Function and Purpose Analogies
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SSAT Upper Level: Verbal › Function and Purpose Analogies
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.