In this coded word analogy, MANTLE is transformed into SFTYRJ by alternating alphabet shifts; using the same coding rule, choose the correct code for PARROT: MANTLE : SFTYRJ :: PARROT : ?

Introduction / Context:
This question is a coded word analogy that involves position based shifts in the alphabet. The word MANTLE is converted into SFTYRJ using a specific pattern that alternates between two different forward shifts. You must identify this pattern and apply it to the word PARROT to find the correct coded form from the options. This type of problem tests attention to detail and comfort with multi step letter transformations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• MANTLE is the original word, and SFTYRJ is its coded form.
• PARROT is another six letter word to be coded under the same pattern.
• The alphabet runs from A = 1 through Z = 26.
• The rule for coding MANTLE must be applied position wise and unchanged to PARROT.

Concept / Approach:
We first analyse how each letter of MANTLE transforms into each letter of SFTYRJ. By converting letters to positions, we can see whether the shift is constant or alternating. When we notice that the movement alternates between plus six and plus five for successive positions, we extract that pattern and apply it letter by letter to PARROT. The correct option must match this exact sequence of shifts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write positions of the letters in MANTLE: M = 13, A = 1, N = 14, T = 20, L = 12, E = 5.Step 2: Write positions of SFTYRJ: S = 19, F = 6, T = 20, Y = 25, R = 18, J = 10.Step 3: Compute the shifts: M (13) to S (19) is +6; A (1) to F (6) is +5; N (14) to T (20) is +6; T (20) to Y (25) is +5; L (12) to R (18) is +6; E (5) to J (10) is +5.Step 4: Observe the pattern: for positions 1, 3 and 5 we add 6; for positions 2, 4 and 6 we add 5.Step 5: Now find positions of letters in PARROT: P = 16, A = 1, R = 18, R = 18, O = 15, T = 20.Step 6: Apply +6 to letters in positions 1, 3 and 5. For P (16), 16 + 6 = 22, which is V. For R (18), 18 + 6 = 24, which is X. For O (15), 15 + 6 = 21, which is U.Step 7: Apply +5 to letters in positions 2, 4 and 6. For A (1), 1 + 5 = 6, which is F. For R (18), 18 + 5 = 23, which is W. For T (20), 20 + 5 = 25, which is Y.Step 8: Combine the coded letters in order: position 1 V, position 2 F, position 3 X, position 4 W, position 5 U, position 6 Y, giving VFXWUY.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can cross check by quickly recoding MANTLE using the same alternating plus six and plus five rule to verify that it indeed produces SFTYRJ. This confirmation ensures that our extracted pattern is correct. Then comparing VFXWUY with the options shows that only option A reproduces our coded result exactly. Other options either change the order of letters or alter one or more positions, so they do not conform to the rule.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, VXFWUY, has X at second position instead of F, breaking the position specific shift. Option C, VFXWYU, swaps U and Y at the end, which is incompatible with our stepwise mapping. Option D, VFXUWY, changes the order of letters in the last three positions. All three deviate from the strict alternating plus six and plus five pattern that we derived from MANTLE to SFTYRJ.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates try to use a single constant shift for all letters and get stuck, since that does not reproduce all letters of SFTYRJ. Others may detect that plus six or plus five is involved but miss that the pattern alternates by position. In multi step codes, always check each position carefully and look for repeating sequences of shifts, then apply them exactly.

Final Answer:
The correct code for PARROT under this pattern is VFXWUY, so option A is correct.