The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is control.
This question presents an analogy, which is a comparison between two things to show how they are alike. To solve the analogy, we must first identify the relationship between the first pair of words, “cage” and “enclose”. A cage is an object or a noun, and its primary function is to enclose something. The word “enclose” is a verb that describes the action a cage performs. Therefore, the relationship is one of an object to its primary function or purpose.
To complete the analogy “cage is to enclose as valve is to…”, we need to find a word that describes the primary function of a valve, maintaining the same object to function relationship. A valve is a mechanical device, an object, designed for a specific purpose. Let’s examine the options provided.
The word “control” is a verb that means to regulate, direct, or command. This perfectly describes the function of a valve. A valve is used to control the flow of a fluid, such as a liquid or a gas, by opening, closing, or partially obstructing a passageway. Just as a cage’s purpose is to enclose, a valve’s purpose is to control. This choice creates a parallel and logical relationship.
The other options are incorrect because they do not fit this relationship. “Liquid” is a noun that describes a substance that a valve might act upon, but it is not the valve’s function. This would be like saying “cage is to animal”, which describes the object and its typical contents, a different kind of relationship. “Instrument” is also a noun that acts as a general category for what a valve is. This would create a specific to general relationship, similar to saying “cage is to structure”, which again differs from the object to function relationship in the first pair.
Therefore, “control” is the only word that correctly completes the analogy by describing the primary action or function of a valve.
