In the alphabetic series E, H, L, O, S, which single English alphabet letter should come next to complete the sequence following the same pattern?

Introduction / Context:
This is a single letter series question where you must deduce the pattern connecting consecutive letters and then extend it to find the next term. Such questions encourage careful observation of numerical progressions within the alphabet and often use alternating step sizes.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Series: E, H, L, O, S, ?
We assume A is 1, B is 2, and so on up to Z as 26.
We must identify the next letter that keeps the series consistent.

Concept / Approach:
The method is to convert each letter to its alphabet position and then compute differences between consecutive positions. If a regular pattern emerges, such as alternating increases, we apply it to the last known term to get the next one. The presence of alternating jumps is very common in such series.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Convert letters to positions: E is 5, H is 8, L is 12, O is 15, S is 19. Step 2: Calculate the differences. From 5 to 8 is +3, from 8 to 12 is +4, from 12 to 15 is +3, from 15 to 19 is +4. Step 3: Observe that the pattern alternates between +3 and +4: plus three, plus four, plus three, plus four. Step 4: Following this alternating rule, the next step after +4 must be +3 again. Step 5: Add 3 to the last position 19. This gives 22. The letter with position 22 is V.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can rewrite the full numeric sequence with the answer included: 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22. The step sizes are 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, which clearly maintain the alternating pattern. Converting back to letters, we have E, H, L, O, S, V. This consistent pattern confirms that V is the correct next letter.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
U: Position 21 would imply a step of +2 from S, which breaks the alternating +3 and +4 pattern.
W: Position 23 would require +4 after +4, again breaking the alternation.
X: Position 24 would be a step of +5 and does not fit any observed rule.
T: Position 20 gives a step of +1, which is inconsistent with the established differences.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes guess based on rough position in the alphabet without checking actual numeric differences. Another frequent error is noticing only that the differences are positive and overlooking the specific alternation between two different step sizes. Always calculate all difference values carefully and look for repeating patterns among them.

Final Answer:
The letter that correctly completes the series is V.