The Little Blue Reasoning Book - Brandon Royal [50]
1. RED : PINK :: BLACK :
A) beige
B) white
C) gray
D) dark
2. HEAT : RADIATOR :: BREEZE :
A) sea
B) wind
C) shade
D) fan
3. BIG : LARGE :: WIDE :
A) high
B) broad
C) long
D) small
4. DOG : CAT :: CROCODILE :
A) reptile
B) hippopotamus
C) lizard
D) elephant
5. FLOWER : BOUQUET :: LINK :
A) gold
B) steel
C) orchard
D) chain
6. TOMORROW : YESTERDAY :: FUTURE :
A) present
B) past
C) ago
D) today
7. HERO : VALOR :: HERETIC :
A) dissent
B) bravado
C) reverence
D) discretion
8. PRESENT : BIRTHDAY :: REWARD :
A) accomplishment
B) punishment
C) medal
D) money
9. SKY : GROUND :: CEILING :
A) floor
B) roof
C) top
D) plaster
10. MONEY : BANK :: KNOWLEDGE :
A) intelligence
B) reading
C) graduation
D) books
APPENDIX V – THE TEN CLASSIC TRADE-OFFS
Reasoning can at times be viewed in terms of polar opposites and trade-offs. As children we learn the simplicity of remembering things by recognizing opposing traits and characteristics, and as adults, we continue to grapple with ideas expressed in contradictory ways. Consider the following pairs of well-known quotes:
He who hesitates is lost.
Haste makes waste.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Better safe than sorry.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Many hands make light work.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Certain trade-offs also recur in the realm of reasoning and decision making. Familiarity with such trade-offs speeds recognition of core issues.
A summary of the 10 classic trade-offs presented here includes:
1. Breadth vs. Depth
2. Control vs. Chance
3. Individual vs. Collective
4. Means vs. Ends
5. Quantity vs. Quality
6. Short-term vs. Long-term
7. Specific vs. General
8. Subjective vs. Objective
9. Theory vs. Practice
10. Tradition vs. Change
1. Breadth vs. Depth Trade-off
Inevitably, each person has experienced this trade-off in terms of the “depth” versus “breadth” of his or her academic, professional, or personal experience. Do we have a lot of one thing or a little of a lot? In terms of academics, should we focus deeply on our studies or should we engage in lots of school activities as well? In commerce, a factory might choose to produce lots of one type of product or smaller quantities of a diverse number of products. In terms of our personal investment strategy, do we put all our money in one type of investment (focus) or do we spread our money over two or more different investments (variety)?
2. Control vs. Chance Trade-off
The more a situation is subject to control, the less it is subject to chance. The more a situation is left to chance, the less it is under control. The “nature versus nurture” controversy is a famous example of the control versus chance trade-off. Does heredity play a dominant role in personality or does upbringing and environment? Here nature is the “chance” element in personality development and nurture is the “control” element. Although many people believe in a middle-of-the-road approach, the core issue is one viewed in terms of polarity or mutual opposition.
3. Individual vs. Collective Trade-off
What is more important, the individual or the group? By upholding individual rights or freedoms, do we not sacrifice collective rights and freedoms (and vice versa)? This apparent trade-off is the focal point around which pivots the constitution of virtually every developed country.
4. Means vs. Ends Trade-off
“Means” are the ways or approaches while “ends” are the outcomes or results. Typically two people might disagree in terms of the means but share the same end. A simple real-life example involves two people debating about which route (means) to take to get to a single downtown location (end). Sometimes, we disagree in terms of the end but agree on the means. Suppose we have decided to spend bonus money on a vacation but are deliberating about where to go. Here is a classic