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Sample questions from our AFOQT Verbal Analogies practice tests. Each question comes with a detailed explanation so you understand the reasoning, not just the answer.
25 questions in 8 minutes. Master word relationships and boost your Verbal and Academic Aptitude composite scores.
The Verbal Analogies subtest presents 25 word-pair relationship questions in just 8 minutes (~19 seconds each). You must identify how two words relate and find a matching pair. It feeds into the Verbal and Academic Aptitude composites. Success depends on vocabulary breadth and fast pattern recognition.
Verbal Analogies measures your ability to reason with words by recognizing relationships between word pairs. Each question gives you a stem pair (e.g., BIRD : NEST) and asks you to choose the answer pair that mirrors the same relationship (e.g., BEE : HIVE).
The subtest doesn't test obscure vocabulary. Instead, it focuses on your ability to identify the type of relationship quickly and match it accurately. The time pressure is the real challenge: at just 19 seconds per question, hesitation costs points.
This subtest contributes to the Verbal composite and the Academic Aptitude composite.
Sample questions from our AFOQT Verbal Analogies practice tests. Each question comes with a detailed explanation so you understand the reasoning, not just the answer.
| Questions | 25 |
| Time Limit | 8 minutes |
| Time per Question | ~19 seconds |
| Format | Paper-based, multiple choice (5 options) |
| Composite Scores | Verbal, Academic Aptitude |
Most AFOQT verbal analogies fall into these common relationship categories.
Words with similar or opposite meanings. Example: HAPPY : JOYFUL (synonym) or HOT : COLD (antonym).
One word is a component of the other. Example: WHEEL : CAR or CHAPTER : BOOK.
One word leads to or produces the other. Example: FIRE : SMOKE or STUDY : KNOWLEDGE.
One word describes what the other does or is used for. Example: KNIFE : CUT or PEN : WRITE.
Words represent different intensities of the same concept. Example: WARM : SCALDING or ANNOYED : FURIOUS.
One word is a specific example of the other. Example: EAGLE : BIRD or VIOLIN : INSTRUMENT.
Verbal Composite: Verbal Analogies + Word Knowledge + Reading Comprehension
Academic Aptitude Composite: Verbal Analogies + Arithmetic Reasoning + Word Knowledge + Math Knowledge + Reading Comprehension + Physical Science
Verbal Analogies does not contribute to the Pilot, CSO, or Quantitative composites. See the full composite breakdown on the AFOQT guide.
Before looking at answer choices, define the relationship in the stem pair. Say it in your head: "A is a type of B" or "A causes B." Then find the answer pair that fits the same sentence.
Analogies depend on knowing what words mean. Use flashcards or vocabulary apps to study common GRE/SAT-level words. Focus on words with multiple meanings.
Memorize the six common analogy types above. When you see a question, classify the relationship type instantly. This shortcut saves critical seconds.
If two answers seem close, eliminate the clearly wrong ones first. Pick the best remaining option and move on. At 19 seconds per question, guessing beats stalling.
Do timed analogy drills. Set a timer for 8 minutes and try 25 analogies. Build the habit of working fast without sacrificing accuracy.
Verbal Analogies is one of 12 AFOQT subtests. You have 25 questions and 8 minutes to identify word relationships. Each question presents a pair of words and asks you to find another pair with the same relationship. It contributes to the Verbal and Academic Aptitude composite scores.
With 25 questions in 8 minutes, you have approximately 19 seconds per question. This is one of the fastest-paced AFOQT subtests, so quick pattern recognition is essential.
No. Verbal Analogies contributes to the Verbal and Academic Aptitude composites, but not to the Pilot composite. The Pilot composite uses Math Knowledge, Table Reading, Instrument Comprehension, and Aviation Information.
Build your vocabulary using flashcards and learn the common analogy relationship types: synonyms, antonyms, part-to-whole, cause-and-effect, degree, and function. Practice with timed drills to build speed and pattern recognition.
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