In the letter series A, E, J, N, S, W, which single English alphabet letter should appear next in the sequence to maintain the underlying pattern?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to recognise numeric patterns hidden inside a sequence of letters. Many reasoning examinations convert letter sequences into their numerical positions in the alphabet and then apply simple arithmetic progressions or alternating patterns. The challenge is to decode that hidden number pattern and extend it correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:
We have the letter series:
A, E, J, N, S, W, ?
We assume standard positions: A is 1, B is 2, up to Z which is 26.
We need to find the next letter after W that continues the pattern.

Concept / Approach:
The key idea is to convert each letter to its position number and look at the differences between consecutive terms. Many series use alternating increments, such as plus four then plus five. Once the difference pattern is identified, we can apply it again to the last term to get the next value and then convert back to a letter, remembering that the alphabet may wrap around from Z to A if needed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Convert letters to positions: A is 1, E is 5, J is 10, N is 14, S is 19, W is 23. Step 2: Calculate differences between consecutive terms: 5 minus 1 is 4, 10 minus 5 is 5, 14 minus 10 is 4, 19 minus 14 is 5, 23 minus 19 is 4. Step 3: Observe that the pattern of increments is +4, +5, +4, +5, +4, an alternating sequence of plus four and plus five. Step 4: To follow the same pattern, the next increment after +4 should again be +5. So we add 5 to the last position 23: 23 plus 5 gives 28. Step 5: Since the alphabet has only 26 letters, we wrap around by subtracting 26 from 28. That gives 2, and the letter with position 2 is B.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can write the full position sequence with the next term included: 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23, 28 which wraps to 2. The differences are 4, 5, 4, 5, 4, 5 which confirms the alternating pattern. Converting back to letters gives A, E, J, N, S, W, B. This matches the observed rule, so B is consistent and unique as the correct continuation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Z: Position 26 does not follow from 23 by adding either 4 or 5.
A: Position 1 would require moving backward by 22 or forward by 4 in a wrap pattern that does not match the alternating rule we discovered.
C: Position 3 does not follow from 23 using the +5 after +4 scheme without breaking the wrap logic.
None of these: This is wrong because B clearly fits the systematic pattern.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may forget to convert letters into numbers and instead guess visually. Others may not notice the alternating increment pattern or may forget to wrap the count beyond Z back to the start of the alphabet. Always check differences carefully and remember that cyclic behaviour is common in letter series questions.

Final Answer:
The correct next letter in the series is B.