How to Solve “Evidence” Analogies
One type of GRE Analogy that you may see on your test is called an “Evidence” bridge. This relationship occurs when one word can be said to be “evidence of” the other word. For example:
APPLAUSE : APPROVAL ::
A whisper : kindness
B demand : shout
C apology : mistake
D hug : affection
E shudder : chicanery
At first, a bridge like this can be challenging to identify. What is a “necessary” relationship between “applause” and “approval”? If you can’t match the stem pair to any of the more common bridges, such as Degree, Type, or Lack, it’s likely an Evidence bridge. For this one, we could say that “1 is evidence of 2.” The only choice that correctly matches that bridge is D.
For better scores on the GRE Analogies, take the following steps to get the correct answer when you see an “Evidence” bridge:
- Identify which word is the “condition” and which is the “description.”
- Put them into a sentence replacing the words with “1” and “2” so you don’t confuse the order.
- Plug in the answer choices, eliminating as you go.
Remember that the correct answer is always the choice that most closely matches your bridge. If you have 2 choices remaining after you eliminate, ask yourself: which is the closest in logic to the original pair? Let’s practice identifying which word is the “condition” and which is the “description”:
SHIVER : COLD ::
A mortification : weep
B sweat : heat
C snore : disgust
D adoration : nostalgia
E complaint : confusion
To identify the “description,” simply pick the word that is an adjective or adverb. “Cold” is a descriptive word, so “shiver” must be the condition. We can always say the condition is evidence of the description. Here 1 is evidence of 2. The answer is B. Just as “sweat” is the physical response to “heat,” so “shiver” is the physical response to “cold.” Keep in mind that the words can be in any order. The adjective does not need to come first.
IMPECUNIOUS : HOVEL ::
A erudite : rondavel
B excessive : cabin
C affluent : mansion
D equine : stalls
E trustworthy : depository
“Impecunious” is the adjective. So we can set up the bridge by saying “A 2 is evidence of a 1 lifestyle.” The closest match is C.
Get more practice in GRE Analogies by setting up a private tutoring lesson with any of Grockits GRE tutors. Hours can be purchased on the “Tutoring” tab in the Grockit lobby and are conducted via Skype. Tutors work on Grockit questions, or outside questions at students’ request.
