “larva”. A larva is the immature stage of many insects such as butterflies, beetles, and flies. Step 4: Check which option names the group whose adult form arises from a larval stage. That group is insects. Step 5: Confirm that none of the other options represent the standard adult group for an organism called “larva”. Verification / Alternative check: Think of common examples. A caterpillar is the larval stage of a butterfly, and maggots are larval stages of certain flies. Both butterfly and fly are insects. The same is true for many beetles and moths. While some other groups can have juvenile forms, the term “larva” in basic biology is most strongly associated with insects. This matches the structure “tadpole (juvenile) is to frog (adult)” and “larva (juvenile) is to insect (adult).” Why Other Options Are Wrong: Spider is an arachnid; its young are not usually described simply as “larva” in basic school terminology. Worm is itself a type of organism, not a mature stage of something called larva in this context. Amphibian and reptile are broad vertebrate classes and do not match the direct, textbook association with the word “larva” the way insects do. Therefore they do not fit the precise biological analogy. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes pick “worm” because many larvae look worm like. However, the analogy focuses on life stage versus adult group, not shape. Others may select “amphibian” or “reptile” simply because tadpoles belong to amphibians and they try to mirror that with another large group, which breaks the specific juvenile to adult structure. Always ask what group most commonly has “larva” as a named life stage. Final Answer: The correct completion of the analogy is that a larva develops into an insect.

Analogy Questions