The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is letter.
This question presents an analogy that relies on a “specific to general” or “example to category” relationship. To solve it, we must first identify the relationship between the words in the first pair and then find the word that creates the same relationship in the second pair.
The first part of the analogy is “iguana is to lizard”. An iguana is a specific type of animal. A lizard is the broader, more general category of reptile to which the iguana belongs. Therefore, the relationship is that of a specific example to its general classification.
Now, we must apply this same logic to the second part of the analogy: “vowel is to _____”. We are looking for the general category that a vowel belongs to. Let’s examine the options provided:
- Consonant: A consonant is not a general category for a vowel. Instead, vowels and consonants are two distinct subcategories within the same larger group. This would be like saying “iguana is to gecko”; both are types of lizards, but one is not the category for the other.
- Speech: While vowels are essential sounds used in speech, “speech” itself refers to the very broad act of vocal communication. The relationship between a specific sound type and the entire concept of speech is not as direct or precise as the relationship between an iguana and a lizard.
- Letter: This is the correct answer. In the context of the written alphabet, “letter” is the general category. The letters of the alphabet are divided into two primary types: vowels (A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y) and consonants. Thus, a vowel is a specific type of letter, just as an iguana is a specific type of lizard.
In conclusion, the analogy is based on a hierarchical classification. An iguana is a member of the lizard family, and a vowel is a member of the letter family. The word “letter” correctly completes the analogy by establishing the same “specific example to general category” relationship.
