Chisel is to stone as mould is to
a) clay
b) shape
c) wood
d) bend
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: a) clay
Explanation (Approx. 300 words):
This analogy follows the format:
Tool is to Material – a relationship where the first item is a tool used to work on or shape the second item.
Let’s break down the analogy:
- Chisel is to stone: A chisel is a tool specifically used to cut, shape, or carve stone (or other hard materials). The relationship here is that the chisel is the instrument that acts upon the stone to form a desired result (such as a sculpture or carving).
Now consider the options for mould:
- a) clay: A mould is a container or frame used to give shape to clay (or other pliable substances) by holding it until it sets. This is a strong parallel to the chisel-stone relationship. Just as a chisel shapes stone, a mould shapes clay.
- b) shape: While “shape” is an outcome or result, it’s not the material being worked on. It’s not a valid analogy in this context.
- c) wood: Moulds aren’t typically used on wood in the same sense as chisels are on stone. Tools like saws, chisels, or planes are used for shaping wood — not moulds.
- d) bend: This is a verb and not a material. The analogy requires a material, not an action.
Conclusion:
The best answer is a) clay, because both parts of the analogy match in structure:
- Chisel is a tool that shapes stone.
- Mould is a tool (or form) that shapes clay.
This makes the analogy valid and the relationship consistent. Both involve a tool used to shape a particular type of material.