Function and Purpose Analogies
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SSAT Upper Level: Verbal › Function and Purpose Analogies
Key is to lock as:
password is to computer
switch is to light
door is to room
handle is to drawer
Explanation
A key's function is to provide access by unlocking a secured lock. Similarly, a password's function is to provide access by unlocking a secured computer system. This shows an access-tool-to-security-barrier relationship. Choice B shows a barrier-to-space relationship. Choice C shows an operating-mechanism-to-furniture relationship. Choice D shows an activation-tool-to-device relationship.
Insulation is to heat as:
lining is to interior
soundproofing is to noise
covering is to protection
padding is to comfort
Explanation
Insulation's function is to prevent the transfer of heat between spaces. Similarly, soundproofing's function is to prevent the transfer of noise between spaces. This shows a barrier-material-to-prevented-energy-transfer relationship. Choice B shows a cushioning-material-to-enhanced-condition relationship. Choice C shows a protective-material-to-general-benefit relationship. Choice D shows a finishing-material-to-location relationship.
Catalyst is to reaction as:
enzyme is to digestion
chemical is to laboratory
fuel is to combustion
ingredient is to recipe
Explanation
A catalyst's function is to speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Similarly, an enzyme's function is to speed up biological processes like digestion without being consumed. This shows an accelerating-agent-to-process relationship. Choice B shows a component-to-procedure relationship. Choice C shows a consumable-to-process relationship. Choice D shows a substance-to-location relationship.
Lens is to camera as:
mirror is to reflection
film is to projector
string is to violin
window is to building
Explanation
A lens is the essential component that enables a camera to focus light and create images. Similarly, strings are the essential components that enable a violin to produce sound when played. This shows a functional-component-to-device relationship. Choice A shows an object-to-result relationship. Choice B shows a component-to-structure relationship without the functional aspect. Choice D shows a consumable-to-device relationship.
Funnel is to liquid as:
tube is to gas
pipe is to house
chute is to grain
hose is to garden
Explanation
A funnel's function is to direct and channel liquid from a wide opening to a narrow one. Similarly, a chute's function is to direct and channel grain or other materials from a wide area to a narrow opening. This shows a directing-tool-to-substance relationship. Choice A shows a containing-tool-to-substance relationship. Choice C shows a conveyance-tool-to-location relationship. Choice D shows a delivery-tool-to-location relationship.
Brake is to motion as:
clutch is to transmission
headlight is to visibility
accelerator is to speed
mute is to sound
Explanation
A brake's function is to stop or reduce motion. Similarly, a mute button's function is to stop or eliminate sound. This shows a stopping-mechanism-to-phenomenon relationship. Choice B shows an increasing-mechanism-to-phenomenon relationship (opposite function). Choice C shows a control-mechanism-to-system relationship. Choice D shows an enhancement-tool-to-condition relationship.
Needle is to sewing as:
thimble is to protection
scissors is to cutting
thread is to fabric
chisel is to carving
Explanation
A needle's function is to pierce and guide thread through fabric for sewing. Similarly, a chisel's function is to cut and shape material for carving. This shows a precision-tool-to-craft-activity relationship. Choice A shows a material-to-base relationship. Choice C shows a cutting-tool-to-general-action (not craft-specific). Choice D shows a protective-tool-to-function relationship.
Hammer is to nail as:
wrench is to toolbox
screwdriver is to screw
drill is to workshop
saw is to carpenter
Explanation
A hammer's function is to drive nails into surfaces. Similarly, a screwdriver's function is to turn screws into place. This is a tool-to-object-acted-upon relationship. Choice B shows a tool-to-container relationship. Choice C shows a tool-to-user relationship. Choice D shows a tool-to-location relationship.
Parachute is to descent as:
wing is to airplane
propeller is to boat
airbag is to collision
sail is to navigation
Explanation
A parachute's function is to slow down and control descent by creating air resistance. Similarly, an airbag's function is to slow down and cushion impact during a collision by creating a buffer. This shows a safety-device-to-dangerous-motion relationship. Choice B shows a propulsion-device-to-general-activity relationship. Choice C shows a lift-component-to-vehicle relationship. Choice D shows a propulsion-component-to-vehicle relationship.
Filter is to water as:
funnel is to liquid
strainer is to pasta
sieve is to flour
bucket is to sand
Explanation
A filter's function is to remove impurities and unwanted particles from water. Similarly, a sieve's function is to remove lumps and impurities from flour. This shows a purification-tool-to-substance relationship. Choice B shows a directing-tool-to-substance relationship. Choice C shows a separation-tool-to-food relationship. Choice D shows a container-to-substance relationship without purification.