In the following general knowledge and classification question, four commonly known plant based food items are given. Three of them are fruits, while one is primarily classified as a vegetable. Select the odd word from the given alternatives.

Introduction / Context:
This is a classic verbal reasoning and general knowledge question based on classification of food items. You are given four common names: Apple, Banana, Tomato and Cauliflower. Three of these are widely recognised and used as fruits, while one belongs to the category of vegetables, especially in day to day cooking. Your task is to recognise this difference in botanical or culinary classification and select the odd word from the group.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Options: Apple, Banana, Tomato and Cauliflower.
• We consider everyday usage and basic science: fruits versus vegetables.
• Apple, Banana and Tomato are all edible fruits of plants.
• Cauliflower is mainly known as a vegetable, specifically an edible flower head.
• Exactly one item is not primarily a fruit in common classification.

Concept / Approach:
In aptitude questions of this type, the examiner usually expects you to group items based on a common category like fruits, vegetables, animals, vehicles or tools. Here, three of the given items are fruits, that is, they are seed bearing structures typically eaten in the ripe form and often sweet or tangy. Cauliflower, however, is not the fruit of a plant; instead, it is a modified flower used as a vegetable. The odd one will be the item that does not fit smoothly into the majority category.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine Apple.Apple is a classic fruit, eaten raw, sweet in taste and used in juices, desserts and salads. It clearly belongs to the fruits category.Step 2: Examine Banana.Banana is also a well known fruit, eaten ripe as a sweet food and used in milkshakes, desserts and snacks. It is not treated as a vegetable in normal usage.Step 3: Examine Tomato.Botanically, Tomato is a fruit because it contains seeds and develops from the flower of the plant. Even though it is used like a vegetable in cooking, it is still more closely grouped with fruits in classification questions.Step 4: Examine Cauliflower.Cauliflower is a vegetable. It is the compact flower head of the plant, cooked in curries, fried dishes and mixed vegetable recipes. It is not a fruit.Step 5: Identify the odd word.Three terms are fruits, while Cauliflower is a vegetable, so Cauliflower is the odd one out.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can also mentally place each item into two groups: things normally eaten raw as fruits versus vegetables typically cooked in dishes. Apple and Banana are almost always eaten raw or in sweet preparations. Tomato is commonly eaten raw in salads and is the fruit of the plant, although used in curries as well. Cauliflower, however, is practically always cooked and is treated purely as a vegetable. This separation again confirms that Cauliflower does not belong with the other three.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Apple: A typical fruit, so it matches Banana and Tomato rather than Cauliflower.
Banana: Another well known fruit that clearly belongs in the fruits group.
Tomato: Botanically a fruit and often grouped with fruits in reasoning questions, so it is not the odd one here.

Common Pitfalls:
A common confusion arises because Tomato is often called a vegetable in the kitchen. However, in exam questions, Tomatoes are usually grouped with fruits due to their botanical nature as seed bearing plant fruits. To avoid mistakes, focus on the broader scientific classification rather than only culinary habits. When in doubt, ask whether the item is the fruit of a plant or a different part such as leaf, root or flower.

Final Answer:
The odd word is Cauliflower, because Apple, Banana and Tomato are fruits, whereas Cauliflower is a vegetable derived from the flower head of the plant.