Solving the Coal and Chalk Analogy

The question asks us to find the word that completes the analogy: Coal : Black : : Chalk : ?

An analogy establishes a relationship between two pairs of words. We first need to identify the relationship between the first pair, "Coal : Black", and then apply the same relationship to the second pair, "Chalk : ?".

Identifying the Relationship: Coal and Black

Let's look at the words "Coal" and "Black". Coal is a material, and black is a color. The relationship between Coal and Black is that black is the characteristic or typical color of coal.

Applying the Relationship: Chalk and ?

Now we apply the same color-based relationship to the second part of the analogy: Chalk : ?

We need to find the characteristic or typical color of chalk. Chalk is a soft, white, porous, sedimentary carbonate rock. The most common color associated with chalk, especially the kind used for writing, is white.

Choosing the Correct Option

The options provided are:

• porous
• white
• brittle
• soft

Based on our analysis, the relationship is based on color. Since coal is typically black, chalk is typically white. Among the given options, 'white' is the word that represents the typical color of chalk and fits the pattern of the analogy.

Therefore, the complete analogy is Coal : Black : : Chalk : White.