Advanced IELTS writing techniques: Analogies

Teacher - Mr. Richard Forrest

Advanced IELTS writing techniques: Analogies

“Life is like a race”. “Just as a Sword is the Weapon of a Warrior, a Pen is the Weapon of a Writer”. The comparison of two objects or ideas is commonplace in the English language and can be especially useful when attempting to clarify your point in IELTS writing.

There are various forms of comparison that exist but perhaps the most widely applicable is known as an analogy.

What Is an Analogy?

An analogy is simply a comparison that demonstrates how two things are similar, but with the intention of making a wider point regarding this comparison.

An analogy´s purpose therefore is not only to show, but to explain the comparison. As such, an analogy is somewhat more complicated than a mere metaphor or simile - two other potent or effective forms of comparison. It is important to note metaphors and similes can both be used in order to create an analogy, but an analogy typically includes further information that is used to clarify a point. 

Let's take a look at the analogy from earlier in great detail. 

“Just as a Sword is the Weapon of a Warrior, a Pen is the Weapon of a Writer”.

To a warrior, the method by which they protect themselves and attack is a sword. Similarly, a pen can be used by a writer to protect themselves and attack their enemies. In fact, it has also been said that the pen is stronger than the sword as words can sometimes be even more powerful than a sword alone. Words have the power to reach millions of people and to manipulate the course of history. Although pens and swords are different objects, the writer here wants to communicate that they are similar because they have a similar purpose and use. 

There are two main types of analogy:

Analogy type 1 - Analogies that highlight relationships that are exactly the same 

1 - Believe it or not, the word analogy derives or comes from Ancient Greek and originally meant “proportionality”. Greek academics used them to directly clarify the relationships between two pairs of words in order to make their point. 

The basic formula is as follows: A is to B as C is to D.

Some examples of analogy that point out an identical relationship are:

1- Tea is to the British as Coffee is to the Americans. 

2- Desperation is to crime as a spark is to fire. 

Analogy type 2 - Analogies that highlight a shared abstraction 

The following type of analogy makes comparisons between things that although at first seem unrelated, share something in common with regards to a characteristic or pattern. 

Some examples of analogy that point out a shared abstraction are: 

1- Managing an office is a bit like managing a football team - you have to inspire people to make decisions by themselves.

2- Keeping a relationship healthy is like gardening - nurture it and it will grow into something beautiful. 

3- Our approach to global warming is like a lobster slowly boiling in the cooking pot without realizing it is dying.  

This type of analogy can be particularly useful when you are attempting to link abstract ideas to more familiar ideas. 

COMMON THEMES FOR ANALOGIES 

The following is a short list of topics that are frequently used in analogies. 

• Sports 

• Cooking 

• Family 

• Friends 

• Nature 

• The animal kingdom

• Business 

• Politics 

How Do You Write a Good Analogy?

• Keep it simple. Use imagery that the reader already knows.

• Attempt to compare and contrast with your analogy. Think deeply about what you are trying to say, consider the connections that exist between both things - both similarities and differences. 

 NEXT STEPS?

I hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog.  If you have any questions regarding the test or would like to inquire about my writing correction services or IELTS online classes please email me at info@lovetolearnenglish.com.