Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: abacc
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This verbal-reasoning item asks you to choose one 5-letter sequence that, when inserted left-to-right into the blanks, produces a coherent letter-run using the alphabet subset {a, b, c}. Such questions test pattern discovery, chunking of micro-blocks, and verification across all blanks.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The visible fragments suggest tiling of “cc”, “cbc”, and “acc/bcc” motifs. We test each candidate by inserting its letters in sequence and checking whether the completed string preserves these micro-blocks without creating stranded or clashing bigrams (like “ba” at awkward joints).
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Insert “abacc” at the blanks sequentially. The early region “cc_ab…” yields “ccab…”, which cleanly transitions into “…ccbc…”.2) Mid-string, the “a” and “b” placements bridge “…_accbcc…” into “…aaccbcc…”, preserving characteristic “acc” and “bcc” tiles used throughout.3) Later positions maintain the same texture, producing “c…b…” joints that match the skeleton’s alternation of b and c around stable cc cores.4) Alternative candidates introduce clashes: e.g., “ababc” creates repeated “bab” or “abc” at positions that disrupt the cc/cbc clusters; “aabcc” generates excessive “aac/abcc” clumps; “acacc” misaligns a critical mid transition.
Verification / Alternative check:
After insertion, re-scan the entire line to confirm that the sequence features recurring units like cc, cbc, acc, and bcc in positions the skeleton suggests. The “abacc” fill keeps these intact across all joints.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Checking only the first or last blank. You must place all five letters and verify every joint for coherence.
Final Answer:
abacc
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