Question 1

In the three letter series GJT, IMR, KPP, MSN, ?, which of the following options should replace the question mark so that the alphabetic pattern in all three positions is preserved?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The series GJT, IMR, KPP, MSN, ? is an example of a three letter alphabet sequence where each position follows its own pattern. The question asks us to determine the missing group of letters that continues this pattern. Such problems are designed to test the ability to track multiple sequences simultaneously and apply arithmetic reasoning on alphabet positions. Given Data / Assumptions: Known terms: GJT, IMR, KPP, MSN. Each term uses three capital letters. We assume each of the first, second, and third letters forms a separate arithmetic sequence. Alphabet positions are numbered from A as 1 to Z as 26. Options: PUL, OVL, OUK, PVM. Concept / Approach: The idea is to translate letters to numbers and analyse each column independently. We then determine the step pattern for each position. If the same step is applied repeatedly, we can extend the pattern and find the missing triplet. It is important to confirm that the resulting letters form one of the options provided and satisfy all three sequences at the same time. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert GJT into positions: G(7), J(10), T(20).Step 2: Convert IMR: I(9), M(13), R(18).Step 3: Convert KPP: K(11), P(16), P(16).Step 4: Convert MSN: M(13), S(19), N(14).Step 5: Analyse the first letters: 7 (G), 9 (I), 11 (K), 13 (M). The sequence increases by +2 each time.Step 6: Apply the same step to the last first letter, M(13). Adding 2 gives 15, which is O.Step 7: Analyse the second letters: 10 (J), 13 (M), 16 (P), 19 (S). This sequence increases by +3 each time.Step 8: Add +3 to 19 (S) to get 22, which corresponds to V.Step 9: Analyse the third letters: 20 (T), 18 (R), 16 (P), 14 (N). This sequence decreases by 2 each time.Step 10: Subtract 2 from 14 (N) to obtain 12, which is L.Step 11: Combining these results, the missing term should be OVL. Verification / Alternative check: Checking against the options, only OVL appears and it matches the derived letters. If we extend each sequence with OVL included, the first letters become G, I, K, M, O with a difference of +2, the second letters J, M, P, S, V with a difference of +3, and the third letters T, R, P, N, L with a difference of -2. This consistent pattern confirms the correctness of OVL. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PUL, OUK, and PVM do not fit all three sequences simultaneously. They may satisfy one or two letter positions but fail at least one of the positional patterns. Because the series is defined by three strict arithmetic progressions, any candidate that breaks one of these cannot be the correct answer. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes check only one or two positions and overlook the third. Another issue is miscalculating numeric positions of letters or the increment pattern. A systematic step by step analysis of all three columns prevents such errors and leads to the correct triplet. Final Answer: The missing group of letters that completes the series is OVL.

Question 2

Consider the following repeating pattern of letters: abABABAB, ABabABAB, ABABabAB, ABABABab, abABABAB, ____. Which of the given options best represents the next term that follows this trend?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests pattern recognition in a sequence of letter strings where lower case and upper case letters alternate in a structured way. The given list is abABABAB, ABabABAB, ABABabAB, ABABABab, abABABAB, and we must predict the next term. Such mixed case patterns appear in logical reasoning questions to check whether a candidate can track positional changes beyond simple alphabet order. Given Data / Assumptions: Terms given: abABABAB, ABabABAB, ABABabAB, ABABABab, abABABAB, ? Each term has eight characters comprised only of a and b in upper or lower case. The pattern involves shifting the position of the lower case substring ab inside the eight character block. Options: ABABAbaB, abABABAB, ABabABAA, ABabABAB. Concept / Approach: We treat each term as a variant of the base pattern ABABABAB, where exactly one occurrence of ab appears in lower case while the rest remains uppercase AB. The key is to track the location of the lower case pair as it moves within the eight character sequence. Once this positional movement is identified, we can deduce the next location and thus the next term in the series. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Observe the first term abABABAB. The lower case ab appears at positions 1 and 2, followed by ABABAB in upper case.Step 2: In the second term ABabABAB, the lower case ab has moved to positions 3 and 4.Step 3: In the third term ABABabAB, the lower case ab appears at positions 5 and 6.Step 4: In the fourth term ABABABab, the lower case ab appears at positions 7 and 8.Step 5: In the fifth term abABABAB, the pattern repeats with lower case ab returning to positions 1 and 2, indicating a cycle of four positions.Step 6: After repeating the first term, the next logical step is to repeat the second term in the cycle, where the lower case ab appears at positions 3 and 4, that is ABabABAB. Verification / Alternative check: We can consider the sequence as a cyclic movement of the lower case block ab through four possible positions within ABABABAB. The order of positions is 1 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, 7 to 8, and then back to 1 to 2. The fifth term returns to the first position, so the sixth term must match the second position. Among the options, only ABabABAB matches this pattern exactly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The option ABABAbaB does not place ab as a clean lower case block in the same positions as any previous state and breaks the cycle. The option abABABAB simply repeats the fifth term, which is not the next state in the positional cycle. ABabABAA changes the last two letters away from the repeating AB pattern and therefore does not follow the original structure. Hence they are all inconsistent with the identified rule. Common Pitfalls: Many learners focus only on whether terms look similar without precisely tracking the positions of lower and upper case letters. Another common error is to assume that the pattern is random or to choose a term that simply looks like an earlier entry without following the cycle. Paying attention to exact positions of each case transition helps to avoid such mistakes. Final Answer: The term that correctly follows the given pattern is ABabABAB.

Question 3

In the three term alphabet series MNP, STV, YZB, ?, which of the following groups of letters should replace the question mark so that the underlying pattern of letter positions in the English alphabet is maintained?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem deals with a three letter alphabet series: MNP, STV, YZB, and a missing term. We must find the group of letters that continues the sequence logically. The puzzle tests understanding of fixed step increments and wrap around behaviour in the alphabet, concepts that are frequently examined in aptitude and reasoning sections of competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: Known terms: MNP, STV, YZB. Each term has three letters. The alphabet is considered cyclic, meaning after Z comes A. Options: GHJ, JKM, EFH, CDB. We assume a regular increment pattern for each letter position independently. Concept / Approach: The main idea is to map each letter to its numeric position and then examine how these numbers change from term to term for each of the three positions. By identifying a fixed step size that repeats, we can extend the pattern to find the next term. Since the sequence includes letters close to the end of the alphabet, we must also carefully handle wrap around when positions exceed 26. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert MNP to numbers: M(13), N(14), P(16).Step 2: Convert STV: S(19), T(20), V(22).Step 3: Convert YZB: Y(25), Z(26), B(2).Step 4: Observe the first letters: 13 (M), 19 (S), 25 (Y). Each transition adds 6: 13 + 6 = 19 and 19 + 6 = 25.Step 5: To find the next first letter, add 6 to 25: 25 + 6 = 31. Since the alphabet has 26 letters, subtract 26 to wrap around, giving 31 - 26 = 5, which corresponds to E.Step 6: Observe the second letters: 14 (N), 20 (T), 26 (Z). Here also the step is +6 each time.Step 7: Add 6 to 26: 26 + 6 = 32, and after wrap around 32 - 26 = 6, corresponding to F.Step 8: Observe the third letters: 16 (P), 22 (V), 2 (B). The step is again +6 modulo 26.Step 9: Add 6 to 2 to get 8, which is the letter H.Step 10: Combining these results, the next term is EFH. Verification / Alternative check: Checking the full pattern, we have first letters M(13), S(19), Y(25), E(5); second letters N(14), T(20), Z(26), F(6); and third letters P(16), V(22), B(2), H(8). In each case the step from one term to the next is +6 modulo 26. Among the options, only EFH fits this pattern exactly, confirming it as the right answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: GHJ, JKM, and CDB do not follow the +6 step for all three positions when placed after YZB. They would require inconsistent or incorrect increments in at least one position and therefore break the pattern. Hence they must be rejected in favour of EFH. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes ignore wrap around and treat Y to E as a random change, or they focus only on one of the three letters. Others may miscalculate numeric values near the end of the alphabet. Using modular arithmetic logic, where positions greater than 26 wrap back to the beginning, avoids these mistakes. Final Answer: The missing group that correctly completes the series is EFH.

Question 4

Find the next term in the alphanumeric series: 5G, 6H, 7I, 8J, ?. Which option correctly completes both the numerical and letter patterns in this sequence?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question involves an alphanumeric series, where each term combines a number and a letter: 5G, 6H, 7I, 8J, ?. We must extend the pattern. Such series require candidates to track changes separately in the numeric and alphabetic components, a common skill tested in many reasoning examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: Series: 5G, 6H, 7I, 8J, ? Each term has a positive integer followed by a single uppercase letter. The number component appears to increase stepwise. The letter component follows the order of the English alphabet. Options: 14K, 9K, 10K, 12K. Concept / Approach: We examine the numerical part and the letter part separately. For the numbers we check whether the difference between consecutive terms is constant. For the letters we check whether they follow alphabetical order with a specific step size. Once we identify both patterns, we combine the results to choose the correct answer term that satisfies both constraints simultaneously. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at the numeric part: 5, 6, 7, 8. This is a simple sequence increasing by 1 each time.Step 2: The next number after 8, following the same pattern, should be 9.Step 3: Now analyse the letter part: G, H, I, J. These correspond to positions 7, 8, 9, and 10 in the English alphabet.Step 4: The pattern is an increase of 1 in letter position each time: G to H, H to I, I to J.Step 5: The next letter after J (position 10) is K (position 11).Step 6: Combining both findings, the next term in the series should be 9K. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify the complete extension: 5G, 6H, 7I, 8J, 9K. Each step increments the number by 1 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) and the letter by 1 (G, H, I, J, K). Checking each option shows that only 9K adheres to both these patterns; the other numerical options 10, 12, or 14 disrupt the simple numeric progression. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The options 10K and 12K break the consecutive number pattern, which clearly advances one by one. The option 14K deviates even further and would jump too far from 8. Since the numeric sequence is strictly incremental by one, none of these alternatives can be correct despite having the letter K. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates focus only on the letters and ignore the numeric pattern, or they assume both parts must change with the same step size. Others may quickly select 10K simply because 10 is the next round looking number, but this does not match the strict numerical pattern. Analysing number and letter components separately prevents such mistakes. Final Answer: The correct term that completes the series is 9K.

Question 5

A simple decreasing alphabet series is given: Q, P, O, N, ?. Which letter of the English alphabet should replace the question mark to continue this pattern correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents a straightforward alphabetical series in reverse order: Q, P, O, N, ?. We must determine which letter comes next. Such problems test very basic familiarity with the sequence of English letters and the ability to recognise simple decreasing patterns. They are often categorised as easy level questions in alphabet tests. Given Data / Assumptions: Existing series: Q, P, O, N. The letters are consecutive in reverse alphabetical order. We are required to find the next letter after N when following the same pattern. Options: M, L, O, J. Concept / Approach: The concept is to observe whether the series moves forward (A to Z) or backward (Z to A) in the alphabet. Once the direction is identified, we simply continue the sequence by one step. Since each term is a single letter, there is no additional complexity or wrap around consideration here. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: List the letters with their positions: Q(17), P(16), O(15), N(14).Step 2: Observe that each term is one position less than the previous one, that is 17, 16, 15, 14.Step 3: The sequence therefore decreases by 1 at each step.Step 4: The next position after 14, when continuing this pattern, is 13.Step 5: The letter with position 13 in the English alphabet is M.Step 6: Hence, M should replace the question mark in the series. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by writing out the local segment of the alphabet: M, N, O, P, Q. Reading it from right to left gives Q, P, O, N, M, which matches the given series with M as the next letter. None of the other options fits the simple step of minus one from N(14) because O is 15, L is 12, and J is 10. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option O would reverse the decreasing pattern and go back to 15 instead of moving further down to 13. L and J are not immediate predecessors of N; they involve larger backward steps and therefore do not respect the exact pattern of subtracting 1 from the previous letter position. Common Pitfalls: Because the question is simple, some test takers overthink it or accidentally count the alphabet positions incorrectly. Others may confuse the direction and think in the forward sequence. Ensuring that the observed pattern is a consistent decrement of one position helps prevent such errors. Final Answer: The next letter in the series is M.

Question 6

Complete the alphabet series A, B, D, G, ?, P by choosing the option that correctly fills the missing term while maintaining the pattern of letter positions.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents an alphabet series with one missing letter: A, B, D, G, ?, P. The task is to determine the correct letter that fits into the series. This type of problem examines understanding of variable step size patterns in the English alphabet and prepares candidates for more complex series questions in reasoning tests. Given Data / Assumptions: Series: A, B, D, G, ?, P. All terms are single uppercase letters. The pattern likely involves increasing forward jumps that change in a regular way. Options: I, J, K, L. Concept / Approach: The technique is to convert each letter into its numeric position and then observe the differences between consecutive terms. Often, alphabet series use increasing step sizes, such as +1, +2, +3, and so on. By identifying this pattern, we can compute the missing term and then confirm that it leads correctly to the final term P. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert the letters to positions: A(1), B(2), D(4), G(7), ?, P(16).Step 2: Observe the differences between consecutive positions: from A(1) to B(2) is +1, from B(2) to D(4) is +2, and from D(4) to G(7) is +3.Step 3: The pattern so far is adding 1, then 2, then 3. It is natural to expect the next step to be +4.Step 4: Apply +4 to G(7). This gives 7 + 4 = 11, which corresponds to the letter K.Step 5: To verify further, continue the pattern by adding +5 after K. From K(11) plus 5 we get 16, which is P, the last letter of the given series.Step 6: This confirms a consistent pattern of increments: +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, leading to the sequence A(1), B(2), D(4), G(7), K(11), P(16). Verification / Alternative check: We can summarise the pattern as a series of triangular increments. The first difference is 1, the second is 2, the third is 3, the fourth is 4, and the fifth is 5. Calculating all terms using this rule reproduces the exact sequence that ends with P. None of the other options I, J, or L allows the final term P to be reached using a clean increasing step sequence of this form. Why Other Options Are Wrong: If we choose I(9) or J(10) as the missing term, adding a further larger step to reach P(16) would break the simple +1, +2, +3, +4, +5 pattern. Similarly, choosing L(12) would result in an incorrect starting position for the final step. Thus, these options are inconsistent with the elegant and regular increment scheme we identified. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may attempt to find a constant difference or may miscalculate the numeric values of letters. Others may jump directly to P without checking intermediate steps. Carefully writing the numeric positions and computing successive differences ensures that the correct pattern and missing letter are found without confusion. Final Answer: The missing letter in the series A, B, D, G, ?, P is K.

Question 7

Select the related group of letters to complete the analogy: ABDE : FGIJ :: IJLM : ?. Which option best represents the missing group so that the same alphabetic relationship holds on both sides?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is an analogy based on alphabetic transformations. We are given ABDE : FGIJ :: IJLM : ?, and must determine the second group of letters that stands in the same relationship to IJLM as FGIJ stands to ABDE. Such analogies test the ability to detect uniform shifts in letter positions and apply them consistently in a comparative setting. Given Data / Assumptions: First pair in the analogy: ABDE and FGIJ. Second pair: IJLM and an unknown group. We assume a fixed transformation, such as adding a constant number of positions to each letter. Options: NOQR, NOPQ, NMOP, NPQR. Concept / Approach: To solve the analogy, we first identify the exact transformation that converts ABDE into FGIJ by mapping each letter to its numerical position. Once we determine the step size, we apply the same transformation to each letter of IJLM. The correct option will be the group that matches the transformed letters exactly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert ABDE to positions: A(1), B(2), D(4), E(5).Step 2: Convert FGIJ to positions: F(6), G(7), I(9), J(10).Step 3: Determine the change for each corresponding letter: A(1) to F(6) is +5, B(2) to G(7) is +5, D(4) to I(9) is +5, and E(5) to J(10) is also +5.Step 4: The rule is therefore to add 5 to the position of each letter in the original group to get the new group.Step 5: Now convert IJLM into positions: I(9), J(10), L(12), M(13).Step 6: Add 5 to each position: 9 + 5 = 14 (N), 10 + 5 = 15 (O), 12 + 5 = 17 (Q), and 13 + 5 = 18 (R).Step 7: The resulting letters are N, O, Q, R, forming the group NOQR. Verification / Alternative check: We can quickly verify the mapping by rewriting both transformations: ABDE plus 5 positions gives FGIJ, and IJLM plus 5 positions gives NOQR. The transformation is uniform and consistent across all letters. Checking the options, only NOQR matches this exact sequence of letters, so it is the only valid choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options NOPQ, NMOP, and NPQR contain letters that would require different step sizes from at least one of the letters in IJLM. Since the analogy is based on a strict +5 transformation, any sequence that breaks this rule cannot represent the correct related group. Common Pitfalls: Some test takers may try to evaluate the options by approximate visual closeness to IJLM instead of calculating exact positional changes. Others may check only the first letter and ignore the rest. A reliable method is to translate all letters to numbers, determine the transformation precisely, and apply that transformation consistently to each letter in the second group. Final Answer: The group of letters that correctly completes the analogy is NOQR.

Question 8

From the given alternative words, select the word which can be formed using the letters of the word COMPANIONSHIP, assuming that each letter of the original word can be used only as many times as it appears there.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a word formation problem based on the letters of a longer word. The base word is COMPANIONSHIP, and we need to determine which of the options can be formed using its letters, following the rule that each letter can only be used as many times as it appears in COMPANIONSHIP. This type of problem tests accuracy in counting letters and recognising feasible combinations in verbal reasoning sections. Given Data / Assumptions: Base word: COMPANIONSHIP. We must respect letter frequencies exactly. Options: OPEN, OPIUM, OPINION, NATION. Letters in COMPANIONSHIP: C, O, M, P, A, N, I, O, N, S, H, I, P. Concept / Approach: We begin by counting how many times each letter appears in COMPANIONSHIP. Then for each option, we check whether all required letters appear in the base word with at least the necessary frequency. If any option requires a letter that is missing or requires more copies than available, it cannot be formed. The correct answer will be the option that satisfies all these constraints. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Count frequencies in COMPANIONSHIP. The letters occur as follows: C(1), O(2), M(1), P(2), A(1), N(2), I(2), S(1), H(1).Step 2: Examine OPEN. Required letters: O, P, E, N. The letters O, P, and N are present, but E does not appear anywhere in COMPANIONSHIP, so OPEN cannot be formed.Step 3: Examine OPIUM. Required letters: O, P, I, U, M. The letter U does not appear in the base word, so OPIUM cannot be formed.Step 4: Examine OPINION. Required letters: O, P, I, N, I, O, N. In terms of counts, this is O(2), P(1), I(2), N(2). COMPANIONSHIP contains O(2), P(2), I(2), and N(2), so all required letters are available with sufficient frequency.Step 5: Examine NATION. Required letters: N, A, T, I, O, N. The letter T is not present in the base word, so NATION cannot be formed. Verification / Alternative check: Having ruled out the other options due to missing letters, we confirm that OPINION is the only option that uses only existing letters and does not exceed the available counts. Double checking the counts shows no conflict, because COMPANIONSHIP has at least as many of each needed letter as OPINION demands. Why Other Options Are Wrong: OPEN fails because E is absent. OPIUM fails due to the missing letter U. NATION cannot be built because the letter T is not in COMPANIONSHIP. These violations of the letter pool rule make these words invalid choices for formation from the base word. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes overlook rare letters such as E, T, or U and assume that common looking words are always feasible. Another mistake is not counting repeated letters properly, especially when a word needs two copies of the same letter. Writing out the letter counts in a structured way prevents these errors and leads to a confident selection of the correct option. Final Answer: The only word that can be formed from COMPANIONSHIP is OPINION.

Question 9

In the alphabet pair series KV, LU, MT, ?, which of the following pairs of letters should replace the question mark to continue the pattern based on the positions of letters in the English alphabet?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question features a two letter alphabet series: KV, LU, MT, ?, and we must determine the next pair of letters. Each term is made of two capital letters, and the sequence is governed by a systematic change in their positions. This type of problem tests recognition of opposing movements in the alphabet, a common theme in reasoning questions involving letter pairs. Given Data / Assumptions: Known pairs: KV, LU, MT. Each pair consists of two letters. The first letters form one sequence, and the second letters form another. Options: NS, OS, OU, SN. Concept / Approach: The main idea is to convert each letter into its numeric position and look at changes separately for the first and second positions. Very often in such series, one letter sequence increases while the other decreases. Once we identify the step size for both sequences, we can extend them to find the missing pair that continues the pattern exactly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert the first letters: K(11), L(12), M(13). These values increase by 1 from term to term.Step 2: The next first letter after M(13), following the same pattern, should be 14, which is N.Step 3: Convert the second letters: V(22), U(21), T(20). These values decrease by 1 from term to term.Step 4: The next second letter after T(20), using the same pattern, should be 19, which is S.Step 5: Combining these results, the missing pair of letters is NS. Verification / Alternative check: The complete sequence of pairs becomes KV (11, 22), LU (12, 21), MT (13, 20), NS (14, 19). The first letter position advances 11, 12, 13, 14, and the second letter position retreats 22, 21, 20, 19. This confirms that NS fits perfectly into both arithmetic progressions and is the correct continuation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: OS would have the first letter O(15), which jumps by 2 instead of 1 from M(13). OU would keep the second letter increasing relative to T, violating the decreasing pattern. SN reverses the order of N and S and does not follow the systematic increase and decrease in their respective positions. Therefore, they cannot complete the series correctly. Common Pitfalls: Many learners treat the pair as a whole and do not separate the two positions. Others may remember roughly where letters are in the alphabet, but miscount exact positions. To avoid such mistakes, always analyse each position independently and verify that both parts of the pair adhere to the same symmetry or arithmetic rule. Final Answer: The pair that correctly continues the series is NS.

Question 10

In the letter series l m _ o _ n m _ l _ n _ _ n m l, which one set of letters, when placed sequentially in the blanks, will complete the pattern correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question provides a sequence of letters with several blanks: l m _ o _ n m _ l _ n _ _ n m l. We are asked to choose which six letter sequence, when inserted into the blanks in order, completes the pattern. This is a classic letter series completion problem in alphabet tests and evaluates the ability to detect underlying symmetry or repetition in a string of characters. Given Data / Assumptions: Base pattern with blanks: l m _ o _ n m _ l _ n _ _ n m l. There are six blanks to be filled in order. Options for the six letter sequence: molnon, nolmoo, nomloo, noolmm. All letters used are lower case: l, m, n, o. Concept / Approach: The approach is to fill the blanks with each candidate sequence and then inspect the resulting string for a logical and aesthetically regular pattern. A strong indicator of correctness is the presence of symmetry, repetition of a central block, or a palindromic structure. The correct completion should reveal a deliberate arrangement rather than an irregular mixture of letters. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Remove spaces and consider the base frame lm_onm_l_n__nml, where underscores represent blanks.Step 2: Insert option a) molnon into the blanks to get lmmoonmllnnonnml. This string looks irregular and does not display a clear repeated or symmetric pattern.Step 3: Insert option b) nolmoo to obtain lmnoonmllmnoonml. This string reads the same from left to right and right to left, forming a perfect palindrome.Step 4: Insert option c) nomloo and derive a sequence that is not symmetric and has uneven groupings.Step 5: Insert option d) noolmm and again observe a lack of clean symmetry or simple repetition.Step 6: Among all candidates, lmnoonmllmnoonml from option b shows the most structured arrangement, with the central segment ll acting as a mirror line for the repeating block lmnoonm on both sides. Verification / Alternative check: To verify the palindrome property of the string created by option b, we can compare letters from both ends: l matches l, m matches m, n matches n, o matches o, o matches o, n matches n, m matches m, and the central pair ll remains fixed. This symmetrical arrangement strongly suggests that the series was intended to form this mirrored pattern. No other option provides such an elegant and balanced result. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The sequences formed by filling options a, c, and d do not show a clear logical organisation and appear more random. There is no central symmetry or simple repeated block pattern. Since reasoning questions usually rely on systematic patterns rather than arbitrary strings, those completions are less plausible and therefore incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may try to guess the answer by eye without writing out the full string for each option. Others may look for local patterns instead of observing the entire global arrangement. A careful check that includes constructing the complete series and looking for symmetrical properties helps to reliably identify the correct sequence. Final Answer: The set of letters that correctly completes the series is nolmoo.

Question 11

In the alphabet pair series BT, DR, FP, ?, which of the following pairs of letters should replace the question mark so that the pattern of movement through the English alphabet is maintained?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The series BT, DR, FP, ?, is a two letter alphabet pattern where each position appears to change in a systematic way. The task is to identify the pair that completes the series. Such questions test understanding of simultaneous forward and backward movement in the alphabet and encourage a structured approach to analysing letter positions. Given Data / Assumptions: Given pairs: BT, DR, FP. Each term is made of two uppercase letters. The first letters B, D, F form one sequence and the second letters T, R, P form another. Options: HO, HN, NH, OH. Concept / Approach: The plan is to convert each letter into its numeric position and examine the changes in the first column and second column separately. Often, a simple arithmetic progression governs each column. Once the step is identified, we extend the sequences to obtain the missing pair, and then check which option matches those letters exactly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert the first letters: B(2), D(4), F(6). Each step increases by 2.Step 2: Apply this pattern to F(6). Adding 2 gives 8, which is the letter H.Step 3: Convert the second letters: T(20), R(18), P(16). Each step decreases by 2.Step 4: Apply this pattern to P(16). Subtracting 2 gives 14, which is the letter N.Step 5: Combining these results, the next pair should be HN. Verification / Alternative check: Write the extended series of first letters as B, D, F, H with positions 2, 4, 6, 8, and the second letters as T, R, P, N with positions 20, 18, 16, 14. Each column clearly forms an arithmetic progression with a common difference of +2 for the first column and -2 for the second column. Among the options, only HN appears and matches these derived letters, confirming its correctness. Why Other Options Are Wrong: HO would use O(15) as the second letter, which would require a decrease of 1 instead of 2 from P(16). NH and OH also reverse or disrupt the intended patterns for one or both letters. Because the series is defined by strict increments and decrements, any option that does not produce exactly H and N in the correct order cannot be accepted. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may try to relate the two letters within a pair without recognising that each column forms an independent series. Others may miscalculate positions of letters such as N or P. Keeping a clear mapping between letters and their positions and treating each column separately helps to avoid mistakes and leads to a confident solution. Final Answer: The correct pair that completes the series is HN.

Question 12

From the letters of the word HANDSOME, which one of the following words cannot be formed if each letter is used at most as many times as it appears in HANDSOME?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the alphabet test and word formation category in verbal reasoning. The task is to look at a given parent word, here HANDSOME, and decide which one of the option words cannot be formed by using its letters. The important hidden condition is that no letter may be used more times than it appears in the original word. This is a very common style of question in many aptitude and government examinations, and it tests careful observation and counting of individual letters rather than vocabulary knowledge alone. Given Data / Assumptions: • Parent word: HANDSOME • Letters in HANDSOME: H, A, N, D, S, O, M, E • Each of these letters appears exactly once in the word HANDSOME. • Option words: HATS, HOME, NAME, SAND • Assumption: For forming an option word, we may only use letters from HANDSOME, and no letter may be repeated more than its frequency in HANDSOME. Concept / Approach: The correct technique is to break each option word into its letters and check two things. First, every letter in the option must appear in the parent word HANDSOME. Second, the frequency of each letter in the option must not exceed the number of times that letter appears in HANDSOME. Since every letter in HANDSOME appears only once, no option is allowed to use any letter twice. If a word demands a letter that is completely absent in HANDSOME, or demands a repeated letter, that word cannot be formed. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the multiset of letters in HANDSOME as {H, A, N, D, S, O, M, E} with each letter available once. Step 2: Check option HATS. It needs H, A, T, S. Letters H, A, and S are present in HANDSOME, but the letter T does not appear anywhere in HANDSOME. Therefore, HATS cannot be formed. Step 3: Check option HOME. It needs H, O, M, E. All four letters H, O, M, and E are present once each in HANDSOME, so HOME can be formed. Step 4: Check option NAME. It needs N, A, M, E. All these letters N, A, M, and E are present in HANDSOME, so NAME can be formed. Step 5: Check option SAND. It needs S, A, N, D. All four letters S, A, N, and D are present in HANDSOME, so SAND can be formed. Step 6: The only option that breaks the rule is the one containing letter T, which is not available in the parent word. Verification / Alternative check: A quick verification method is to highlight or mark each letter of HANDSOME as it is used while trying to build each option word. For HOME, NAME, and SAND, you will be able to match every required letter. For HATS, you will eventually look for T and fail to locate it. Since there are exactly eight letters and no duplicates in HANDSOME, any option with even one new letter is automatically invalid. This confirms that HATS is the only impossible word among the given options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: HOME is wrong as the answer because all its letters appear in HANDSOME exactly once, so HOME can indeed be formed. NAME is wrong as the answer because N, A, M, and E all occur in HANDSOME, so NAME is a valid formation. SAND is wrong as the answer because S, A, N, and D are also available in HANDSOME and can form the word SAND. Common Pitfalls: Many learners forget to check for missing letters and focus only on word familiarity. Sometimes students mentally rearrange letters too quickly and overlook a missing character such as T. Another error is silently allowing repetition of a letter even when the parent word contains it only once. In this question, however, each letter in HANDSOME appears exactly once, so any option that needs a repeated letter or a new letter is automatically invalid. Working methodically and checking each letter avoids these mistakes. Final Answer: The only word that cannot be formed from the letters of HANDSOME is HATS, so the correct option is HATS.

Question 13

A series of three letter groups is given: ACE, FHJ, KMO, ? Choose the group of letters that correctly continues this pattern in the English alphabet.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem is a classical alphabet series question. We are given several groups of three letters and we must recognise the underlying pattern in their positions in the English alphabet. Once the pattern is discovered, we can extend it to find the missing group. Such questions test a candidate ability to work with letter positions, constant differences, and simple progression rules rather than language meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: • Given groups: ACE, FHJ, KMO, ? • Options: QRS, PRT, PRU, QRV • Alphabet positions: A 1, B 2, C 3, D 4, E 5, F 6, G 7, H 8, I 9, J 10, K 11, L 12, M 13, N 14, O 15, P 16, Q 17, R 18, S 19, T 20, and so on. • Assumption: The same pattern of jumps or differences should connect all groups consistently. Concept / Approach: We examine the positions of letters in each group separately for the first, second, and third letters. Often, alphabet series use a constant step size or a repeated pattern of steps for each column. If we can determine a fixed difference between successive groups for each column, we can apply that same difference to the last known group KMO to find the missing one. Checking all columns also helps confirm that we have discovered a reliable pattern rather than a coincidence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: First letters: A, F, K. Positions are 1, 6, and 11. The difference is +5 each time (1 to 6, 6 to 11). So the next first letter is 11 + 5 = 16, which is P. Step 2: Second letters: C, H, M. Positions are 3, 8, and 13. Again, the difference is +5 each time (3 to 8, 8 to 13). So the next second letter is 13 + 5 = 18, which is R. Step 3: Third letters: E, J, O. Positions are 5, 10, and 15. The same pattern holds: +5 each time (5 to 10, 10 to 15). So the next third letter is 15 + 5 = 20, which is T. Step 4: Therefore the next group is formed by letters P, R, and T, so the missing term is PRT. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can write the series with positions underneath: ACE is (1,3,5), FHJ is (6,8,10), and KMO is (11,13,15). Each coordinate increases by 5 when we go from one group to the next. Extending this pattern gives (16,18,20), which corresponds exactly to PRT. None of the other options matches the pattern of plus five for all three letters, which confirms that PRT is the only consistent continuation of the sequence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: QRS has positions (17,18,19), which does not maintain the constant +5 step from the previous group in any column. PRU has letters P, R, U with positions (16,18,21); the third letter position 21 breaks the +5 pattern that predicts 20. QRV gives positions (17,18,22); again the jumps from KMO are not all +5, so the pattern fails. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to look only at the first letters and find a partial pattern, then guess without checking the other two letters. Another common error is to misremember letter positions beyond N, leading to small counting mistakes. Writing the alphabet with positions on paper and carefully checking the differences column wise makes the logic clear and reduces careless errors. Final Answer: The group that correctly continues the series ACE, FHJ, KMO is PRT.

Question 14

A letter series is given as A, C, F, H, K, ? Based on the English alphabet, which letter should come next to continue the pattern correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This series question asks you to identify the rule that generates a sequence of single letters: A, C, F, H, K, and a missing term. Such problems are part of alphabet test in aptitude exams and they train you to think in terms of numerical positions of letters and alternating patterns of jumps rather than simply looking at the letters as sounds or words. Given Data / Assumptions: • Series: A, C, F, H, K, ? • Options: M, N, L, O • Alphabet positions: A 1, B 2, C 3, D 4, E 5, F 6, G 7, H 8, I 9, J 10, K 11, L 12, M 13, N 14, O 15. • We assume there is a consistent pattern of steps between successive letters. Concept / Approach: Many letter series use a repeating pattern of different step sizes. A common technique is to convert each letter to its numeric position and calculate differences between neighbouring terms. If these differences themselves follow a pattern, such as alternating or gradually increasing values, we can extend them to find the next letter in the sequence. Here we particularly look for a repeating pattern of two step sizes. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert letters to positions: A 1, C 3, F 6, H 8, K 11. Step 2: Find differences between successive terms: C minus A is 3 − 1 = 2, F minus C is 6 − 3 = 3, H minus F is 8 − 6 = 2, K minus H is 11 − 8 = 3. Step 3: The pattern of differences is therefore +2, +3, +2, +3 and so on, alternately. Step 4: Following this alternating pattern, the next difference after +3 should be +2 again. Step 5: Add 2 to the last position: 11 + 2 = 13. Position 13 in the alphabet is M. Step 6: So the missing term must be the letter M. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by writing the extended series with positions: 1 (A), 3 (C), 6 (F), 8 (H), 11 (K), 13 (M). The differences remain +2, +3, +2, +3, +2, which perfectly preserves the alternating jump pattern. None of the other options N, L, or O maintain this alternation when inserted at the end, because they would give differences of +3, +1, or +4, which breaks the observed regularity. This confirmation shows that M is the only valid continuation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: If we choose N (14), the last difference becomes 14 − 11 = 3, so the pattern of differences becomes +2, +3, +2, +3, +3, which breaks the alternation. If we choose L (12), the difference from K is only 1, which does not match either +2 or +3. If we choose O (15), the last jump is 4, which again is inconsistent with the established +2, +3 pattern. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes see a partial pattern such as increasing or random steps and guess quickly without fully checking the differences. Another error is to miscalculate positions of letters like H, K, or M, which lie around the middle of the alphabet. Writing down the positions and calculating the differences systematically helps prevent these mistakes and makes the alternating step pattern very clear. Final Answer: The correct letter to continue the series A, C, F, H, K is M.

Question 15

In the following pattern each term is a string of six capital X with one lowercase x: XxXXXXX, XXxXXXX, XXXxXXX, XXXXxXX, XXXXXxX, ? Which alphabet should replace the question mark to correctly continue the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem is a visual letter pattern question that uses capital X and a single lowercase x. The series appears as XxXXXXX, XXxXXXX, XXXxXXX, XXXXxXX, XXXXXxX, followed by a missing term. Although only one letter type is used, the key idea is the position of the lowercase x as it moves through the string of characters. Questions like this are common in non verbal or figure based reasoning, translated into letters. Given Data / Assumptions: • Terms given: XxXXXXX, XXxXXXX, XXXxXXX, XXXXxXX, XXXXXxX, ? • Each term has six capital X and one lowercase x, for a total length of seven characters. • Options: xXXXXXX, XxXXXXX, XXXXXXx, XXxXXXX. • Assumption: The number of characters remains seven and exactly one lowercase x appears in each term. Concept / Approach: We focus on the movement of the single lowercase x from term to term. In many such patterns, a special symbol travels from left to right (or right to left) in a fixed step. By indexing the positions inside each term, we can describe precisely where the lowercase x stands and how it shifts. Once the direction and step size are clear, we can predict the position in the missing term and then select the corresponding option that matches this position. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Label positions in each seven character term from 1 to 7 from left to right. Step 2: For the first term XxXXXXX, the lowercase x appears at position 2. Step 3: In the second term XXxXXXX, the lowercase x is at position 3. Step 4: In the third term XXXxXXX, the lowercase x has moved to position 4. Step 5: In the fourth term XXXXxXX, it stands at position 5, and in the fifth term XXXXXxX, it stands at position 6. Step 6: We see that in each successive term, the lowercase x moves one position to the right. Step 7: Therefore, in the sixth term, the lowercase x should be at position 7, at the far right, with all previous characters capital X. Step 8: The resulting string is XXXXXXx. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can write the positions of lowercase x as a simple numeric series: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ?. The obvious continuation is 7, which corresponds to the last position. Among the options, only XXXXXXx has the lowercase x in position 7 and capital X everywhere else. Options like xXXXXXX or XxXXXXX either place the lowercase x at position 1 or return to position 2, which would break the smooth rightward movement observed in the earlier terms. Why Other Options Are Wrong: xXXXXXX has the lowercase x at position 1, which reverses the direction and does not continue the forward march to the right. XxXXXXX repeats the first term and therefore does not represent the next step after XXXXXxX. XXxXXXX repeats the second term and again breaks the strictly increasing position pattern. Common Pitfalls: Some test takers count the number of X rather than the position of the lowercase x, or they expect the pattern to wrap around to the left without checking whether that behaviour is consistent with earlier terms. It is also easy to miscount the position in seven character strings. Counting carefully and treating each term as a position sequence avoids these mistakes. Final Answer: The correct continuation of the pattern is XXXXXXx.

Question 16

A letter series of three letter groups is given as LOP, MPQ, NQR, ORS, ? Which of the following groups of letters correctly continues this pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Here we have a three letter series question in which each successive group of letters seems to be shifting in the alphabet. The groups are LOP, MPQ, NQR, ORS, followed by a missing term. Such questions test the ability to recognise consistent alphabetic shifts column wise for the first, second, and third letters of each group, and then extend that logic. Given Data / Assumptions: • Given groups: LOP, MPQ, NQR, ORS, ? • Options: QTU, QST, PST, PTU • Alphabet positions: L 12, M 13, N 14, O 15, P 16, Q 17, R 18, S 19, T 20, U 21. • We assume a uniform rule that applies across all three letters of each group. Concept / Approach: The most efficient approach is to look at each position in the triplet separately. We consider the sequence of first letters, then the sequence of second letters, then third letters. If each column follows a simple progression such as plus one, plus two, or some other constant step, we can apply that step once more to obtain the next group. This column wise analysis reduces confusion that can arise by looking only at whole groups. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: First letters of the groups: L, M, N, O. Their positions are 12, 13, 14, 15, so each step is +1. Step 2: Therefore, the next first letter should be position 16, which is P. Step 3: Second letters: O, P, Q, R have positions 15, 16, 17, 18. Again, the step is consistently +1. Step 4: The next second letter after R at position 18 is S at position 19. Step 5: Third letters: P, Q, R, S have positions 16, 17, 18, 19, also with a step size of +1. Step 6: The next third letter after S (19) is T (20). Step 7: Combine the predicted letters: P for the first position, S for the second, and T for the third. The next group is PST. Verification / Alternative check: We may rewrite the series numerically, grouping positions as triples: LOP is (12,15,16), MPQ is (13,16,17), NQR is (14,17,18), ORS is (15,18,19), and the next must be (16,19,20). Converting back to letters gives PST. This matches exactly one of the options and fully respects the column wise +1 pattern. No other choice maintains simple increments of one for all three columns at each step. Why Other Options Are Wrong: QTU has first letter Q, which would jump from O (15) to Q (17), breaking the single step pattern for the first column. QST and PTU similarly fail to preserve the consistent +1 increments across all three positions when checked carefully. Common Pitfalls: Some students only track the first letters and assume any option with the correct first letter is acceptable without verifying the second and third letters. Others miscount positions in the alphabet, especially for letters after P. Doing a clean column wise breakdown and numeric check prevents such errors and makes the underlying pattern obvious. Final Answer: The correct continuation of the series LOP, MPQ, NQR, ORS is PST.

Question 17

In the following question, a series of three letter groups is given: C A E, F D H, I G K, ? Select the group of letters that best continues this pattern based on positions in the English alphabet.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is another alphabet series problem where each term consists of three letters separated by spaces. The series is C A E, F D H, I G K, followed by a missing term. The task is to find a consistent relationship between corresponding letters of successive terms and then extend that relationship to obtain the next group. It is a direct test of your ability to translate letters into numeric positions and recognise fixed step patterns across columns. Given Data / Assumptions: • Series: C A E, F D H, I G K, ? • Options: L J N, O M Q, K L M, P O N • Alphabet positions: A 1, C 3, D 4, E 5, F 6, G 7, H 8, I 9, J 10, K 11, L 12, M 13, N 14, O 15, P 16. • Assumption: Each column of letters follows a uniform arithmetic progression in terms of positions. Concept / Approach: We treat each triplet as three separate sequences running in parallel. The first letters form one sequence, the second letters another, and the third letters a third sequence. If each of these sequences follows a consistent step pattern, we can extend them simultaneously to build the next triplet. This approach helps avoid confusion and provides a systematic framework for solving multi letter series questions. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: First letters: C, F, I. Positions are 3, 6, and 9. The difference between each pair is +3. Step 2: Extend the first letter sequence: 9 + 3 = 12, which is L. Step 3: Second letters: A, D, G. Positions are 1, 4, and 7. Here also the difference is +3 each time. Step 4: Extend the second letter sequence: 7 + 3 = 10, which is J. Step 5: Third letters: E, H, K. Positions are 5, 8, and 11. Again, the step is +3 each time. Step 6: Extend the third letter sequence: 11 + 3 = 14, which is N. Step 7: Combining the three predicted letters gives L J N as the missing term. Verification / Alternative check: We can list the triplets with numeric positions grouped by columns: first column (3,6,9,12), second column (1,4,7,10), and third column (5,8,11,14). Each column is clearly an arithmetic progression with common difference +3. Converting the final column entries back to letters yields L for 12, J for 10, and N for 14, which matches option L J N. No other option maintains a +3 increment in all three columns. Why Other Options Are Wrong: O M Q does not fit because its first letter O is position 15, which would represent a +6 jump from I, breaking the +3 pattern. K L M would move the first letter backward from I to K (11), which is inconsistent with repeated forward jumps of +3. P O N breaks both the first and second letter sequences when converted to positions. Common Pitfalls: One common error is to look for a single relationship among all three letters taken together, rather than breaking them into separate columns. Another is to miscalculate a position or a difference, which then leads to a wrong pattern. Writing the positions and checking differences systematically ensures you spot the correct arithmetic progression and avoid guesswork. Final Answer: The group of letters that correctly continues the series is L J N.

Question 18

A two letter series is given as AY, CW, EU, ? Based on the English alphabet, which pair of letters should come next to continue this pattern correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a letter pair series: each term consists of two letters, and we have AY, CW, EU, followed by a missing pair. Alphabet test questions like this check whether the candidate can simultaneously track patterns in both the first and the second letters using their numeric positions in the alphabet and a consistent rule for movement. Given Data / Assumptions: • Series: AY, CW, EU, ? • Options: GS, HS, GR, HR • Alphabet positions: A 1, C 3, E 5, G 7, Y 25, W 23, U 21, S 19, R 18, H 8. • Assumption: The first letters form one pattern, and the second letters form another pattern, both regular. Concept / Approach: We treat the first and second letters of each pair as separate sequences. For each sequence we compute the numeric positions and then the differences between terms. If these differences are constant or follow a predictable structure, we extend them to find the next term. The key idea is to notice that the first letters are moving forward in the alphabet while the second letters move backward with equal step sizes. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: First letters: A, C, E. Positions are 1, 3, and 5. Step 2: The differences between these are +2 (1 to 3) and +2 (3 to 5). So the first letter is moving forward by 2 positions each time. Step 3: Extend first letter sequence: 5 + 2 = 7, which is G, so the next first letter should be G. Step 4: Second letters: Y, W, U. Positions are 25, 23, and 21. Step 5: Differences are −2 (25 to 23) and −2 (23 to 21). So the second letter is moving backward by 2 positions each time. Step 6: Extend second letter sequence: 21 − 2 = 19, which is S. So the next second letter should be S. Step 7: Combining both predictions, the missing pair is GS. Verification / Alternative check: We can check symmetry: while the first letters progress A, C, E, G (positions 1,3,5,7), the second letters regress Y, W, U, S (positions 25,23,21,19). Each time we go to the next term, the first letter advances by two and the second letter retreats by two. Among the options, only GS fits this pattern. Other pairs such as HS, GR, or HR either break the +2 or the −2 rule for one of the positions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: HS uses H as the first letter, position 8, which is a jump of +3 from E instead of the required +2. GR uses R as the second letter position 18, which would be a movement of −3 from U instead of −2. HR breaks both column rules and therefore does not align with the observed pattern. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes track only one letter in each pair and ignore the other, leading to choices that partly match but do not satisfy the full pattern. Another pitfall is miscounting backward steps when going from Y to W to U, especially because it involves moving from the tail end of the alphabet. Converting letters into their numeric positions and noting plus or minus steps in a small table helps avoid these mistakes. Final Answer: The correct pair that continues the series AY, CW, EU is GS.

Question 19

In the following question, which one set of letters, when sequentially placed in the gaps in the series a_b_a_c_a_bc, will complete the letter pattern correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents an incomplete sequence of letters with several blanks and asks which sequence of letters should be inserted, in order, to complete the pattern. The given base series is a_b_a_c_a_bc and we need to choose a five letter string that fills the underscores to create a meaningful and consistent pattern. Such problems test attention to local patterns and repetition in letter arrangements rather than pure alphabetic progression. Given Data / Assumptions: • Base pattern: a_b_a_c_a_bc • There are five blanks to be filled in order from left to right. • Options (five letter fills): bccbb, bcbca, cabca, acbcb • After substitution the final string must show a stable internal pattern, not just random letters. Concept / Approach: The approach is to try each option as a candidate fill and then inspect the resulting complete string for a simple, repeatable structure. We look for repeated blocks, symmetry, and a clear rule such as alternating positions with a certain letter. A correct option usually creates a sequence that can be seen as repeated chunks or a smooth transformation, while an incorrect option gives a more chaotic or inconsistent arrangement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the base framework with positions: a _ b _ a _ c _ a _ b c. Step 2: Insert option a) bccbb into the blanks, left to right. Step 3: The complete string becomes abbcaccbabbc. Step 4: Now examine the pattern in blocks of four letters: abbc, accb, abbc. The first block abbc is repeated in positions 1 to 4 and 9 to 12, with the middle block accb showing a similar structure where the two middle letters are both c. Step 5: The sequence now displays a controlled repetition where the outer letters of each four letter block are a and c or a and c like combinations, and the b and c in the middle shift in a regular way, indicating a designed pattern instead of randomness. Step 6: Try the other options quickly. With bcbca, cabca, or acbcb, the resulting full strings do not produce a neat repetition of blocks and give more irregular transitions. Step 7: Therefore, the option that yields a stable, repeated block pattern is bccbb. Verification / Alternative check: A different way to verify is to note that, after filling with bccbb, positions 1 to 4 and 9 to 12 are identical (abbc and abbc), which is a strong sign of a deliberate pattern. The central part accb nicely mirrors the same outer letters a and b while flipping middle characters to c, maintaining visual and positional regularity. None of the other candidates generate such clean, repeated four letter segments, which makes bccbb the unique consistent completion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b) bcbca results in abbcabccaabc, where the blocks do not repeat cleanly and the internal structure appears irregular. Option c) cabca gives acbaabccaabc, breaking symmetry between beginning and ending segments. Option d) acbcb produces aabcabccabbc, which also lacks clear repeating four letter blocks and therefore seems arbitrary. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates simply test the first few characters and stop, without looking at the entire resulting string. Others try to force an alphabetic progression where the question is actually about repeating patterns of short letter blocks. It is important to fill all blanks with each option and then scan the full sequence for repetition and symmetry before deciding. Final Answer: The set of letters that completes the pattern a_b_a_c_a_bc is bccbb.

Question 20

In the following pattern of seven letter strings AAAAAaA, AAAAaAA, AAAaAAA, AAaAAAA, AaAAAAA, ? a single lowercase a appears in a different position each time. Which of the following terms correctly comes next?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a simple position based pattern involving one lowercase a among capital A letters. The given terms are AAAAAaA, AAAAaAA, AAAaAAA, AAaAAAA, AaAAAAA, followed by a missing term. We must determine where the lowercase a should appear in the next term. Such problems focus on positional shifts rather than arithmetic operations on letter values. Given Data / Assumptions: • Terms: AAAAAaA, AAAAaAA, AAAaAAA, AAaAAAA, AaAAAAA, ? • Each term has length seven and contains exactly one lowercase a, all other letters being capital A. • Options: aAAAAAA, AAAAAAa, AAAAAaA, AAAAaAA • Assumption: The lowercase a moves one position at a time from right to left or left to right in a systematic way. Concept / Approach: We number positions in each seven letter string from left to right. The only informative element is the position of the lowercase a, so we track how this position changes as we move from term to term. Recognising whether the position shifts leftward or rightward by one position at each step allows us to predict its location in the missing term and choose the correct string from the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Label positions 1 to 7 from left to right in each term. Step 2: In the first term AAAAAaA, the lowercase a is at position 6. Step 3: In the second term AAAAaAA, the lowercase a is at position 5. Step 4: In the third term AAAaAAA, the lowercase a is at position 4. Step 5: In the fourth term AAaAAAA, the lowercase a is at position 3. Step 6: In the fifth term AaAAAAA, the lowercase a is at position 2. Step 7: We see the lowercase a moving left by one position at each step: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and so the next must be 1. Step 8: If the lowercase a stands at position 1, all remaining six characters from positions 2 to 7 must be capital A, giving aAAAAAA. Verification / Alternative check: The numeric pattern of positions of the lowercase a is a clear decreasing sequence: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, ?. The natural continuation is 1. Among the options, only aAAAAAA has the lowercase a in the first position, with all other letters capital A. Choices like AAAAAAa place the lowercase a at the last position and would imply a direction reversal that is unsupported by earlier terms. Why Other Options Are Wrong: AAAAAAa places the lowercase a at position 7, moving it from position 2 directly to the opposite extreme, which does not match the one step left shift pattern. AAAAAaA and AAAAaAA simply repeat earlier terms where the lowercase a was at positions 6 and 5; those are already in the series and cannot represent the next new step. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes students focus on counting the number of capital As rather than the exact position of the lowercase a, missing the clear and simple leftward motion. It is also easy to miscount positions, especially if you do not write them under the letters. Marking each position clearly and listing positions of the special symbol as a separate sequence helps keep the reasoning accurate. Final Answer: The correct next term in the series is aAAAAAA.

Alphabet Test Questions