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Table of Contents
An analogy is way of comparison: it is when one idea, concept, or thing is compared to something else that is significantly different from the first. The purpose of an analogy is to better explain or expand the idea or concept by comparing it to something else that may be familiar to it and to the reader. The two things being compared may be completely dissimilar and unlike each other, which still helps the audience or reader understand something about their relationship. Essentially, an analogy helps a reader or audience understand something abstract or uncommon by comparing it to something familiar or common to the audience.
We have different ways of comparisons and figures of speech to help us make analogies. Similes and metaphors help to construct an analogy. A simile easily builds an analogy by making a comparison of two things using the words “like” or “as.” A metaphor crafts an analogy by comparing two things without using the words “like” or “as.” An analogy is not a figure of speech like a simile or metaphor. An analogy, instead, is a literary device. However, figures of speech can help to build an analogy.
An analogy is used to make arguments, demonstrate ideas, and build connections through comparison.
The following are examples of analogies:
He is as strong as an ox
The analogy compares the man’s strength to the strength of an animal, suggesting he is very strong.
That box is as light as a feather
This is common analogy. The weight of the box is being compared to the weight of a feather. Since a feather is very light, the analogy suggests that the box is also very light.
Love is a game. Sometimes you win–sometimes you lose.
The analogy compares love to how a game works. The analogy suggests that love is chance, and sometimes you find someone you love. Other times you do not or things do not work out with a person.
My children are my plants. I must nurture them to grow strong.
This speaker is making an analogy between children and plants. The analogy works because we think about how much effort and care we must put into plants in order to make them grow. The speaker finds that children are similar in that they must be cared for in order to grow as well.
We can see analogies working in other fields of study, and sometimes in tests, as logic tests or puzzles. In these types of analogies, you are given a train of words. Two words show the analogy. Then you are given and word and must find another word that relates to the word in a similar way the first pair did.
The following are examples of analogy puzzles of logic and their reasoning:
Sun : Day : Moon : _____________________
The answer in the analogy would be “night.” the first two words show us the analogy. The word sun is compared to the word day. When we think of the world “moon,” we should then think of something similar, like “night.”
Winter : Summer : Wet : __________________
The correct answer would be the word “dry.” The first pair of words gives us the analogy working with the words. If we are given the word “winter” and the word “summer,” we understand that the two seasons are not similar to each other. The analogy works by comparing two opposites. Therefore, if we are given the word “wet,” we know that we should select a word that makes an analogy between two dissimilar things. The opposite of wet, would be “dry.”
Analogy Worksheets
This bundle contains 5 ready-to-use analogy worksheets that are perfect to test student knowledge and understanding of what an analogy is and how it can be used. You can use these analogy worksheets in the classroom with students, or with home schooled children as well.
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Link will appear as Analogy Examples and Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, July 17, 2017
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.
