MAT Practice — Analogies Involving the Humanites

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Some of the 120 analogy questions on your knowledge of the Humanities — a broad field that includes literature, philosophy and the fine arts. On this page are five MAT-style practice analogies involving the Humanities. Further down the page you'll find an analysis of each question.

Directions: In each of the following questions, you will find three terms in upper-case letters and, in parentheses, four answer options lettered (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the answer option that best completes the analogy with the three other terms.
  1. (a. abacus, b. brush, c. chisel, d. violin) : RODIN :: HARPSICHORD : BACH

  2. FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE : NIHILISM :: JOHN STUART MILL : (a. socialism, b. communism, c. pragmatism, d. utilitarianism)

  3. (a. verse, b. coda, c. chorus, d. medley) : MUSIC :: DENOUEMENT : DRAMA

  4. CRUSOE : DEFOE :: (a. Odysseus, b. Illiad, c. Dante, d. Zeus) : HOMER

  5. HINDUISM : (a. Jainism, b. Christianity, c. Judaism, d. Shinto) :: CONFUCIANISM : TAOISM

Answers and Explanations
[Types of Relationships in MAT Analogies]

  1. The correct answer is (c). Rodin is known mainly for his sculptures, which he created using a chisel as a tool. Similarly, Bach is known mainly for his musical compositions, which he composed using a harpsichord as a tool. (Analogy type: association)

  2. The correct answer is (d). Nietzsche is generally associated with Nihilism (a theory about how the world operates vs. what humans want). John Stuart Mill was a proponent of, and is generally associated with, utilitarianism (the greatest good for the greatest number of people). (Analogy type: association)

  3. The correct answer is (b). The word denouement refers to the final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot, while a coda is the concluding passage of a musical movement or composition. (Analogy type: classification)

  4. The correct answer is (a). Crusoe is the main character in Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe, while Odysseus is the main character in Homer's Odyssey (an epic poem). (Analogy type: association)

  5. The correct answer is (a). Confucianism and Taoism are similar in that both religions were founded and first promulgated in China. Hinduism and Jainism are similar in that both were founded and first promulgated in the Indian subcontinent. (Analogy type: classification)

Widely recommended for MAT prep:

MAT book    Miller Analogies Test (MAT) with TestWare, 6th Ed.
Published by REA

This book/CD package provides testing information and tips, substantive reviews of all major content areas covered on the exam, and 8 practice tests (on CD).