All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #651 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship
Complete this analogy.
Illegible is to read as incomprehensible is to __________.
repeat
smell
taste
understand
hear
understand
“Illegible” is an adjective that consists of the negative prefix “il-“ and “legible,” so one might infer that it means “not readable.” That inference would be correct, as “illegible” means “not clear enough to be read,” so we need to pick out a verb that describes what you can’t do to something that is “incomprehensible.” “Incomprehensible” is a word that also consists of the negative prefix “in-“ and “comprehensible,” and because “comprehensible” means “able to be understood,” one might infer that “incomprehensible” means “not able to be understood.” That inference would be correct, as “incomprehensible” means “not able to be understood; not intelligible.” So, just as one cannot read something that is illegible, one cannot understand something that is incomprehensible, so “understand” is the correct answer.
Example Question #5 : Abilities
Complete this analogy.
Melt is to liquid as __________ is to gas.
eradicate
truncate
evaporate
prognosticate
fabricate
evaporate
The process by which something turns from a solid into a "liquid" is called "melting." So, to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these words means to turn something into a "gas." The correct answer is "evaporate." Additionally, "truncate" means shorten; "eradicate" means completely destroy; "fabricate" means fake, make up a story; "prognosticate" means make a prediction about the future.
Example Question #6 : Abilities
Complete this analogy.
Legible is to __________ as visible is to see.
talk
catch
hear
find
read
read
"Visible" means able to be "seen." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these actions is described by "legible." Well, "legible" means (of writing) able to be "read."
Example Question #7 : Abilities
Complete this analogy.
Doctor is to relief as _________________.
sunlight is to sunshine
wall is to separation
lotion is to moisture
singer is to entertainment
car is to transportation
singer is to entertainment
The correct answer is "singer is to entertainment."
This analogy explores the relationship of what an individual provides through his or her occupation.
A doctor provides relief (from pain). A singer provides entertainment (to the general public).
Example Question #1 : Other Analogies
Analogies: Complete this analogy.
Singer is to cantata as driver is to __________.
steering wheel
motivation
breakneck
racecourse
tire
racecourse
A "cantata" is a piece of music for singers and instruments. A singer sings or navigates through a cantata. A driver navigates a racecourse. A driver controls an automobile, but not in the same way a singer sings a song. A singer sings a song, a driver drives a racecourse.
Example Question #652 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship
Complete this analogy.
Escalator is to stairs as motorcycle is to __________.
carriage
car
running
skateboard
bicycle
bicycle
Since an escalator is an automated moving staircase powered by electricity, we can think of it as an automated, electric version of a staircase. So, we need to pick out an answer choice which describes something we could think of as being an un-electrified, un-automated motorcycle. Since both bicycles and motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles, but motorcycles have motors whereas bicycles are propelled by the rider's pedaling, "bicycle" is the correct answer.
Example Question #653 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship
Complete this analogy.
Sun is to eclipse as window is to __________.
glass
scratch
shatter
curtains
breeze
curtains
“Eclipse” is a word that when used as a noun can mean the passage of one celestial object in front of the sun, partially or completely blocking its light from reaching Earth. So, because an eclipse obscures the sun, we need to pick out an answer choice that represents something that obscures a window. While “glass” might look like a potentially correct answer because windows are often made of glass, glass does not obscure windows, so “glass” cannot be the correct answer. Curtains, however, obscure windows just as an eclipse obscures the sun, so “curtains” is the correct answer.
Example Question #654 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship
Analogies: Complete this analogy.
Rode is to road as doe is to __________.
forest
deer
ray
wood
dough
dough
“Rode” and “road” are homonyms, since they sound the same but have different meanings. “Doe” means female deer and sounds the same as “dough” when pronounced.
Example Question #72 : Qualities, Features, Abilities, And Other Analogies
Complete this analogy.
Grimace is to pain as __________ is to happiness.
beam
gape
scowl
stare
frown
beam
To "grimace" is to express pain using one's face. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words means to express happiness using one's face, to smile. The correct answer is "beam" which means intensely smile with joy. Additionally, "gape" means stare; "scowl" means frown in anger or frustration.
Example Question #4 : Other Analogies
Complete this analogy.
Gape is to wonder as __________ is to fear.
stare
monitor
leap
tremble
sprint
tremble
To "gape" means to stare in wonder or amazement. So, it is a physical manifestation of the feeling of "wonder." Which of these is a physical manifestation of the feeling of "fear?" The correct answer is to "tremble," which means to shake with fear or anxiety. Additionally, "sprint" means run fast; "leap" means jump high or far; "monitor" means watch, observe.
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