Function and Purpose Analogies
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SSAT Upper Level: Verbal › Function and Purpose Analogies
Key is to lock as:
door is to room
switch is to light
handle is to drawer
password is to computer
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:
covering is to protection
lining is to interior
padding is to comfort
soundproofing is to noise
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:
fuel is to combustion
chemical is to laboratory
enzyme is to digestion
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:
string is to violin
window is to building
mirror is to reflection
film is to projector
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:
pipe is to house
hose is to garden
chute is to grain
tube is to gas
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:
headlight is to visibility
mute is to sound
clutch is to transmission
accelerator is to speed
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:
chisel is to carving
thimble is to protection
scissors is to cutting
thread is to fabric
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:
drill is to workshop
screwdriver is to screw
saw is to carpenter
wrench is to toolbox
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:
propeller is to boat
sail is to navigation
wing is to airplane
airbag is to collision
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:
strainer is to pasta
bucket is to sand
funnel is to liquid
sieve is to flour
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.