Function and Purpose Analogies

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SSAT Upper Level: Verbal › Function and Purpose Analogies

Questions 1 - 10
1

Key is to lock as:

handle is to drawer

password is to computer

door is to room

switch is to light

Explanation

A key's function is to provide access by unlocking a secured lock. Similarly, a password's function is to provide access by unlocking a secured computer system. This shows an access-tool-to-security-barrier relationship. Choice B shows a barrier-to-space relationship. Choice C shows an operating-mechanism-to-furniture relationship. Choice D shows an activation-tool-to-device relationship.

2

Insulation is to heat as:

lining is to interior

covering is to protection

soundproofing is to noise

padding is to comfort

Explanation

Insulation's function is to prevent the transfer of heat between spaces. Similarly, soundproofing's function is to prevent the transfer of noise between spaces. This shows a barrier-material-to-prevented-energy-transfer relationship. Choice B shows a cushioning-material-to-enhanced-condition relationship. Choice C shows a protective-material-to-general-benefit relationship. Choice D shows a finishing-material-to-location relationship.

3

Catalyst is to reaction as:

chemical is to laboratory

enzyme is to digestion

ingredient is to recipe

fuel is to combustion

Explanation

A catalyst's function is to speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Similarly, an enzyme's function is to speed up biological processes like digestion without being consumed. This shows an accelerating-agent-to-process relationship. Choice B shows a component-to-procedure relationship. Choice C shows a consumable-to-process relationship. Choice D shows a substance-to-location relationship.

4

Lens is to camera as:

window is to building

film is to projector

mirror is to reflection

string is to violin

Explanation

A lens is the essential component that enables a camera to focus light and create images. Similarly, strings are the essential components that enable a violin to produce sound when played. This shows a functional-component-to-device relationship. Choice A shows an object-to-result relationship. Choice B shows a component-to-structure relationship without the functional aspect. Choice D shows a consumable-to-device relationship.

5

Funnel is to liquid as:

hose is to garden

chute is to grain

tube is to gas

pipe is to house

Explanation

A funnel's function is to direct and channel liquid from a wide opening to a narrow one. Similarly, a chute's function is to direct and channel grain or other materials from a wide area to a narrow opening. This shows a directing-tool-to-substance relationship. Choice A shows a containing-tool-to-substance relationship. Choice C shows a conveyance-tool-to-location relationship. Choice D shows a delivery-tool-to-location relationship.

6

Brake is to motion as:

mute is to sound

headlight is to visibility

accelerator is to speed

clutch is to transmission

Explanation

A brake's function is to stop or reduce motion. Similarly, a mute button's function is to stop or eliminate sound. This shows a stopping-mechanism-to-phenomenon relationship. Choice B shows an increasing-mechanism-to-phenomenon relationship (opposite function). Choice C shows a control-mechanism-to-system relationship. Choice D shows an enhancement-tool-to-condition relationship.

7

Needle is to sewing as:

scissors is to cutting

chisel is to carving

thread is to fabric

thimble is to protection

Explanation

A needle's function is to pierce and guide thread through fabric for sewing. Similarly, a chisel's function is to cut and shape material for carving. This shows a precision-tool-to-craft-activity relationship. Choice A shows a material-to-base relationship. Choice C shows a cutting-tool-to-general-action (not craft-specific). Choice D shows a protective-tool-to-function relationship.

8

Hammer is to nail as:

saw is to carpenter

screwdriver is to screw

drill is to workshop

wrench is to toolbox

Explanation

A hammer's function is to drive nails into surfaces. Similarly, a screwdriver's function is to turn screws into place. This is a tool-to-object-acted-upon relationship. Choice B shows a tool-to-container relationship. Choice C shows a tool-to-user relationship. Choice D shows a tool-to-location relationship.

9

Parachute is to descent as:

propeller is to boat

airbag is to collision

sail is to navigation

wing is to airplane

Explanation

A parachute's function is to slow down and control descent by creating air resistance. Similarly, an airbag's function is to slow down and cushion impact during a collision by creating a buffer. This shows a safety-device-to-dangerous-motion relationship. Choice B shows a propulsion-device-to-general-activity relationship. Choice C shows a lift-component-to-vehicle relationship. Choice D shows a propulsion-component-to-vehicle relationship.

10

Filter is to water as:

bucket is to sand

sieve is to flour

funnel is to liquid

strainer is to pasta

Explanation

A filter's function is to remove impurities and unwanted particles from water. Similarly, a sieve's function is to remove lumps and impurities from flour. This shows a purification-tool-to-substance relationship. Choice B shows a directing-tool-to-substance relationship. Choice C shows a separation-tool-to-food relationship. Choice D shows a container-to-substance relationship without purification.

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