In this letter-coding analogy question, select the related code for the word SECOND so that GROUPS : ITQWRU :: SECOND : ?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of letter-coding analogies, which are common in verbal reasoning sections of competitive exams. The word GROUPS is coded as ITQWRU, and we must identify how the word SECOND will be coded using the same pattern. Recognising the shift pattern in the alphabet is the key to solving this type of question quickly and accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Original word 1: GROUPS.
• Coded word 1: ITQWRU.
• Original word 2: SECOND.
• Coded word 2: unknown, to be determined using the same rule.
• We assume a consistent letter-to-letter transformation, most likely based on positions in the English alphabet.

Concept / Approach:
In letter-coding questions, the most common approach is to map each letter of the original word to the corresponding letter in the coded form and compute the shift in alphabet positions. Then, we apply the same shift to each letter of the new word. Here, we compare G to I, R to T, O to Q, U to W, P to R, and S to U, and observe a pattern in the movement along the alphabet. If the same shift applies to all positions, we can safely apply it to the word SECOND.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write positions of letters in GROUPS: G(7), R(18), O(15), U(21), P(16), S(19).Step 2: Write positions of letters in ITQWRU: I(9), T(20), Q(17), W(23), R(18), U(21).Step 3: Compute the shift for each pair: 7→9, 18→20, 15→17, 21→23, 16→18, 19→21. Each shift is +2 along the alphabet.Step 4: Apply the same +2 shift to SECOND: S(19)→U(21), E(5)→G(7), C(3)→E(5), O(15)→Q(17), N(14)→P(16), D(4)→F(6).Step 5: The coded form of SECOND becomes UGEQPF, which matches one of the options exactly.

Verification / Alternative check:
We verify that the shift is consistent for all letters in the first pair and does not change in the middle of the word. Every letter in GROUPS is advanced by two positions to obtain ITQWRU, confirming that the rule is stable. When we apply this exact rule to SECOND and obtain UGEQPF, we check that this sequence appears as an option. There is no reason to assume any other irregular transformation because that would break the analogy between the two words.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (UGFQPE): Some letters here do not follow a uniform +2 shift from the original positions in SECOND.
Option C (UEGQPF): The early letters do not match the required transformation and introduce inconsistent shifts.
Option D (UGEQFP): This option changes the order of letters at the end, which does not follow a letter-by-letter shift rule from SECOND.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to miscalculate the alphabet positions or to forget that the same shift must apply to every letter. Another pitfall is to focus only on the first few letters and pick an option that appears close without checking the full word. To avoid this, always compute the shift clearly and apply it to all letters. Consistency across every position is the hallmark of the correct code.

Final Answer:
The code for SECOND that follows the same +2 alphabetical shift as GROUPS → ITQWRU is UGEQPF.