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The GRE is an entrance test conducted for students who seek admission into the likes of the U.S. and Canadian graduate schools to pursue their master or doctoral degree. The test assesses the “mental intelligence” of a test-taker and his ability to take quick decision under time pressure. The GRE scores coupled with some other measuring parameters determine the final admission of an individual into g-schools. Thus, one must be thoroughly familiar with all the sections of the test and the difficulty level that each section presents. Hence, one must formulate a definite strategy to tackle each section of the GRE comfortably. However, this article presents strategies that each test-taker must systematically follow to score well in the analogy section of the GRE Verbal Section.

Analogy is a comparison of two words that may seem unrelated to each other but contain a definite relationship between them. The ploy of the test makers here is to trick the test-takers by presenting them such confusing pair of words and thereby gauging if the test-takers are able to find the exact relationship between the original pair and successfully identify the parallel relationship or ‘bridge’ in the answer choices . The GRE analogy questions involve many possible relationships between the word pairs like “Definition/Evidence” where one word in a pair helps to define the other word; or, one word in a pair is a defining characteristic of the other word; “Synonym/Antonym” where one word in a pair is a synonym or antonym of the other word; “Type/Kind” where one word in a pair is a type or example of the other word; “Degree/Intensity” where both words in a pair are similar in concept, but vary in intensity; “Purpose/Function” where one word in a pair describes the purpose or function of the other word; “Component/Part’ where one word in a pair represents one part of the other word, which represents a whole; or, one word is simply a component of the other; “Cause and Effect” where one word leads to or results in the other word etc.

Hence, it is of utmost important that a test –taker first recognizes the common relationship in the original pair. Then he should create a general sentence that contains the specific relationship between the stem pair; and to replace the original words of his sentence with the words in the answer choices to see if more than one answer choice expresses the same relationship. In this case, the test-taker needs to revise his original sentence to find an explicit relationship. Another important strategy is to identify the parts of speech of the word pairs correctly since different parts of speech will have secondary meanings. The parts of speech in all the pairs have to be same. However, one must beware of the homonyms which have different meanings and confuse the test takers. Last, test-takers should adopt the process of elimination. Then, after carefully observing the relationship in all answer choices, the test-taker has to eliminate those options one by one which do not contain the same relationship as in the question pair. On the basis of this the last left out choice would be the correct choice.

To help the test-takers optimize their scores, many books and CDs are coming up with strategies and practice tests. However, to do well in analogy section of the GRE, it is suggested that one follows the strategies and approaches prescribed by Manhattan Review India. Manhattan Review India, located in Hyderabad is a proven test prep company specialized in preparing strategies for the analogy section of the GRE. Coupled with certified trainers, conclusive study materials and a student friendly study atmosphere, it has been providing world class coaching to students to crack complicated tests like the GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL and IELTS with ease. Its success tips and approaches have helped all its test-takers to get high scores and join their dream schools.