Introduction
Analogy questions in SSC CGL Tier-I test the ability to identify relationships between pairs of words, numbers, or letters. A pair is given with a specific relationship, and you must find another pair that shares the same relationship. This topic is scoring if you master common relationship types and avoid traps.
Word Analogy: Common Relationship Types
Word analogy questions present a pair of words with a logical relationship. You must choose the option that has the same relationship. Common relationships include synonym, antonym, cause-effect, part-whole, tool-worker, category-member, and function. Always determine the exact relationship in the given pair before checking options.
Key Points
- Identify the relationship direction: A is to B as C is to D.
- Check for multiple possible relationships; the correct option must match the most precise one.
- Eliminate options that have a different relationship type even if words seem related.
Solved Example 1
Question: Book : Chapter :: ?
Solution: Building : Floor
Explanation: A book is divided into chapters; a building is divided into floors. Both show part-whole relationship.
Number and Letter Analogy
Number analogy involves mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squares, cubes, or digit manipulation. Letter analogy uses alphabetical positions, shifts, or patterns. For letters, remember A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26. Often, the relationship involves a constant difference or ratio.
Key Points
- For numbers, check operations between the two numbers: sum, difference, product, quotient, squares, cubes.
- For letters, convert to numbers and look for consistent shifts (e.g., +2, -3).
- Sometimes the relationship involves both letters and numbers, like position and value.
Solved Example 1
Question: 6 : 42 :: 8 : ?
Solution: 72
Explanation: 6 × 7 = 42; similarly, 8 × 9 = 72. The pattern is n × (n+1).
Solved Example 2
Question: CAT : FDW :: DOG : ?
Solution: GRJ
Explanation: Each letter is shifted by +3: C→F, A→D, T→W. So D→G, O→R, G→J gives GRJ.
Practice Questions
Q1. Pen : Write :: Knife : ?
Answer: Cut
Explanation: A pen is used to write; a knife is used to cut. Tool-function relationship.
Q2. 5 : 27 :: 9 : ?
Answer: 83
Explanation: 5 × 5 + 2 = 27; 9 × 9 + 2 = 83. Pattern: n² + 2.
Q3. AZ : BY :: CX : ?
Answer: DW
Explanation: First letter moves +1 (A→B→C→D), second letter moves -1 (Z→Y→X→W). So CX becomes DW.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming a relationship without checking all options; always verify the exact relationship in the given pair.
- Ignoring the order of words in the pair; the relationship must be in the same direction.
- For number analogy, forgetting to test multiple operations; sometimes the pattern is not obvious at first glance.
Quick Revision
- Word analogy: synonym, antonym, cause-effect, part-whole, tool-worker, category-member, function.
- Number analogy: check sum, difference, product, quotient, squares, cubes, and digit operations.
- Letter analogy: convert to numbers (A=1 to Z=26) and look for constant shifts or patterns.