Analogy

• An analogy is a comparative tool used in literature that sheds light on the unfamiliar by comparing it with something well-known. It creates a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas.
• Analogies utilise a more complex structure than similes or metaphors; they include a base or target (the idea being explained) and the analogue (the familiar idea used for comparison).
• In reading, they help to reinforce a reader’s understanding by providing familiar references that can describe complex or abstract concepts.
• To decipher analogies, one needs to identify the two elements being compared, and then understand the relationship between them.
• The understanding of the relationship between these elements forms the basis of understanding the message the writer is conveying.
• Analogies can be used for various purposes: to make complex ideas simpler, to induce interest, for humour, or to show deeper meanings and relationships.
• Reading and understanding analogies is a multi-step process that involves critical and analytical thought.
• Developing the skill of understanding analogies can immensely help in comprehending complicated texts.
• To practise understanding analogies, one can use simple similes or metaphors as a starting point, as they often form the basis of more complex analogies.
• In text, analogies can be presented in many forms – like word, sentence, or whole text analogies. The key lies in identifying, interpreting, and understanding these analogies appropriately.
• It’s also important to highlight that analogies only provide a likeness or a similarity between two things. They don’t claim that the two things are completely alike. They simply give insights, make connections, and induce understanding.
• Understanding analogies doesn’t just aid in the reading portion of the English language paper but also proves beneficial in creating them in the writing section.