Tool and Use - SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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.

A "nook" is a small corner or hidden place where someone or something might seek "seclusion" or privacy. To provide further help, "seclusion" is the condition of being away from others or in a private place. So, if the purpose of a "nook" is for "seclusion," what is the purpose of a "forum?" Well, a "forum" is a place where people meet to talk about things. So, the purpose of a "forum" is "discussion."

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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."

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.

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."

A "moat" is a small lake built around a building to protect it from attack. The purpose of a "moat" then is "defending." So, which of these is the purpose of a "kiln." Well, a "kiln" is a furnace used for "baking" or cooking something. Additionally, "decompress" means remove pressure; "evaporate" means turn from liquid to gas; "laud" means praise.

The purpose of a "cloakroom" is for "storage." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a common purpose associated with an "antechamber." Well, an "antechamber" is a small side room, typically associated with "waiting" for some other room to be ready.

"Retribution" is punishment intended as revenge. The purpose of "retribution" then is to "punish," so what is the purpose of "partition?" Well, a "partition" is a wall or barrier erect to "divide" something.

A "polemic" is a passionate written or verbal attack on someone or something. The purpose of a "polemic" is to "condemn" something. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what a "sarcophagus" is used for. Well, a "sarcophagus" is a type of coffin. So, it is used to "entomb" (inter, bury, 'lay to rest') someone. Additionally, "harangue" means scold, criticize; "impute" means to attribute a quality to someone; "adorn" means decorate, festoon; "obfuscate" means confuse.

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.

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.

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.

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."