In the alphabet series MAN, ODR, QGV, SJZ, which of the following three letter groups should come next so that the pattern for each position is maintained?

Introduction / Context:
This question offers a three letter alphabet series: MAN, ODR, QGV, SJZ, ?. Our task is to determine the next three letter group that continues the pattern. In such sequences, each letter position (first, second and third) often follows its own simple arithmetic rule in terms of alphabet positions. Understanding how these sub series behave allows us to find the unique option that fits all three patterns simultaneously.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Given terms: MAN, ODR, QGV, SJZ, ?.• First letters: M, O, Q, S.• Second letters: A, D, G, J.• Third letters: N, R, V, Z.• Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to treat the first letters as a separate numeric series and identify their pattern; then repeat the process for the second letters and the third letters. The patterns here are based on constant step sizes that differ from one column to another. Once we compute these step sizes and see that they are stable, we simply extend each series by one more step to obtain the next first, second and third letters, which together form the missing term in the series.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: First letters: M, O, Q, S.Positions: M=13, O=15, Q=17, S=19.Step 2: Differences: 15 − 13 = 2, 17 − 15 = 2, 19 − 17 = 2.Step 3: The first letters increase by +2 each time, so the next first letter is 19 + 2 = 21, which is U.Step 4: Second letters: A, D, G, J.Positions: A=1, D=4, G=7, J=10.Step 5: Differences: 4 − 1 = 3, 7 − 4 = 3, 10 − 7 = 3.Step 6: The second letters increase by +3 each time, so the next second letter is 10 + 3 = 13, which is M.Step 7: Third letters: N, R, V, Z.Positions: N=14, R=18, V=22, Z=26.Step 8: Differences: 18 − 14 = 4, 22 − 18 = 4, 26 − 22 = 4.Step 9: The third letters increase by +4 each time, so the next third letter should be 26 + 4 = 30. Subtracting 26 for wrap around gives 4, which is D.Step 10: Therefore, the next term in the series is UMD.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can summarise the column wise patterns as: first letters move by +2, second letters by +3 and third letters by +4. Writing the full series numerically: first letters 13, 15, 17, 19, 21; second letters 1, 4, 7, 10, 13; third letters 14, 18, 22, 26, 4 (with wrap around). These arithmetic progressions remain consistent throughout, and substituting UMD at the end preserves all three series. None of the other options matches every column simultaneously.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options VNC, UNC and VMD each disturb at least one of the three column patterns. For instance, VNC has V as the first letter (22) instead of U (21), which adds +3 instead of +2 to S. UNC has N as the second letter (14) instead of M (13), breaking the +3 rule. VMD conflicts with both the first and second letter progressions. Thus, these alternatives cannot be reconciled with the consistent step sizes identified in the series.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates notice only one of the step patterns, such as the +2 in the first letters, and then choose an answer that satisfies that pattern alone. Others may miscalculate the wrap around for the third letters and incorrectly handle the transition from Z to A. To avoid these issues, one should always convert letters to numbers carefully, compute differences in each column and confirm that the chosen option satisfies all three sub series without exception.

Final Answer:
UMD