SHORE : PRECARIOUS ::
Answer(s): A
This is an “operates against” analogy. To SHORE is to prop or support (especially, a ship, wall, or building). The word PRECARIOUS means “insecure or uncertain.” So you lessen precariousness (of a wall, for example) by shoring it up. Similarly, one way to lessen irregularity (unevenness) of a surface is to plane it.
SWEAR : OATH ::
Answer(s): D
This is a “process and product” analogy. You take, or SWEAR, an OATH. Similarly, you execute, or sign, a contract. Strengthening the analogy is that both actions (swearing an oath and signing a contract) are evidence of a promise or commitment for the future.
COUNTERPOINT : MELODY ::
This is a “component of” analogy. COUNTERPOINT refers to the interplay between one MELODY and one or more others. So each MELODY is a distinct and necessary component of COUNTERPOINT. Similarly, each brick is a distinct and necessary component of masonry (brick or stone work, such as a chimney). As for choice (C), beans are ingredients which are combined to make coffee, but the bean itself is not, as a whole bean, part of the product.
FALLOW : PRODUCTIVITY ::
Answer(s): E
This is a “inherent purpose of” analogy. FALLOW means “to leave a field uncultivated for the purpose of restoring PRODUCTIVITY.” Similarly, the reason some animals are poisonous is for their own protection from predators and other enemies.
LAUGHTER : AMUSEMENT ::
Answer(s): C
This is a “sign or symptom of” analogy. LAUGHTER is a common sign ofAMUSEMENT, and pallor (paleness) is a common sign of illness.
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