SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Tool and Use

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Tool And Use

Complete this analogy.

Handle is to carry as pocket is to __________.

Possible Answers:

illuminate

pretend

lose

hold

hire

Correct answer:

hold

Explanation:

One uses a handle to carry something, so we need to pick out an answer choice that describes what one uses a pocket to do to something. Pockets are used for containing things or carrying things, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “contain” or “carry.” “Hold,” when used as a verb, means “to contain,” and because one uses a pocket to hold something just as one uses a handle to carry something, “hold” is the correct answer.

Example Question #517 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

__________ is to sleep as bistro is to eat.

Possible Answers:

Citadel

Hospice

Stronghold

Garrison

Dormitory

Correct answer:

Dormitory

Explanation:

A "bistro" is a cafe, a place where you eat. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these answers means a place where you sleep. The correct answer is "dormitory." To provide additional help, the prefix dorm- means sleep, rest. Finally, a "hospice" is a place where people, particularly old or sick people, are cared for; the other three answer choices are all synonyms, all three words mean fortress, fort.

Example Question #518 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Bloodhound is to __________ as sheepdog is to herding.

Possible Answers:

training

docile

hunting

aggressive

canine

Correct answer:

hunting

Explanation:

One uses a "sheepdog" to "herd" sheep, so to solve this analogy you need to determine what one uses a "bloodhound" for. Even if you had not heard the word before, the use of "blood" should help you choose the correct answer which is "hunting." Additionally, "canine" means dog, related to dogs; "docile" means obedient, submissive, not aggressive or disobedient.

Example Question #519 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Strum is to instrument as devour is to __________.

Possible Answers:

sport

meal

friend

tool

vehicle

Correct answer:

meal

Explanation:

To "strum" means to play an instrument (like a guitar) by moving one's fingers up and down the strings. So, one can "strum" and instrument, to which of these does one "devour?" To "devour" means to consume, to eat. So, the correct answer is a meal.

Example Question #5 : Tool And Use

Complete this analogy.

Capillary is to __________ as aqueduct is to water.

Possible Answers:

wet

time

food

blood

heat

Correct answer:

blood

Explanation:

An "aqueduct" is a vessel used to transport water. So, which of these is transported using a "capillary?" Well, a "capillary" is a small vessel used to transport blood around the body. So, the correct answer is "blood."

Example Question #561 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Pump is to inflate as ______________.

Possible Answers:

megabyte is to hard drive

tire is to axle

shovel is to dig

key is to doorknob

box is to cardboard

Correct answer:

shovel is to dig

Explanation:

A "pump" is a tool used to inflate. The correct answer will demonstrate a relationship between tool and use. A "shovel" is a tool that is used to dig.

Example Question #562 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Dike is to flooding as fortress is to __________.

Possible Answers:

castle

levee

invading

army

defending

Correct answer:

invading

Explanation:

A "dike" is a low-wall built to prevent "flooding." So, if a "dike" is meant to prevent "flooding," what is it that a "fortress" is designed to prevent? The correct answer is "invading." Additionally, a "levee" is a low-wall built to prevent the overflow of a river. It is very similar to a "dike" in definition.

Example Question #563 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Brochure is to _______________ as centrifuge is to separate.

Possible Answers:

advertise

create

manage

punish

distribute

Correct answer:

advertise

Explanation:

A "centrifuge" is a rapidly spinning machine which is meant to "separate" two or more items. The purpose of a "centrifuge" is therefore to "separate." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what the purpose of a "brochure" is. Well, a "brochure" is a magazine with a series of items listed for sale. The purpose of a "brochure" is to "advertise." 

Example Question #564 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Loom is to ________________ as parasol is to shade.

Possible Answers:

clean

lower

weave

annoy

splice

Correct answer:

weave

Explanation:

A "parasol" is a large umbrella used to provide shelter from the "sun." It's purpose therefore is to "shade" or to provide "shade." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is the purpose of a "loom." Well, a "loom" is a device for making fabric from yarn. So, the correct answer is "weave." Additionally, "splice" means join together

Example Question #565 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Ford is to __________________ as overpass is to highway.

Possible Answers:

forest

mountain

town

farm

river

Correct answer:

river

Explanation:

The purpose of an "overpass" is to allow you to cross the "highway." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what it is that a "ford" allows you to cross. The correct answer is a "river." A "ford" is a shallow area of a "river" where one might cross safely. "Ford" can also be used as a verb, as in to "ford the river."

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