What is a common approach to solving verbal analogies?

Identifying the relationship between the first pair of words is a fundamental step in solving verbal analogies. This approach requires understanding the connection or correlation that exists between the two words. For instance, if the first pair is comprised of "cat" and "kitten," recognizing that a kitten is a young version of a cat sets the foundation for selecting the correct second pair.

Once the relationship is established, you can apply that same relationship to the second pair of words, which may involve various types of connections, such as synonyms, antonyms, functions, or categories. This systematic method leads to a more logical selection, as it ensures that the answer maintains the same relational context observed in the first pair.

Other options focus on less effective strategies. Guessing might lead to a random selection without understanding the underlying relationships, while memorizing pairs doesn't foster a deeper comprehension of how to discern connections in different contexts. Ignoring the context could easily lead to incorrect answers, as it overlooks the essential meanings and associations that define the relationship between the words. Thus, identifying the relationship is the best strategy to accurately solve verbal analogies.