In the alphabet pair series IJ, PQ, XY, which pair of letters should appear next so that the pattern is continued correctly?

Introduction / Context:
This question presents an alphabet pair series: IJ, PQ, XY, ?. The objective is to determine which two letter combination logically follows these given terms. Although there are only three visible terms before the missing one, a careful analysis of the numeric positions of each letter reveals a clear and symmetrical progression. This type of question strengthens understanding of alphabet positions and how increments can increase over time in a structured way.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The series is: IJ, PQ, XY, ?.• Each term is a pair of consecutive letters: I J, P Q and X Y.• We will examine the first letters separately from the second letters.• Alphabet positions are A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26, with wrap around available if needed.

Concept / Approach:
The main idea is to look at the numerical positions of the first letters (I, P, X) and see how they change from one term to the next, then repeat the same for the second letters (J, Q, Y). If the differences between the positions follow a pattern such as +7, +8, +9, we can use that pattern to determine where the missing term belongs. Because each pair consists of consecutive letters, once we know the correct first letter of the missing pair, its second letter automatically follows as the very next letter in the alphabet.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Convert the first letters to numbers: I=9, P=16, X=24.Step 2: Compute their differences: 16 − 9 = 7 and 24 − 16 = 8.Step 3: We see that the increment between first letters is increasing by 1: first +7, then +8. The next increment in this sequence should be +9.Step 4: To extend backwards or forwards, it is often easier to recognise that we might be finishing a cycle. Here, instead of placing the new term after XY, we can interpret the pattern as cyclic and attempt to find the pair that would be reached by moving +9 from X or by continuing the pattern in reverse order.Step 5: Apply the pattern to the second letters as well: J=10, Q=17, Y=25. Differences are 17 − 10 = 7 and 25 − 17 = 8, again showing +7, then +8. The next increment would be +9.Step 6: Moving forward by +9 from X (24) gives 24 + 9 = 33, and 33 − 26 = 7 which is G. Moving forward by +9 from Y (25) gives 25 + 9 = 34, and 34 − 26 = 8 which is H.Step 7: Therefore, the pair that continues the same +7, +8, +9 stepping pattern is GH.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can examine the entire cycle if we write the series as GH, IJ, PQ, XY when considered modulo 26. In this arrangement, the first letters G (7), I (9), P (16), X (24) follow differences +2, +7, +8, and the second letters H (8), J (10), Q (17), Y (25) follow a similar structure. Within this cyclic framework, the pair GH aligns with the evolving jump sizes we observed, confirming that the hidden rule is satisfied by placing GH as the next term after XY when the cycle is viewed as wrapping around the alphabet.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
DE, OP and WV do not reflect the increasing step pattern. For example, if we choose WV, the first letters would go from X (24) to W (23), which is actually a backward step rather than a forward increment. DE and OP also break the consistent growth in the positions of the letters and do not match the simultaneous behaviour of both first and second letters in the series. Hence, they cannot fairly continue the pattern.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes attempt to fit pairs based on rough visual symmetry, such as assuming that if we see PQ and XY then any pair from earlier in the alphabet might fit as a continuation. Another mistake is to ignore the numeric jump sizes and only consider the fact that each term uses consecutive letters. For accurate solutions in such problems, it is essential to calculate the exact numeric differences and confirm that the same rule applies to both letters of each pair.

Final Answer:
GH