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Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Review Series: Classification Analogies

Jordan Salley
MAT test MAT MAT vs. GRE MAT Analogies MAT prep mat verbal

In this continuation of our MAT review video series, we approach working through a standard MAT style analogy that focuses on classifying words based on groups. 

The MAT tests many types of analogies including classification analogies. These classification analogies are a form of analogy that compares terms based on what group the term belongs to. This video demonstrates a strategy to approach to identify the answer to these sometimes seemingly obscure terms.

Key pointers from this video:  

  1. Identify the pivot. Recall A: B :: C : D.
  2. If D is the blank term, then A will be the pivot term.
  3. Determine the relationship between the given terms.
    E.g. A lion is part of a pride.
  4. When reviewing answers, remember that ‘kind of alike’ is never an acceptable answer.
    E.g. Proud is a similar term to pride but is not a term related to tigers.
  5. Always consider if common terms could have a secondary definition.
    E.g. ambush, which is a pack of tigers.
  6. Eliminate answers that would change the existing analogy.
    For e.g. Tiger is to tigress as lion is to lioness.

About the Author

Jordan Salley is a senior test prep tutor for MyGuru. For more information on MAT prep, our unique approach, and our tutors, visit us here. 

This video was produced by MyGuru's Director of Online Instruction and expert online test prep tutor Stefan Maisnier. Visit our YouTube channel for more videos like this one.