In this alphabetical sequence reasoning question, select the odd group of letters from the following: GHI, XYZ, VUT, CDE.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of letter sequences in the English alphabet. The groups of letters given are GHI, XYZ, VUT and CDE. You must identify the group that does not follow the same direction or pattern of arrangement as the others. Recognizing forward and backward sequences is a fundamental skill in alphabet-based reasoning questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Letter groups: GHI, XYZ, VUT, CDE.
• We work with alphabetical order: A, B, C, ..., Z.
• Three groups present letters in strictly increasing (forward) order.
• One group presents letters in strictly decreasing (backward) order.

Concept / Approach:
To solve this problem, check whether the letters in each group appear consecutively and whether they move forward or backward in the alphabet. If three groups show forward progression, and one group is arranged in reverse, that reversed group is the odd one out. We do not need to look for complex distance patterns; simply checking direction and consecutiveness is enough.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Analyze GHI.The letters G, H, I follow each other in forward alphabetical order: G (7), H (8), I (9).Step 2: Analyze XYZ.The letters X, Y, Z are also in forward order: X (24), Y (25), Z (26).Step 3: Analyze CDE.The letters C, D, E again appear in forward order: C (3), D (4), E (5).Step 4: Analyze VUT.The letters V, U, T are in reverse order: V (22), U (21), T (20). They move backward, not forward.Step 5: Identify the odd group.GHI, XYZ and CDE are forward consecutive sequences, while VUT is a backward consecutive sequence. Hence VUT is the odd one out.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can quickly verify by writing down the relevant part of the alphabet. For example, write C D E, G H I, T U V, X Y Z in order and notice that only VUT breaks the forward direction by reversing T, U and V. This simple visual check confirms that VUT behaves differently from the other three groups, which all move left to right in normal alphabetical order.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
GHI: Presents three consecutive letters in forward order, so it fits the main pattern.
XYZ: Also shows consecutive letters in forward order at the end of the alphabet.
CDE: Another forward run of consecutive letters, matching the structure of GHI and XYZ.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may become distracted by the specific letters used and try to relate them to words. However, in alphabet-based reasoning questions, what matters is the pattern of movement through the alphabet. Always check whether the sequence increases or decreases and whether the steps between letters are uniform. This makes such problems easy to solve under exam time pressure.

Final Answer:
The odd group of letters is VUT, because it is arranged in reverse alphabetical order, while GHI, XYZ and CDE are arranged in forward alphabetical order.