SAT Test Verbal Analogy Tips

The SAT test's favorite analogy types

Know the test writer's favorite types of analogies and you will have an extra advantage when you take the test. Do please be aware, however, that there are other types of analogies tested as well.

Type of

This is probably the SAT test writer's most favorite analogy. DOVE : BIRD is an example.

Cause/Effect

As the name implies, cause and effect analogies involve a noun or verb that in some leads to the other word. An example is LAUGHTER : JOKE.

"Is used to"

With these analogies, one word is "used to" in relation to the other word. A noun : noun example is STEREO : MUSIC. (A stereo is used to play music.) A noun : verb example is FORK : EAT. (A fork is used to eat.)

Without

In this analogy, one word means to lack the other word. An example would be HUNGER : FOOD.

"Is a place where"

These analogies involve 2 nouns one of which is a place where the other noun is found. RESTAURANT : FOOD is an example of the "is a place where" analogy.

Vocabulary

The relationships are not the primary obstacle with vocabulary analogies which seek more to test your vocabulary knowledge. Hence, if you learn the most common vocabulary words, you will be most of the way towards getting these questions correct. In any event, you should be able to use process of elimination for at least 1 or 2 answer choices. Since there are a relatively small number of words the SAT test writers repeatedly use, any vocabulary deficiencies can be overcome rather easily. You can visit our books link to read our recommendations.

Now that you have seen the most common types of analogies used on the SAT, are you ready for some practice questions?

Where to go from here:

SAT analogy "home page"

SAT analogy practice questions

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