Analogy

Analogy is one of the most common and scoring topics in SSC CGL Reasoning. The word analogy means similarity or comparison. In this topic, a relationship is established between two things, and you have to find a similar relationship in another pair.
 

Types of Analogy in SSC CGL:

1. Word Analogy A relationship is given between two words and you have to find a similar relationship.

Example: 

Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ? 

Answer: School (Doctor works in a Hospital, similarly Teacher works in a School)

2. Number Analogy A relationship is given between two numbers and you have to apply the same logic to find the missing number.

Example: 

4 : 16 :: 5 : ? 

Answer: 25 (4² = 16, similarly 5² = 25)

3. Letter Analogy A relationship is given between two groups of letters and you have to find the missing group.

Example: 

ABC : ZYX :: DEF : ? 

Answer: WVU (Letters are replaced by their opposite positions in alphabet)

4. Mixed Analogy A combination of words, numbers and letters is used.

How to Solve Analogy Questions:

Step 1 - Look at the first pair carefully and find the exact relationship between them. 

Step 2 - Apply the same relationship to the second pair. 

Step 3 - Check all options before marking the answer. 

Step 4 - Do not overthink - the relationship is always simple and direct.
 

Common Relationships Used in Analogy:

• Tool and its use (Pen : Writing)
• Animal and its home (Lion : Den)
• Worker and workplace (Chef : Kitchen)
• Part and whole (Page : Book)
• Cause and effect (Fire : Smoke)
• Male and female (King : Queen)
• Young one of animal (Cow : Calf)
• Product and raw material (Bread : Wheat)
• Word and its opposite (Day : Night)
• Number patterns (squares, cubes, multiples)
   

Important Tips:

• Always define the relationship in your own words before looking at options
• In number analogy, check for squares, cubes, differences and products
• In letter analogy, check position of letters from both ends of alphabet
• Practice at least 20 questions daily from this topic