Free HBS Verbal Reasoning Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Complete the analogy: Book is to Read as Pen is to _______.
- Write (Correct answer)
- Draw
- Ink
- Paper
Correct answer: Write
The analogy establishes a relationship between an object and its primary function or action. A book's main purpose is to be read, just as a pen's main purpose is to write. Therefore, "Write" correctly completes the analogy by identifying the primary action associated with a pen.
Question 2: Which word can be made from the letters in the word "PRESIDENT"?
- DINNER
- TREND
- PASTOR
- ENTER (Correct answer)
Correct answer: ENTER
To determine which word can be made, one must check if all the letters required for the word are present in "PRESIDENT" and are not used more times than they appear. The word "ENTER" can be formed using the letters E, N, T, E, R, all of which are available in "PRESIDENT". Other options either contain letters not found in the original word or require letters more times than they are present.
Question 3: Find the missing word: "Tree is to Forest as _______ is to Ocean."
- Water
- Fish (Correct answer)
- Sand
- Wave
Correct answer: Fish
This analogy describes a relationship where a single item is a typical inhabitant or component of a larger environment. A tree is a characteristic inhabitant of a forest. Similarly, fish are characteristic inhabitants of an ocean, making "Fish" the appropriate completion for the analogy.
Question 4: Choose the correct pair: "Big is to Small as Tall is to _______."
- High
- Thin
- Short (Correct answer)
- Wide
Correct answer: Short
The analogy establishes a relationship of antonyms or opposites. "Big" is the opposite of "Small." Following this pattern, the opposite of "Tall" is "Short," making it the correct word to complete the analogy.
Question 5: What word fits both blanks? "The _______ went to the market to _______ some vegetables."
- Shop, sell
- Farmer, buy (Correct answer)
- Farmer, grow
- Seller, buy
Correct answer: Farmer, buy
The sentence requires two words that logically complete the actions described. A "Farmer" is a person who would typically go to a market, and they might go there to "buy" additional vegetables or supplies. This pair creates a coherent and sensible sentence, fitting both the subject and the action within the context of a market.
Complete the analogy: Book is to Read as Pen is to _______.