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SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Verbal Reasoning: Analogies Syllabus

The Verbal Reasoning: Analogies syllabus for SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) in full: 3 chapters, 15 topics and 1 sub-topic, every one listed below, plus 50 Verbal Reasoning: Analogies flashcards with answers.

3Chapters
15Topics
1Sub-topics
50Flashcards

Verbal Reasoning: Analogies syllabus: all 3 chapters

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.

  1. Analogy Fundamentals

     4 topics
    • Reading analogies as relationships
      • Building a clear bridge sentence
    • Order and direction of the relationship
    • Completing two-blank and single-blank analogies
    • Eliminating answer choices systematically

  2. Categories of Analogy Relationships

     7 topics
    • Synonym and antonym relationships
    • Part-to-whole and whole-to-part
    • Type and category (member of a class)
    • Cause and effect
    • Function, use, and purpose
    • Degree and intensity relationships
    • Characteristic and defining trait

  3. Advanced Analogy Strategy

     4 topics
    • Refining a too-broad bridge sentence
    • Choosing between two plausible answers
    • Working backward from answer choices
    • Tackling analogies with unfamiliar words

SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Verbal Reasoning: Analogies flashcards — 50 questions with answers

  1. On the SSAT, what is the fundamental thing an analogy question actually tests?

    Your ability to identify the relationship (the 'bridge') between the first pair of words, then find the answer pair that shares the exact same relationship.

  2. What is a 'bridge sentence' in SSAT analogies, and why do you make one?

    A short, specific sentence that defines how the two given words relate (e.g., 'A KITTEN is a young CAT'). You build it from the first pair, then test it on each answer pair to find the match.

  3. Why does the ORDER (direction) of words in an analogy matter?

    The relationship must run in the same direction in the answer. If the stem is A:B, the answer must be C:D in the same order. If your bridge is 'A causes B,' the answer must be 'C causes D,' not 'D causes C.'

  4. In the analogy GLOVE : HAND, what is the bridge, and which order must the answer keep?

    Bridge: 'A GLOVE is worn on a HAND.' The answer must keep clothing-item : body-part order (e.g., SOCK : FOOT), not the reverse.

  5. What is the difference between a single-blank and a two-blank SSAT analogy format?

    Single-blank gives a complete first pair and you pick one word to complete the second pair (A:B :: C:____). Two-blank (kangaroo format) gives one stem word and you choose a whole pair (e.g., 'Kangaroo is to ___ as ___ is to dog').

  6. How do you solve a two-blank ('kangaroo') analogy like 'Kangaroo is to ___ as ___ is to dog'?

    Make a bridge using the stem word and each answer pair, requiring BOTH blanks to fit the same relationship. Test: 'A kangaroo is a kind of (first word)' and '(second word) is a kind of dog.' Both halves must be true.

  7. What is the systematic process of elimination for SSAT analogy answer choices?

    Plug your bridge sentence into every choice; cross out any pair the sentence cannot truthfully describe. Eliminate choices where the relationship is reversed, too weak, or nonexistent, then choose from what remains.

  8. If your bridge sentence fits more than one remaining answer choice, what should you do?

    Refine (make more specific) the bridge sentence so it eliminates the weaker match, then re-test the remaining choices.

  9. What is a synonym-relationship analogy? Give the bridge template.

    The two words mean the same (or nearly the same) thing. Bridge: 'A means the same as B' (e.g., HAPPY : JOYFUL :: SAD : SORROWFUL).

  10. What is an antonym-relationship analogy? Give the bridge template.

    The two words are opposites. Bridge: 'A is the opposite of B' (e.g., HOT : COLD :: WET : DRY).

  11. Define a part-to-whole analogy and give the standard bridge.

    One word is a component of the other. Bridge: 'A is a part of B' (e.g., PETAL : FLOWER, WHEEL : CAR, CHAPTER : BOOK).

  12. How does whole-to-part differ from part-to-whole, and why does it matter on the SSAT?

    Whole-to-part reverses the direction: 'B is a part of A' (e.g., FOREST : TREE). It matters because a correct answer must match the SAME direction as the stem; mixing them is a classic trap.

  13. Define a type/category (member-of-a-class) analogy with its bridge.

    One word is a specific example of the broader category. Bridge: 'A is a type/kind of B' (e.g., ROBIN : BIRD :: TROUT : FISH).

  14. What is a cause-and-effect analogy? Give the bridge and an example.

    One word produces or leads to the other. Bridge: 'A causes B' or 'A leads to B' (e.g., FIRE : SMOKE, RAIN : FLOOD, JOKE : LAUGHTER).

  15. What is a function/use/purpose analogy? Give the bridge template.

    One word is a tool or object and the other is what it is used for/does. Bridge: 'A is used to B' or 'The purpose of A is B' (e.g., KNIFE : CUT :: PEN : WRITE).

  16. What is a degree/intensity analogy? Give an example pair.

    The two words sit on the same scale but differ in strength. Bridge: 'A is a more (or less) intense form of B' (e.g., WARM : HOT, CHUCKLE : LAUGH, LIKE : ADORE, SAD : DEVASTATED).

  17. What is a characteristic/defining-trait analogy? Give the bridge.

    One word names something and the other a defining quality it inherently has. Bridge: 'A is always/characteristically B' (e.g., GENIUS : SMART :: VILLAIN : EVIL).

  18. For the pair OPTIMIST : HOPEFUL, what relationship type is it and what is the bridge?

    Characteristic/defining-trait. Bridge: 'An OPTIMIST is by definition HOPEFUL.'

  19. What is a 'worker-and-tool' relationship, and what category does it fall under?

    A function/purpose subtype: a person and the tool of their trade. Bridge: 'A (worker) uses a B (tool)' (e.g., PAINTER : BRUSH, CARPENTER : HAMMER).

  20. What is a 'worker-and-product' (or worker-and-action) relationship? Give an example.

    A person and what they make or do. Bridge: 'A AUTHOR produces a BOOK' or 'A BAKER makes BREAD.' Keep direction consistent in the answer.

Show the other 30 Verbal Reasoning: Analogies flashcards

  1. Why is a bridge sentence like 'A is related to B' useless, and what makes a good bridge?

    It is too broad—it fits almost any pair, so it eliminates nothing. A good bridge is specific and uses one clear, defining verb or relationship (e.g., 'A is a young B,' not 'A goes with B').

  2. Demonstrate refining a too-broad bridge for PUPPY : DOG (suppose 'A is connected to B' fit too many choices).

    Replace 'A is connected to B' with the precise 'A PUPPY is a YOUNG DOG.' The age component eliminates pairs that are merely 'same animal' or 'type of.'

  3. When two answer choices both seem to fit, what single test most often decides the SSAT analogy?

    Tighten the bridge with a more specific word and check direction; the correct answer matches the stem's precise relationship AND its order, while the trap matches only loosely or is reversed.

  4. What is the strategy of 'working backward from answer choices' in analogies?

    If the stem words are unfamiliar, build a bridge from each answer pair instead, find which relationship types are present, then see which one could also logically connect the stem words.

  5. How can the answer choices reveal the intended relationship when the stem is unclear?

    If most choices share one relationship type (e.g., several are synonyms), the test likely wants that relationship; eliminate the odd ones out and apply that bridge to the stem.

  6. Give the recommended step-by-step method for a stem with one unfamiliar word.

    1) Use word roots/prefixes/suffixes to guess meaning. 2) Build a bridge with the known word. 3) Decide what part of speech and role the unknown plays. 4) Test answer pairs; eliminate impossibilities even without exact meaning.

  7. How do word roots help with unfamiliar SSAT analogy words? Give an example.

    Roots/prefixes hint at meaning: 'BENE-' means good (benefactor, benevolent), 'MAL-' means bad (malice, malfunction). Knowing 'BENEVOLENT' relates to kindness lets you build a bridge even if unsure of the exact definition.

  8. In MALICE : KINDNESS, what relationship type is shown?

    Antonym. Bridge: 'MALICE is the opposite of KINDNESS.' (Roots: 'mal-' = bad.)

  9. Why should you NOT eliminate an answer choice just because its words are unfamiliar?

    The relationship, not your vocabulary comfort, decides correctness. An unfamiliar pair may hold the exact bridge; eliminate based on relationship logic and parts of speech, not on recognizing the words.

  10. What part-of-speech check helps eliminate analogy choices?

    The answer pair should mirror the stem's parts of speech and grammatical relationship. If the stem is noun:verb (TOOL:ACTION), a choice that is noun:noun likely does not share the relationship.

  11. Classify GIGANTIC : LARGE by relationship and direction.

    Degree/intensity. Bridge: 'GIGANTIC is an extreme (very large) form of LARGE.' Direction: more-intense : less-intense.

  12. Classify STARVING : HUNGRY and give the matching-direction requirement.

    Degree/intensity (STARVING is extremely HUNGRY). A correct answer must also go intense:mild, such as EXHAUSTED : TIRED or FURIOUS : ANGRY.

  13. For ISLAND : OCEAN, what is the relationship and bridge?

    Location/part-in-whole (surrounded-by). Bridge: 'An ISLAND is surrounded by OCEAN.' Look for an answer with the same containment direction (e.g., OASIS : DESERT).

  14. What relationship does THERMOMETER : TEMPERATURE show?

    Function/instrument-and-what-it-measures. Bridge: 'A THERMOMETER measures TEMPERATURE' (compare CLOCK : TIME, SCALE : WEIGHT).

  15. Identify the relationship in HIVE : BEE and its direction.

    Home/dwelling (whole-to-part: dwelling : inhabitant). Bridge: 'A HIVE is the home of a BEE' (compare NEST : BIRD, BURROW : RABBIT).

  16. What relationship is shown by DROUGHT : RAIN?

    Lack/absence (a drought is an absence of rain). Bridge: 'A DROUGHT is a lack of RAIN' (compare FAMINE : FOOD).

  17. How do you handle an analogy where two relationship types seem possible (e.g., synonym vs. degree)?

    Test the stricter relationship first. Ask whether the words are merely similar (synonym) or differ in intensity (degree). Choose the answer that matches whichever is true of the STEM, not what merely sounds close.

  18. What is the 'one defining verb' rule for building strong bridges?

    State the relationship using a single specific verb or phrase ('measures,' 'is the opposite of,' 'is a young,' 'is used to'). If you need 'and' or vague linking, your bridge is too loose.

  19. Classify TEACHER : SCHOOL and give the bridge.

    Person-and-workplace. Bridge: 'A TEACHER works in a SCHOOL' (compare CHEF : KITCHEN, JUDGE : COURTROOM).

  20. What is the relationship in CONDUCTOR : ORCHESTRA?

    Leader-and-group. Bridge: 'A CONDUCTOR leads an ORCHESTRA' (compare CAPTAIN : TEAM, GENERAL : ARMY).

  21. Why is checking the SECOND word's role as important as the first when eliminating choices?

    Both words must satisfy the bridge. A choice can have the right first word but a second word that breaks the relationship; verifying both halves prevents picking a half-right trap answer.

  22. For the stem WHISPER : SHOUT, name the relationship and a same-direction answer.

    Degree/intensity of volume (and arguably antonym in degree). Bridge: 'A WHISPER is a quiet version; a SHOUT is loud.' Match with GLANCE : STARE or TAP : POUND (mild action : intense action).

  23. What does it mean that a correct analogy answer must be the BEST, not just an acceptable, fit?

    Several pairs may loosely share a relationship; the SSAT wants the pair whose relationship is most precisely identical to the stem's. Always compare finalists and pick the tightest match.

  24. Give the four-step general SSAT analogy attack plan.

    1) Build a specific bridge from the stem pair. 2) Note the direction and parts of speech. 3) Plug the bridge into each choice, eliminating misfits. 4) If more than one remains, refine the bridge and re-test for the best fit.

  25. Classify VACCINE : DISEASE and give the bridge.

    Function/purpose (prevention). Bridge: 'A VACCINE prevents DISEASE' (compare HELMET : INJURY, UMBRELLA : RAIN).

  26. What relationship is in SCRIBBLE : WRITE?

    Degree/manner—careless version. Bridge: 'To SCRIBBLE is to WRITE carelessly/badly' (compare MUMBLE : SPEAK).

  27. In LIBRARY : BOOK, what is the relationship and bridge?

    Collection/place-and-item-stored. Bridge: 'A LIBRARY stores/houses many BOOKS' (compare GALLERY : PAINTING, ZOO : ANIMAL).

  28. How does identifying the relationship category speed up elimination on test day?

    Naming the category (synonym, antonym, part-whole, cause-effect, function, degree, type, characteristic) immediately tells you the direction and verb to test, so you can cross out non-matching categories at a glance.

  29. What is the danger of choosing an answer because it is 'in the same topic' as the stem?

    Topical association is a trap: BEE and HONEY are about the same topic, but an analogy needs the same RELATIONSHIP, not the same subject. Reject answers that only share a theme.

  30. Summarize the rule for matching both relationship and direction in one sentence.

    A correct SSAT analogy answer must express the EXACT SAME relationship as the stem AND keep the words in the SAME order/direction, fitting the most specific bridge sentence you can write.

SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Verbal Reasoning: Analogies FAQ

What is in the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Verbal Reasoning: Analogies syllabus?

SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Verbal Reasoning: Analogies is split into 3 chapters: Analogy Fundamentals, Categories of Analogy Relationships and Advanced Analogy Strategy. Together they contain 15 topics and 1 sub-topic.

How many chapters are in SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Verbal Reasoning: Analogies?

3 chapters, containing 15 topics and 1 sub-topic. The largest chapter is Categories of Analogy Relationships, with 7 topics.

Are there flashcards for SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) Verbal Reasoning: Analogies?

Yes — a 50-card Verbal Reasoning: Analogies deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.