HSPT: Analogies: build a bridge sentence
Learn the bridge-sentence method for HSPT analogies, the links the test uses most, and the two traps that catch most students.
How do you solve an analogy fast when the four choices all look related?
Short answer
Connect the first two words with a short, specific sentence. The answer is the choice that makes that same sentence true, in the same order.
Know first: Everyday word meanings, Which word in a pair comes first
Step 1 of 5
An analogy matches a link, not a topic
An HSPT analogy gives you two words that are connected in a specific way, then asks for a pair connected the same way. The words can be about anything. A question about tools can have an answer about kitchens. What has to match is the link between the words.
The fastest way to see the link is to say it out loud as a short sentence. We'll call that a bridge sentence.
| Link | Bridge sentence | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tool and what it measures | A ___ measures ___. | ruler : length |
| Worker and tool | A ___ uses a ___ to work. | painter : brush |
| Worker and workplace | A ___ works in a ___. | pilot : cockpit |
| Part and whole | A ___ is part of a ___. | page : book |
| Member and group | A ___ is a kind of ___. | oak : tree |
| Young and adult | A ___ grows into a ___. | puppy : dog |
| Degree | ___ is a stronger form of ___. | furious : angry |
| Opposites | ___ is the opposite of ___. | ancient : modern |
If you can name the link from this table, you can usually answer in a few seconds.
Step 2 of 5
Watch the method work
Worked example: PAINTER : BRUSH
Painter is to brush as writer is to what?
- Abook
- Bpen
- Cstory
- Dreader
- 1
Build the bridge
A painter uses a brush to do the work.
- 2
Test every choice in the same sentence
A writer uses a book to do the work. No.
A writer uses a pen to do the work. Yes.
A writer uses a story to do the work. No. A story is what the writer makes.
A writer uses a reader to do the work. No. A reader is who the work is for. - 3
Check the order
Worker first, tool second, in both pairs. The order matches.
Answer
pen. It's the only choice that makes the bridge sentence true.
Find the wrong step
A student answers this question: Seed is to tree as egg is to what? (A) nest (B) bird (C) shell (D) yolk
- 1
Reads the first pair: seed and tree.
- 2
Makes the bridge Seeds and trees both have to do with plants.
What went wrong
That bridge is too vague. Nests have to do with birds fits it just as well, so it can't separate the choices.
- 3
Picks (A) nest, because nests and eggs both have to do with birds.
The fix
Use a specific bridge: A seed grows into a tree. Then an egg grows into a bird. The answer is (B) bird.
Step 3 of 5
Try it yourself
Check yourself · Question 1
Teacher is to classroom as chef is to what?
Answer: B
Bridge: A teacher works in a classroom. A chef works in a kitchen. The other choices are things a chef follows, wears or makes, not where the chef works.
Trap answer: meal
Right topic, wrong link
- Why it looks right
- Meal is the word most connected to chefs, so it jumps out first.
- Why it's wrong
- The bridge is about where the person works. A chef makes a meal but doesn't work inside one.
- The right answer
- kitchen, because a chef works in a kitchen.
Check yourself · Question 2
Which pair has the same relationship as LEAF : TREE?
Answer: B
Bridge: A leaf is part of a tree. A petal is part of a flower. Choice C uses the right words in the wrong order, because a flower is not part of a petal.
Wrong: LEAF : TREE matches flower : petal
Right: LEAF : TREE matches petal : flower
The part comes first in both pairs. Flipping the order breaks the analogy even when the words fit.
Common mistake
Picking the choice whose words feel most connected to the question words.
- Why it's tempting
- On a timed section, a familiar word grabs your attention before you've checked the link.
- Do this instead
- Ignore the topic. Match the bridge sentence, and check that the words come in the same order.
Step 4 of 5
What to remember
Remember
- Say the link as a short, specific bridge sentence before you look at the choices.
- The answer makes the same sentence true. The topic doesn't have to match.
- Check the order: whatever comes first in the question pair comes first in the answer pair.
Step 5 of 5
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
In your own words
Write the bridge sentence you used for the practice question. Which choice would someone pick if they skipped the bridge?