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The Analogy format is one of four basic ones used for GRE Verbal questions. This page lists key features of GRE Analogies. It also provides the test directions for this question format, a sample question (along with a tip for answering it), and a detailed analysis of the sample.
GRE Analogies — Format, Skills Tested, and Test Directions
Here are the key "specs" for GRE Analogies:
HOW MANY: 9 questionsWHERE: In the 30-minute Verbal section, mixed with Sentence Completions, Antonyms, and Reading Comprehension sets
FORMAT: Multiple-choice (you select one of 5 choices by clicking on an oval)
SKILLS TESTED: Your ability to understand relationships between the meaning of words (GRE Analogies also gauge your vocabulary)
DIRECTIONS: The following directions will appear on your screen just before your first Analogy question (and you can access them while tackling any Analogy question by clicking on the HELP button).
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Directions: In this question, a word pair in capital letters is followed by five other word pairs. Choose the pair among those five that expresses a relationship most similar to the relationship expressed in the capitalized pair.
To review these directions for subsequent questions of this type, click on HELP. |
Sample GRE Analogy Question
The following question is typical of GRE Analogies. This question is somewhat more difficult than average; about 50% of GRE test testers would select the best answer choice. (You can select an answer choice by clicking on it.)
Quick Tip for Sample Question
One type of relationship frequently appearing among Analogy word pairs is that of function, or use. In this type of relationship, one word is essentially a tool, while the other is a function, purpose, or use of that tool.
Analysis of Sample Question
A moratorium is an official halt or cessation of an activity. One possible purpose, or use, of a moratorium is to preserve (for instance, to preserve an endangered animal species). Similarly, one possible use of a tree is to shade. The second answer choice is the best one.
Here's an analysis of the other answer choices:
The first answer choice: Is one possible use of a revolt to tyrannize? No. The purpose of a revolt might be to stop tyranny (which means "oppressive rule").The third answer choice: Is one possible use of a problem to solve? No. The fourth answer choice: Is one possible use of a collection to accumulate? No. The relationship between these two words is just the opposite: One possible purpose of accumulating is to form a collection. The fifth answer choice: Is one possible use of an eclipse to cover? No. Covering is part of the definition of eclipse.
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