some analogies from 10th Ed.

[mystic87]

9. TOPSOIL: ERODE::
A. leather : tan
B. veneer : varnish
C. roast : baste
D. grain : mash
E. paint : peel

answer: E

My only way of explaining is that erosion ruins the topsoil, just as peeling ruins the paint. Can someone tell me if i'm right?

11. Abacus: Calculate::
a. calipers : regulate
b. sextant : navigate

answer: B

14. LEVEE : RIVER ::
A seam : fabric
B corona : sun
C cordon : crowd
D petal : flower
E Moat : castle

answer: C (why?)

[sporty.arjun]

hey mystic87...ur reasoning 4 d first answer is correct and even the answer is correct...in d 3rd question a levee means an embankment used to restrict the waters of the river....similarly a cordon(a line of law enforcers or a mechanical barrier) is used to restrict a crowd of people...hence C...

[chestnut.cc]

Your reasoning for the first one is correct... an abascus is used to calculate... a sextant is used to navigate... and a levee is an embankment which directs its flow... a cordon acts to direct the flow of a crowd...

[mystic87]

thanks guys!!!

Here's another one:

KNIT: EYEBROWS ::
A. shake : hands
B. purse : lips
C. walk : legs
D. stoop : knees
E. squirm : body

my original answer was A - KNIT eyebrows you draw them closer and SHAKE hands to draw them closer
but as ETS would have it B is actually the right answer.

Their explanation for choosing B is that KNITTING eyebrows shows annoyance just as PURSED LIPS do. But knitted eyebrows doesnt always mean annoyance, it can be worry, concentration, or trying to solve a problem...So what do you guys think?

[chestnut.cc]

Its idiomatic... expressing skepticism and annoyance... i think... hence B...

[ruchia]

also to eliminate A - hand shaking occurs between 2 different persons

[jwes]

Knit also means to draw together and wrinkle or furrow; similar to pursing the lips