11+ Verbal Analogies: Types, Examples & Practice
Verbal analogies (GL Type E) test a child's ability to identify and apply word relationships. This guide covers all analogy types, examples, and strategies to master this frequently tested 11+ skill.
The 8 Analogy Relationship Types
Practice Examples
Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ___
A doctor works in a hospital; a teacher works in a school.
Fish : Swim :: Bird : ___
Fish swim; birds fly. Same relationship: animal and its movement.
Hot : Cold :: Day : ___
Hot and cold are opposites; day and night are opposites.
Chapter : Book :: Scene : ___
A chapter is part of a book; a scene is part of a play.
Paw : Dog :: Hoof : ___
A dog has a paw; a horse has a hoof.
Tentacle : Octopus :: Trunk : ___
An octopus has tentacles; an elephant has a trunk.
Master GL Type E Analogies on 11PlusQuest
The Analogy Game on 11PlusQuest covers all 8 relationship types with 100+ questions, adaptive difficulty, and detailed explanations for every answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are verbal analogies in 11+ exams?
Verbal analogies (GL Type E) present a pair of related words and ask children to complete a second pair using the same relationship. For example: "Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ___". Children must identify the relationship (worker : workplace) and apply it.
What types of analogies appear in GL papers?
GL Type E analogies include: synonym relationships, antonym relationships, part-to-whole, animal-to-habitat, worker-to-tool, function relationships, and category relationships. Understanding all eight relationship types is key to mastering this question type.
How difficult are analogy questions in 11+ exams?
Analogy difficulty ranges from simple (cat : kitten :: dog : ___) to complex (garrulous : verbose :: laconic : ___). Most GL papers include a range from straightforward to quite challenging. Good vocabulary is essential for the harder questions.
Are analogies tested in CEM papers?
CEM papers don't use a fixed Type E format, but analogical reasoning appears within their verbal skills sections. Children with strong vocabulary and logical thinking skills handle CEM analogy-style questions more confidently.