Analogy questions measure your knowledge of the meanings of words, ability to see a relationship in a pair of words, and ability to recognize a similar or parallel relationship.

Analogies

Directions: Each question below consists of a related pair of words or phrases, followed by five pairs of words or phrases labeled A through E. Select the pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.
question 1 of 13

hints:Here are some general hints for answering Analogy questions.

Make up a sentence that shows how the two words in CAPITAL letters work together.


Many pairs of words have more than one relationship between them.


If you find more than one answer that fits the first relationship you find in the pair of words in CAPITAL letters, you may have to define that relationship more precisely.
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question 1 of 13
SONG : REPERTOIRE::
(A) score : melody
(B) instrument : artist
(C) solo : chorus
(D) benediction : church
(E) suit : wardrobe

(from the October 1996 test)

Correct Answer: E
Explanation: Just because choices (A) and (C) contain words that are about music does not mean they have the same relationship as the words in CAPITAL letters. A lot of SONGS make up a REPERTOIRE, just as a lot of suits make up a wardrobe.

question 2 of 13

PEDESTRIAN : WALKS::
(A) soldier : obeys
(B) runner : stretches
(C) dentist : drills
(D) bicyclist : brakes
(E) motorist : drives

(from the October 14, 1997 test)

Correct Answer: E
Explanation: Choice (E) is the correct answer because a PEDESTRIAN, by definition, is one who WALKS just as a motorist is, by definition, one who drives. question 3 of 13

MAGNIFY : APPEARANCE::
(A) rectify : error
(B) augment : reduction
(C) probe : feeling
(D) amplify : volume
(E) distort : image

(from the October 14, 1997 test)

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The correct answer is Choice (D) because "to MAGNIFY is to increase the APPEARANCE of something" just as "to amplify is to increase the volume of something."

question 4 of 13

EXCITEMENT : FRENZY::
(A) communication : signal
(B) strength : resistance
(C) surprise : astonishment
(D) reform : corruption
(E) fondness : hatred

(from the October 14, 1997 test)

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The correct answer is (C) because FRENZY is great EXCITEMENT just as astonishment is great surprise.

question 5 of 13

BEST-SELLER : BOOK::
(A) anthology : poem
(B) rave : critic
(C) collector : painting
(D) performance : play
(E) hit : song

(from the October 18, 1997 test)

Correct Answer: E
Explanation: The correct answer is Choice (E) because a BEST-SELLER is a very popular BOOK just as a hit is a very popular song.

question 6 of 13

DRAPERY : FABRIC::
(A) fireplace : wood
(B) curtain : stage
(C) shutter : light
(D) sieve : liquid
(E) window : glass

(from the October 17, 1998 test)

Correct Answer: E
Explanation: DRAPERY is commonly made of FABRIC; only option (E), "window : glass," contains terms that exhibit a similar relationship.

question 7 of 13

BUNGLER : FINESSE::
(A) athlete : prowess
(B) thief : felony
(C) gossip : reserve
(D) preacher : oratory
(E) gourmet : cuisine

(from the October 17, 1998 test)

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A BUNGLER is an individual who characteristically lacks FINESSE (skill or dexterity); likewise, a gossip is an individual who characteristically lacks reserve (restraint in speaking).

question 8 of 13

ENCOURAGE : COERCE::
(A) implement : accomplish
(B) suggest : command
(C) hinder : facilitate
(D) filter : separate
(E) oppose : disagree

(from the October 17, 1998 test)

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Both capitalized words have to do with influencing someone's behavior; the crucial thing to recognize is that to COERCE (as opposed to encouraging) someone is to deprive him or her of personal choice. Both words in choice (B) also have to do with influencing another's behavior and, as in the capitalized pair, to command (as opposed to making suggestions to) someone is to deprive him or her of personal choice.

question 9 of 13

OVEREXERTION : FATIGUE::
(A) exemption : participation
(B) injury : pain
(C) labor : recreation
(D) immunity : disease
(E) transformation : deterioration

(from the October 20, 1998 test)