Grade 12 · Reading & language
Evaluate the logic of an analogy practice
Map a relevant relationship between two situations and identify where an analogy stops supporting a conclusion.
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READ THE PASSAGE
A writer argues, “Plants grow when watered, and machines are also physical objects, so watering a machine will make it grow.”
What is the main weakness of the analogy?
- The analogy supplies experimental results for machine growth.
- The writer has proved all machines are plants.
- Being physical objects does not establish a shared biological growth mechanism.
- Any shared property guarantees every other property.
See the answer & why
Being physical objects does not establish a shared biological growth mechanism.
The conclusion transfers a process without a relevant shared mechanism or evidence.
A little hint: Match the relationship, not just a shared word or appearance; an analogy can explain a structure without proving every property transfers.
A teaching tip
Match the relationship, not just a shared word or appearance; an analogy can explain a structure without proving every property transfers.