In the alphabet triplet series CFE, ILK, ORQ, which three letter group should replace the question mark to continue the pattern correctly?

Introduction / Context:
This question presents a sequence of three letter groups where each position increases through the alphabet using a fixed step. It is a straightforward example of parallel arithmetic progressions applied to letters. Solving such problems reinforces the essential skill of converting letters to numeric positions and identifying simple constant increments, which is fundamental for many reasoning and alphabet test questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Given series: CFE, ILK, ORQ, ? - Every term has three capital letters. - The underlying rule is consistent across all three positions. - Alphabet positions: A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26.

Concept / Approach:
We break the sequence into three separate streams: all first letters, all second letters, and all third letters. For each stream we convert letters to numeric positions and check the difference between consecutive terms. When we see a constant difference, we know that we are dealing with a simple arithmetic progression. Using that step, we project forward to find the next numeric position in each stream, and convert back to letters to construct the missing triplet.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Convert each term to positions. CFE: C (3), F (6), E (5). ILK: I (9), L (12), K (11). ORQ: O (15), R (18), Q (17). Step 2: First letters sequence: C, I, O. Positions: 3, 9, 15. Differences: 3 to 9 is +6, 9 to 15 is +6. So this sequence increases by +6 each time. Next: 15 + 6 = 21, which is U. Step 3: Second letters sequence: F, L, R. Positions: 6, 12, 18. Differences: +6 and +6. Next: 18 + 6 = 24, corresponding to X. Step 4: Third letters sequence: E, K, Q. Positions: 5, 11, 17. Differences: again +6 and +6. Next: 17 + 6 = 23, which is W. Step 5: Combine the three next letters. First U, second X, third W, giving the triplet UXW.

Verification / Alternative check:
All three positions follow the same clean rule of adding 6 in each step: 3, 9, 15, 21; 6, 12, 18, 24; 5, 11, 17, 23. This symmetry is typical in exam style questions and makes UXW a very strong candidate. None of the other options maintains the exact +6 increase in all three positions simultaneously. Therefore, from both numeric and structural reasoning, UXW is the only triplet that can extend the given series without introducing inconsistencies.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
B) VYW gives V (22) for the first letter instead of U (21), which breaks the +6 pattern from O (15). C) UYW keeps U correct but Y (25) and W (23) do not match the second and third letter sequences. D) UXX has correct U but fails in both the second and third letter positions, which must be X and W respectively.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes candidates try to guess based on partial similarity of letters rather than checking each position numerically. Another error is to miscount positions in the alphabet, especially around the middle region, leading to incorrect differences. A good practice is to write the alphabet with numbers or memorise key anchor points such as A = 1, M = 13, Z = 26 to speed up counting. Then verifying constant differences becomes a fast and accurate process that eliminates guesswork.

Final Answer:
The three letter group that correctly continues the series CFE, ILK, ORQ, ? is UXW.