In the alphabet pair series IM, JO, KQ, LS, which pair of letters should come next so that the pattern in both positions is continued correctly?

Introduction / Context:
This alphabet pair series question gives us IM, JO, KQ, LS and asks for the next pair. The terms appear to advance in a regular way, so the problem mainly tests the ability to recognise simple arithmetic patterns in the positions of letters. Because there are two letters in each term, we need to check the pattern for the first letters separately from the second letters and then choose the option that satisfies both patterns.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: IM, JO, KQ, LS, ?.• First letters: I, J, K, L.• Second letters: M, O, Q, S.• Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26.

Concept / Approach:
The first letters appear to move consecutively forward through the alphabet, while the second letters appear to jump by a fixed interval. We translate each letter into its numeric position, compute the differences and then apply the same differences to find the next term. Once we know the correct first and second letters numerically, we convert them back into alphabet letters and match with the answer choices.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider first letters: I, J, K, L.Positions: I=9, J=10, K=11, L=12.Step 2: Differences: 10 − 9 = 1, 11 − 10 = 1, 12 − 11 = 1. So first letters increase by +1 each time.Step 3: The next first letter after L (12) is 12 + 1 = 13, which corresponds to M.Step 4: Now consider second letters: M, O, Q, S.Positions: M=13, O=15, Q=17, S=19.Step 5: Differences: 15 − 13 = 2, 17 − 15 = 2, 19 − 17 = 2.Step 6: Thus the second letters increase by +2 each time, so the next second letter is 19 + 2 = 21, which is U.Step 7: Therefore, the next pair in the series is MU.

Verification / Alternative check:
Write out the series including MU: IM, JO, KQ, LS, MU. The first letters sequence I, J, K, L, M is perfectly consecutive. The second letters M, O, Q, S, U form an arithmetic progression with a step of +2: 13, 15, 17, 19, 21. No other option among the given choices produces such smooth progressions in both positions, which confirms MU as the unique correct continuation of the series.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
NV has N as the first letter, which is two steps after L instead of one, breaking the +1 rule. MY uses Y as the second letter (25), which does not follow the +2 step from S (19). NT mixes both positions in a way that fails to respect the identified progressions. Because the patterns for first and second letters are simple and consistent, any option that violates even one of them cannot be considered correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be tempted to guess based only on seeing that the first letters progress roughly alphabetically, without checking the second letter pattern. Others might miscalculate numeric positions for letters late in the alphabet, especially when dealing with Q, S and U. Converting each letter carefully into its numeric position and then verifying that the same difference is preserved across the entire series is a reliable way to avoid such mistakes.

Final Answer:
MU