The 21st letter of the English alphabet is a consonant. How should this statement be evaluated?

Introduction / Context:
This is a straightforward verification of truth question about the English alphabet. You are asked to judge whether a specific claim about the position of a letter and its type as a consonant or vowel is correct. Such questions test both factual knowledge and careful counting.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The English alphabet has 26 letters in the standard order from A to Z. - The statement claims that the 21st letter of the alphabet is a consonant. - We must recall or count the letters and identify the 21st. - Letters are classified as vowels (A, E, I, O, U) or consonants (all others).

Concept / Approach:
To evaluate the statement, count the letters in order until you reach the 21st position. Then determine whether that letter is one of the five main vowels. If it is a vowel, the statement is incorrect; if it is not, the statement is correct. The task is a simple but precise counting exercise, where a small miscount can lead to an incorrect answer, so care is essential.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write or mentally list the letters in order, grouping them if needed for easier counting. Step 2: From A onward, count positions: A is 1, B is 2, C is 3, D is 4, E is 5, F is 6, G is 7, H is 8, I is 9, J is 10. Step 3: Continue counting: K is 11, L is 12, M is 13, N is 14, O is 15, P is 16, Q is 17, R is 18, S is 19, T is 20. Step 4: The next letter, U, is therefore the 21st letter. Step 5: Check whether U is a vowel or a consonant. U is one of the five main vowels (A, E, I, O, U). Step 6: Since the statement calls the 21st letter a consonant, but the 21st letter U is actually a vowel, the statement is incorrect.

Verification / Alternative check:
As an additional check, remember common facts: A is 1st, E is 5th, I is 9th, O is 15th and U is 21st. This pattern shows that every fourth vowel after A comes at positions 5, 9, 15 and 21. Recognising this pattern confirms that U is indeed the 21st letter and that it is a vowel. This backs up the earlier step by step count, so there is no doubt about the classification.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Correct: This would be true only if the 21st letter were a consonant, which it is not. Information insufficient: The question gives full information by specifying the alphabet and the letter position; nothing else is required. Not applicable: This option does not address the factual nature of the statement and is irrelevant to the task.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may miscount if they rush or skip letters, especially around the middle of the alphabet. Another potential mistake is mixing up the positions of T and U, since T is 20th and U is 21st. To avoid errors, it can help to group letters in sets of five or to write them down briefly in rough work during an exam. Remembering that U is the fifth vowel and the 21st letter can also act as a mental shortcut.

Final Answer:
The statement is incorrect, because the 21st letter U is a vowel, not a consonant.