GRE Practice Questions

Explanation: This is a “result of' (process and product) analogy. When engaging in the art of SCULPTURE, especially wood sculpture, the artist produces a SHAVING, which is a byproduct of the sculpting process. When a person commits a burglary, the burglar’s arrest is a possible result, or byproduct. Another key to this analogy is that in neither case is the result the actor’s main objective or intention.

Explanation: This is a “result or product' analogy. The objective (final result) of a LOTTERY typically is a PRIZE, awarded to the lottery winner. Similarly, the objective (final result) of attending college typically is to be awarded a diploma. Choice (B) does not provide as strong an analogy a loan, although it’s one possible reason to engage a bank, is not an award.

Explanation: This is a “defining characteristic' analogy. A person who is CIRCUMSPECT (cautious, wary, guarded, or watchful) is by definition characterized by VIGILANCE (watchfulness); similarly, a person who is ardent (zealous or eager) is by definition characterized by enthusiasm.

Explanation: This is a “place or environment for' analogy. You dig a QUARRY, or excavation pit, where materials such as MARBLE are located for the purpose of extracting the materials. Similarly, you construct a well where oil is located for the purpose of extracting the oil.

Explanation: This is a “possible use of' analogy. A SNORKEL is an apparatus designed to aid in DIVING, but it is not essential for that activity; similarly, a blade is an apparatus designed to aid skating, but it is not essential for that activity.

Explanation: This is a “possible use of' analogy type. A weapon is a tool that’s often used to INTIMIDATE.

Similarly, an icebox is a tool that’s typically used to preserve (by means of freezing).

Explanation: This is a “necessary condition' analogy. GESTATION means “pregnancy'; NATAL means “pertaining to birth'. Thus, gestation is a necessary condition for and must precede a birth. Similarly, a premise is a necessary condition for and must precede a conclusion.

Explanation: This is a “part-to-whole' analogy. A musical SCALE is comprised of a series of TONES that are arranged in a fixed sequence; similarly, the spectrum is comprised of a series of colors arranged in a particular sequence.

Explanation: This is a “symptom or sign' analogy. A SANDAL leaves behind it a FOOTPRINT that traces the sandal’s path; similarly, a boat leaves behind it a wake that traces the boat’s path.

Explanation: This is an “operates against' (prevention) analogy. You DAM (a body of water) to prevent a DELUGE (sudden, enormous flow); similarly, you lock something like a door or a safe in order to prevent a theft.