SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Tool/Use, User/Tool, Actor/Action, Product/Producer, and Subject/Object

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Middle Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #592 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Handlebar is to __________ as microwave is to cooking.

Possible Answers:

running

cleaning

steering

cutting

undermining

Correct answer:

steering

Explanation:

A "microwave" is a tool used for "cooking." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what a "handlebar" is used for. Well, a "handlebar" is the piece of a bicycle that allows one to change the direction of the wheels. It is therefore used for "steering."

Example Question #471 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Flare is to __________ as lens is to magnify.

Possible Answers:

tie

uproot

lose

alert

plan

Correct answer:

alert

Explanation:

A "lens" is an optic device used to make something easier to see by either making it clearer or larger. A purpose of a "lens" is therefore to "magnify" (make larger). So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is the purpose of a "flare." Well, a "flare" is a device used to fire a light into the sky as a signal. It is therefore used to "alert." Additionally, "uproot" means move from one place to another, usually forcefully.

Example Question #594 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Foxhole is to protection as password is to __________.

Possible Answers:

genius

secrecy

delusion

idiocy

comfort

Correct answer:

secrecy

Explanation:

A "foxhole" is a hole in the ground used by troops for "protection" from enemy fire during a battle. The purpose of a "foxhole" then is to provide "protection." Which of these describes the purpose of a "password?" The correct answer is "secrecy," or the ability to be secret. Additionally, "delusion" is having a false understanding of things.

Example Question #595 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Megaphone is to __________ as spectacles is to clarity.

Possible Answers:

emotion

appearance

color

volume

flavor

Correct answer:

volume

Explanation:

"Spectacles" are glasses and you use glasses to improve the "clarity" (clearness) of something. So, for what purpose might you use a "megaphone?" The correct answer is to improve the "volume" of something.

Example Question #471 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Hammock is to resting as __________ is to enlarging.

Possible Answers:

periscope

microwave

thermometer

barometer

microscope

Correct answer:

microscope

Explanation:

The purpose of a "hammock" is for "resting." So, to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these is used for "enlarging" something. "Enlarging" means to make larger. The correct answer is that a "microscope" is used to "enlarge" something to make it easier to see. Additionally, a "periscope" is used by a submarine to see above the water; a "barometer" is used to measure pressure and a "thermometer" is used to measure temperature.

Example Question #21 : Tool/Use, User/Tool, Actor/Action, Product/Producer, And Subject/Object

Complete this analogy.

Airlift is to plane as __________ is to truck.

Possible Answers:

replete

haul

repose

perspire

harangue

Correct answer:

haul

Explanation:

When something is transported by "plane" we use the term "airlift." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a verb that is used when transporting something by "truck." The correct answer is "haul." Additionally, "harangue" means criticize, scold; "replete" means filled with; "perspire" means sweat; "repose" means rest, lie down.

Example Question #22 : Tool/Use, User/Tool, Actor/Action, Product/Producer, And Subject/Object

Complete this analogy.

Abacus is to __________ as beacon is to signal.

Possible Answers:

count

cook

draw

hear

warn

Correct answer:

count

Explanation:

A "beacon" is something, like a lighthouse, used to pass a message or warning. A "beacon" is used to "signal." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what it is that you might use an "abacus" for. An "abacus" is an outdated instrument used for counting. The correct answer is therefore "count."

Example Question #23 : Tool/Use, User/Tool, Actor/Action, Product/Producer, And Subject/Object

Complete this analogy.

Antiseptic is to infection as antiperspirant is to __________.

Possible Answers:

pain

headaches

emotion

laziness

sweat

Correct answer:

sweat

Explanation:

An "antiseptic" is something used to prevent "infection." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what it is that "antiperspirant" is used for. The correct answer is that it is used to prevent "sweating."

Example Question #24 : Tool/Use, User/Tool, Actor/Action, Product/Producer, And Subject/Object

Complete this analogy.

Hypnosis is to sleep as ointment is to __________.

Possible Answers:

work

heal

sing

smile

hear

Correct answer:

heal

Explanation:

"Hypnosis" is a technique used to put someone to "sleep." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is an action that is helped by "ointment." "Ointment" is cream applied to a wound in order to help with "healing." So, the correct answer is "heal."

Example Question #481 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Lantern is to __________ as padlock is to secure.

Possible Answers:

masticate

illuminate

begrime

devastate

electricity

Correct answer:

illuminate

Explanation:

The purpose of a "padlock" is to keep something safe, to lock something away, to "secure" something. So, to solve this analogy you merely need to determine what the purpose of a "lantern" is. Well, a "lantern" is a light, a torch. So, the correct answer is to "illuminate," which means to light up, to shed light upon. Additionally, "masticate" means chew; "begrime" means blacken, make dirty; "devastate" means completely destroy, ruin.

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