Analogies (Shape Pairs)

Analogy questions ask you to spot how one shape has been changed into another, and then apply the same change to a new shape. Think of it like this: "Shape A is to Shape B as Shape C is to ___."

These questions test your ability to identify transformations — changes like colour swaps, size changes, rotations, and additions or removals of elements.

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How Analogy Questions Work

You will see something like this:

[Shape A] → [Shape B]     [Shape C] → [?]

Your job:

1. Work out what changed from Shape A to Shape B.
2. Apply the same change to Shape C.
3. Pick the answer that shows Shape C after that change.

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Types of Changes to Look For

1. Colour / Shading Change

Before	After	Rule
Black shape	White shape	Colour has been swapped/inverted
Striped	Solid black	Shading has changed
Grey	White	Shading has become lighter

Example:

Shape A: A black circle → Shape B: A white circle
Shape C: A black triangle → Answer: A white triangle

The rule is: the fill changes from black to white. So the black triangle becomes a white triangle.

2. Size Change

Before	After	Rule
Large	Small	Shape shrinks
Small	Large	Shape grows

Example:

Shape A: A large square → Shape B: A small square
Shape C: A large circle → Answer: A small circle

The rule is: the shape gets smaller.

3. Rotation

Change	What happens
90° clockwise	Shape turns a quarter turn right
180°	Shape turns upside down
90° anticlockwise	Shape turns a quarter turn left

Example:

Shape A: An arrow pointing up → Shape B: An arrow pointing right
Shape C: An arrow pointing left → Answer: An arrow pointing down

The rule is: rotate 90° clockwise.

4. Addition or Removal of Elements

Sometimes an element is added (like a dot appearing inside) or removed (like a line being taken away).

Example:

Shape A: A circle → Shape B: A circle with a dot in the centre
Shape C: A square → Answer: A square with a dot in the centre

The rule is: a dot is added to the centre.

5. Reflection (Flip)

The shape might be flipped horizontally (left-right) or vertically (top-bottom).

Example:

Shape A: A letter "L" shape → Shape B: A backwards "L" shape
Shape C: A letter "F" shape → Answer: A backwards "F" shape

The rule is: reflect horizontally (flip left to right).

6. Shape Change (Sides Increase or Decrease)

Before	After	Rule
Triangle	Square	Number of sides increases by 1
Pentagon	Hexagon	Number of sides increases by 1
Square	Triangle	Number of sides decreases by 1

7. Multiple Changes at Once

The trickiest analogies combine two or more changes. For example:

• The shape gets smaller AND changes colour.
• The shape rotates AND gains a dot inside.

Always check for more than one change!

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Worked Example 1 (Single Change)

Shape A: A large white triangle pointing up
Shape B: A large white triangle pointing down