How to Solve PGAT Verbal Analogies: A Worked Example

Describe the relationship between the first two words in a short phrase before reading the options. Apply that same relationship, in the same direction, to each pair. Sharing a topic is insufficient: the relationship must match.

Worked example from the free questions

Choose the pair whose relation matches:
أصنام : أوثان (idols : cult statues)

1. رمح : سيف (spear : sword)
2. غابات : أشجار (forests : trees)
3. دروب : طرق (paths : roads)
4. أبواب : مفاتيح (doors : keys)

Correct answer: C — دروب : طرق (paths : roads)

Why each option fits or fails

• A: A spear and a sword are two kinds of weapon: members of one category, not synonyms.
• B: Trees make up forests: a whole and its parts.
• C: Idols and cult statues mean the same, as do paths and roads: synonyms.
• D: A key opens a door: a thing and the tool that opens it.

Skill reference: ETEC, Post-Graduate General Aptitude Test page (updated 2026-09-08): Verbal — semantic relations; question type: verbal analogy

This example reuses a previously reviewed question in our bank; it is not presented as a question published by ETEC. The skill reference identifies its scope and does not imply ETEC endorsement of this answer or website.

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