Month-to-month calendar reuse — The calendar layout of July this year matches which month of the previous year?

Introduction / Context:
Some months share the same weekday layout as months in another year. The problem asks which month in the preceding year matches this year’s July.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target: July of the current year (31 days).
• We search the previous year's month with identical day-of-week alignment and length.

Concept / Approach:
July (31 days) most commonly matches May of the previous year, and in other cases January/October depending on leap structure. Among the options provided, only May is feasible.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Try multiple actual year pairs; you will find repeated May↔July alignments (previous-year May with current-year July).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• September/April are 30-day months and cannot match a 31-day July layout.
• None of these is unnecessary since May works.

Common Pitfalls:

• Ignoring month length when matching layouts.

Final Answer:
May