The Correct Answer and Explanation is:1
The correct answer to complete the analogy is control.
This question presents an analogy that relies on an object to function relationship. To solve it, we must first identify the connection between the words in the first pair and then apply that same logical connection to the second pair.
The first pair is “cage is to enclose”. A cage is a physical object, a structure typically made of bars, wire, or mesh. Its primary purpose, or function, is to enclose something, such as an animal, to keep it contained or restricted to a specific area. Therefore, the relationship is that of an object to its primary action or function.
Following this pattern, we look at the second pair, “valve is to ____”. A valve is a mechanical device. We must determine its main function from the options provided. A valve is designed to regulate, direct, or manage the flow of a fluid, which can be a liquid, gas, or slurry. It achieves this by opening, closing, or partially obstructing passageways. The single word that best encapsulates this entire range of actions is “control”. A valve’s essential job is to control flow.
Let’s examine the other options to understand why they are incorrect. The word “instrument” describes a category that a valve might belong to, as it is a tool or device for a particular purpose. However, “instrument” is not the function the valve performs. Similarly, a cage could be called a structure, but its function is to enclose. The word “liquid” describes a substance that a valve often acts upon, but it is not the action itself. A valve controls a liquid, just as a cage encloses an animal. The animal is not the function of the cage.
Therefore, “control” is the only word that correctly describes the function of a valve, perfectly mirroring the object to function relationship established by “cage” and “enclose”. The completed analogy reads: cage is to enclose as valve is to control.
