Question 1

Fill the blanks with one ordered 5-letter string to complete the series: cc_ccbc_accbcc_c_b_.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This verbal-reasoning item asks you to choose one 5-letter sequence that, when inserted left-to-right into the blanks, produces a coherent letter-run using the alphabet subset {a, b, c}. Such questions test pattern discovery, chunking of micro-blocks, and verification across all blanks. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: c c _ c c b c _ a c c b c c _ c _ b _ Options (5 letters each) to be placed in order: acacc, abacc, ababc, aabcc. Goal: produce a smooth sequence with recurring sub-blocks (e.g., cc, cbc, acc, bcc) and no contradictions. Concept / Approach: The visible fragments suggest tiling of “cc”, “cbc”, and “acc/bcc” motifs. We test each candidate by inserting its letters in sequence and checking whether the completed string preserves these micro-blocks without creating stranded or clashing bigrams (like “ba” at awkward joints). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert “abacc” at the blanks sequentially. The early region “cc_ab…” yields “ccab…”, which cleanly transitions into “…ccbc…”.2) Mid-string, the “a” and “b” placements bridge “…_accbcc…” into “…aaccbcc…”, preserving characteristic “acc” and “bcc” tiles used throughout.3) Later positions maintain the same texture, producing “c…b…” joints that match the skeleton’s alternation of b and c around stable cc cores.4) Alternative candidates introduce clashes: e.g., “ababc” creates repeated “bab” or “abc” at positions that disrupt the cc/cbc clusters; “aabcc” generates excessive “aac/abcc” clumps; “acacc” misaligns a critical mid transition. Verification / Alternative check: After insertion, re-scan the entire line to confirm that the sequence features recurring units like cc, cbc, acc, and bcc in positions the skeleton suggests. The “abacc” fill keeps these intact across all joints. Why Other Options Are Wrong: acacc: Creates awkward “cac” at a boundary where “cbc/acc” is expected. ababc: Produces “bab” collisions that break the c-centric texture. aabcc: Over-weights “a” near “cc” zones, distorting repeated cc-anchored tiles. Common Pitfalls: Checking only the first or last blank. You must place all five letters and verify every joint for coherence. Final Answer: abacc

Question 2

Choose the 4-letter string that completes the pattern: _stt_tt_tts_.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We must insert one ordered 4-letter option into the blanks to yield a consistent s/t pattern that repeats short motifs. The string features clusters “stt” and “tts” that hint at overlapping triplets. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: _ s t t _ t t _ t t s _ Options: tsst, sstt, ttst, tsts (letters used in order). Concept / Approach: Look for a fill that supports rolling triplets like “s t t” and “t t s” without breaking adjacency when overlaps occur. The candidate should produce a smooth alternation of single s’s introducing or trailing blocks of t’s. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Try “s s t t”. Place s at blank1: s s t t s… aligns two leading s’s into a natural preface before a “tt”.2) Continue: inserting s at blank2 preserves “…stt s tt…”.3) Insert t at blank3 to maintain “…tt t tt s…”.4) Insert t at blank4 to complete the tail “…tts t”, leaving well-formed “stt/tts” overlaps. Verification / Alternative check: Read the finished line with sliding windows of length 3 and note the recurrence of “stt” and its rotation “tts”. Why Other Options Are Wrong: tsst / ttst / tsts: Each creates at least one local inversion (e.g., “tst”) that breaks the intended triplet overlaps in the mid-segment. Common Pitfalls: Matching only the first blank; always confirm all four placements. Final Answer: sstt

Question 3

Insert one ordered 4-letter set to complete the pairwise pattern: ac_ga_eg_ce_.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The string shows two-letter pairs separated by underscores: ac, ga, eg, ce, with four blanks. The task is to select one 4-letter sequence to fill these blanks in order so that all adjacent pairs exhibit a consistent cyclic relation. Given Data / Assumptions: Visible pairs: a–c, g–a, e–g, c–e. Options to place in sequence: dbag, ecag, deag, ebdg. Concept / Approach: Observe that the right letter of one pair becomes the left letter of the next (…c → ga; a → eg; g → ce). This forms a cycle c → a → g → e → c. We therefore want the inserted letters to continue this cycle smoothly at each joint. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) The cycle c→a→g→e suggests linking letters d and e as neutral bridges while preserving the “a-c-g-e” loop.2) Testing “deag”: placing d, e, a, g in the four blanks yields joints that keep the c–a–g–e turns intact and align the mid-sequence overlaps.3) Alternative candidates create mismatched turns (e.g., “dbag” pushes b into positions that disrupt the c→a or a→g transitions). Verification / Alternative check: Read the finished line and confirm that consecutive bigrams rotate through the cycle c–a–g–e without contradiction. Why Other Options Are Wrong: dbag / ecag / ebdg: Each introduces at least one joint where the expected next pair is broken (e.g., c→b or a→c interruption). Common Pitfalls: Focusing only on individual pairs; you must track how each pair hands off to the next one. Final Answer: deag

Question 4

Fill with one ordered 4-letter string to complete the run: ac_bacc_a_cba_cb.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sequence is built from the letters a, b, c with stable tiles like “ac”, “bacc”, and “cba”. We must insert one 4-letter option to realize a coherent concatenation of these tiles. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: a c _ b a c c _ a _ c b a _ c b Options (4 letters each): cbcc, cbbc, caac, bbcb. Concept / Approach: We look for a fill that (i) closes “ac_ba” into “acb a…”, (ii) keeps “bacc” intact, and (iii) bridges into “…cba…” without creating clashes like “aa” or “bbb” where the pattern favors alternating around c. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Try “cbbc”: insert c then b to obtain “ac c b a c c…”, which keeps “acc” and then “bacc” contiguous.2) The third letter b sustains the b-centered mid segment, and the fourth letter c prepares the handoff into “cba”.3) Alternatives introduce inconsistencies: “cbcc” yields over-stacked c’s; “caac” creates double a’s in a sensitive zone; “bbcb” leaves an early b-b congestion that breaks the “ac/bacc” cadence. Verification / Alternative check: Re-scan to see standard sub-blocks “ac”, “bacc”, “cba” appearing with clean joints. Why Other Options Are Wrong: cbcc: Too many consecutive c’s mid-run. caac: Produces “aa” misfit across an “ac/ca” boundary. bbcb: Forces b-clusters that mute the required c-anchors. Common Pitfalls: Greedy local fits that ruin later obligatory tiles like “cba”. Final Answer: cbbc

Question 5

Insert one ordered 5-letter string to complete the pattern: _c_ca_ab_bc_.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The skeleton shows overlapping bigrams “c_”, “_c”, “ca”, “ab”, “bc” from the alphabet subset {a, b, c}. We must pick a 5-letter fill that restores the intended repeating chain. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: _ c _ c a _ a b _ b c _ (5 blanks) Options: abcac, babca, ccabb, acbba. Concept / Approach: We expect a cyclic run “…a→b→c→a→b→c…”. The best fill should yield recognizable overlaps like “ab”, “bc”, and “ca” at the designated joints without stutters. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert “a b c a c” in order.2) Early blanks form “…a c c a…”, aligning into “…a c | c a…”, then “…a b…”, then “…b c…”, producing the target overlaps.3) Other options either double consonants at bad spots (“ccabb”), invert transitions (“acbba”), or misalign the mid “ab→bc” hinge (“babca”). Verification / Alternative check: Scanning with bigram windows shows “ca”, “ab”, and “bc” occurring in the right places. Why Other Options Are Wrong: babca: Misplaces the early transition and collides with the “c_” start. ccabb: Over-concentrates c’s and breaks the ab/bc alternation. acbba: Creates “bb” mid-sequence, which the skeleton does not support. Common Pitfalls: Not tracking how each blank affects the adjacent bigrams on both sides. Final Answer: abcac

Question 6

Fill with one ordered 5-letter string: _bcab_a_cab_a_c.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a straightforward completion task where only one option has the required length to fill all blanks. We must still verify that it produces smooth overlaps consistent with “bcab” and “cab” tiles. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: _ b c a b _ a _ c a b _ a _ c Number of blanks: 5. Options lengths: acbcb (5), aabc (4), bbca (4), abac (4). Concept / Approach: Only “acbcb” can populate all five blanks. We still check adjacency to ensure it doesn’t break the visible “bcab / cab” motifs. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert a, c, b, c, b into the five blanks left-to-right.2) The resulting joints produce “…a b c a b c a c a b c a b a c…”, which keeps “bcab” and “cab” intact at their anchor positions.3) Shorter options cannot fill all blanks; therefore they are invalid by format. Verification / Alternative check: Scan for any doubled letters that would contradict the skeleton’s alternation—none occur. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They have only 4 letters and cannot fill 5 blanks, violating the problem’s structure. Common Pitfalls: Not counting blanks before choosing. Final Answer: acbcb

Question 7

Complete the repeating block pattern by filling one 4-letter string: H_JH_IJHHI_HH_JH. Choose the set of four letters that, when placed in order, yields a consistent repeating sequence.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem features a letter sequence with missing letters in multiple positions. The aim is to identify a short repeating block and supply a single 4-letter fill that restores the repeated pattern across the entire string. Such items test pattern discovery and global consistency checks, not just local neighbor-matching. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: H _ J H _ I J H H I _ H H _ J H We must choose one 4-letter sequence to replace the blanks in order (blank1 → blank2 → blank3 → blank4). Concept / Approach: Scan for a likely repeating unit. The visible chunks “H J H” and “I J H H I” suggest the motif HIJH or a near variant. If the complete string decomposes into HIJH blocks, each four-letter segment should read H, I, J, H cyclically. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Try to enforce HIJH as the repeating block: H I J H | H I J H | H I J H | H I J H.2) Fill blank1 with I to get the first full block HIJH starting at position 1.3) Fill blank2 with H so that the next letters maintain the cycle H I J H | H…4) Fill blank3 with I so the mid-run becomes …H I J H H I J H… consistent with repeated HIJH.5) Fill blank4 with J to complete the final HIJH block at the tail.6) The four inserted letters in order are I, H, I, J → “IHIJ”. Verification / Alternative check: After insertion, segment the line into four-letter groups: HIJH | HIJH | HIJH | HIJH. Each block matches perfectly, confirming uniform periodicity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: IHJI / HIHI / HJHJ: Each produces at least one block with broken order or doubled letters at the wrong positions, destroying the clean HIJH repetition. Common Pitfalls: Solvers often fill blanks greedily (matching immediate neighbors) and miss the four-letter macro-cycle. Always hypothesize a block, then test the entire string for global fit. Final Answer: IHIJ

Question 8

Fill the gaps to complete the reverse–then-forward alphabet pattern: ZYX_W_YZZ_XWWXY_. Choose the 4-letter string that correctly fills all blanks in order.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Letter-series completion tasks measure a candidate’s ability to detect simultaneous local and global patterns in alphabetic runs. This item has a visible “descending then ascending” motif, with four blanks to be filled by one ordered 4-letter string chosen from the options. Given Data / Assumptions: Visible skeleton: Z Y X _ W _ Y Z Z _ X W W X Y _ English alphabet order; wrap-around is not required. One option (a 4-letter sequence) must fill the 4 blanks in order. Concept / Approach: The string begins with a strict reverse run Z, Y, X, then appears to pivot toward a forward movement (…W, X, Y, Z…). Many classic constructions mirror around a central turn. Hypothesis: the missing letters are precisely the forward block W, X, Y, Z to transition cleanly from the reverse segment into an organized forward cluster that repeats locally. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert W at blank1 to complete the reverse tail: Z, Y, X, W.2) Insert X at blank2 to begin a forward push: …W, X, Y, Z…3) Insert Y at blank3 to continue the forward quartet near Z Z: …Y, Z, Z, X…4) Insert Z at blank4 so the tail reads …W, W, X, Y, Z with smooth local symmetry.Resulting string: Z Y X W W X Y Z Z X W W X Y Z. Verification / Alternative check: Read through the finished line: the early Z→Y→X descent passes into an overlapping forward cluster W→X→Y→Z that reappears as interlocking sub-blocks (…W X Y Z… and …X W W X Y Z…), which is typical of exam patterns that splice a clean forward run into a reverse-to-forward hinge. Why Other Options Are Wrong: WYXZ / WXZY / XYZW: Each scrambles the pure forward W→X→Y→Z order. Those permutations introduce local inversions (e.g., Y before X) that break the intended hinge from reverse to forward. Common Pitfalls: Many solvers focus on only the immediate neighbors of each blank and miss the overarching “reverse then forward” dual structure. Always test a candidate fill across all blanks and scan the entire line for clean runs. Final Answer: WXYZ

Question 9

Complete the decreasing-by-two letter series with missing letters: ZX_TR_NLJ_FD_. Choose the 4-letter string that correctly fills the blanks.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a classic alphabet series problem featuring uniform backward steps. The letters descend by a fixed interval, and the task is to identify the exact missing letters that preserve the pattern from left to right. Given Data / Assumptions: Visible skeleton: Z X _ T R _ N L J _ F D _ We assume a consistent negative step size (backward movement) and standard alphabet order. Concept / Approach: Look for a constant difference between consecutive visible letters. From Z to X is −2 and from T to R is −2. If the rule is consistent, the entire chain should decrease by 2 each time. We then fill every blank using the same −2 step. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Start at Z (26). Apply −2 repeatedly: Z→X→V→T→R→P→N→L→J→H→F→D→B.2) Map to the skeleton: Z X V T R P N L J H F D B.3) Extract the missing letters in order of blanks: V, P, H, B.4) Concatenate: VPHB. Verification / Alternative check: Re-scan the finished sequence to ensure every adjacent pair is −2: Z→X→V→T→R→P→N→L→J→H→F→D→B. All intervals are correct, so the fill is validated. Why Other Options Are Wrong: VRHB: The second letter R implies Z X V T R … which would skip P (violates uniform −2 at that location). UPJB: U is −1 from V (off by one), and P/J/B placements misalign the strict −2 rhythm. VPJB: J appears where H is required; again, interval mismatches occur. Common Pitfalls: Common errors include mixing a −1 or −3 step at one of the blanks or forgetting letters between large jumps (like R→N). Always chart the entire descent to keep the −2 consistency intact. Final Answer: VPHB

Question 10

Choose the 7-letter string that completes the pattern: _b_baaabb_a_ _bb_a_.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This series uses only a and b with visible clusters like “baaabb” and “bb”. We must insert one 7-letter option to make all segments align without creating contradictions like “aaaa” or “bbbb”. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton (spaces show groups): _ b _ baaabb _ a _ _ bb _ a _ Options (7 letters): abbaaba, ababbaa, babaaba, baabaab. Concept / Approach: We look for a candidate whose internal sub-blocks (e.g., “baa”, “aab”, “abb”) naturally splice into “…baaabb…” and later “…bb…a…”. Among classical patterns, “baabaab” often tiles cleanly with “baa/ab/abb” overlaps. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert “b a a b a a b” left-to-right across the seven blanks.2) Early joints reinforce “…b b…” then “…baaabb…”, preserving the long middle cluster.3) Later joints align with the “…bb…” and final “…a” anchors without producing quadruple runs.4) Other options tend to create inversions (e.g., “…abab…” near “baaabb”) or misplace a double-b that splits the central cluster. Verification / Alternative check: Rescan with sliding windows to ensure that the prominent “…baaabb…” appears exactly once and that the fill does not fragment it. Why Other Options Are Wrong: abbaaba / ababbaa / babaaba: Each introduces at least one conflicting junction that either splits the “baaabb” core or produces an excessive run of identical letters. Common Pitfalls: Optimizing for the first gap only; the critical constraint is preserving the “baaabb” core. Final Answer: baabaab

Question 11

Pick the ordered 4-letter string to complete the pattern: ab_x_za_cxy_abcx_z.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The sequence interleaves motifs from {a, b, c, x, y, z}: “ab…”, “…za…”, “…cxy…”, “…abcx…”, “…z”. We must place one 4-letter option into the blanks to produce standard sub-runs like “abc”, “cxy”, and “xyz”. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: ab _ x _ za _ cxy _ abcx _ z Options: cybzy, cxbzy, cyczy, bybzy. Concept / Approach: The best candidate should (i) close “ab_” into “abc”, (ii) set up “…za b…”, (iii) complete “cxy_” into “cxyz”, and (iv) let the tail realize “…abcx y… z”. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert “c x b z y”.2) “ab + c” → “abc”; next blank “+ x” produces “…x…”, handing off to “…za b…”.3) The third letter “b” yields “…zab…”, a standard bridge into “cxy…”.4) The fourth letter “z” completes “cxyz”, and the residual “y” aligns with “…abcx y… z”. Verification / Alternative check: Observe canonical clusters: “abc”, “zab”, “cxyz”, and “…abcx y…z”. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They cause local inversions (e.g., “cyc…”) or disrupt the “cxy→cxyz” completion. Common Pitfalls: Not accounting for the long tail “abcx_z”. Final Answer: cxbzy

Question 12

Letter series completion: BCFG, JKNO, RSVW, what comes next? Choose the group of four letters that logically follows the given pattern.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests recognition of alphabetic letter-series patterns where each term is a 4-letter block following a consistent intra-block rule and a consistent jump between blocks. Spotting both the within-block spacing and the block-to-block progression is essential for accuracy. Given Data / Assumptions: Series: BCFG, JKNO, RSVW, ? We assume standard English alphabet order with wrap-around allowed (Z to A) if required. Concept / Approach: The key is to analyze (1) the pattern inside each 4-letter block and (2) how the blocks progress. Within every block, the letter jumps follow +1, +3, +1. Between blocks, the starting letter advances by a fixed step across blocks. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Inspect block 1 (BCFG): B->C = +1, C->F = +3, F->G = +1. So inside-block rule: +1, +3, +1.2) Check block 2 (JKNO): J->K = +1, K->N = +3, N->O = +1. The same rule holds.3) Check block 3 (RSVW): R->S = +1, S->V = +3, V->W = +1. Again, the rule holds.4) Determine starting letters across blocks: B (2), J (10), R (18). Each step is +8. Next start = 18 + 8 = 26 => Z.5) Apply inside-block rule from Z with wrap-around: Z +1 = A; A +3 = D; D +1 = E.6) Thus the next block is Z A D E. Verification / Alternative check: Confirm the +8 jump in starts continues B→J→R→Z and the inside-block +1, +3, +1 applies uniformly, including Z→A wrap-around. Both checks pass, so ZADE is validated. Why Other Options Are Wrong: HIKL: Does not continue the +8 starting-letter jump from R. STUX: Starts at S (+1 from R), not +8, and violates the intra-block spacing. MNPQ: Starts at M (−4 from R), not +8; internal steps don’t match +1, +3, +1. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often spot only the internal +1, +3, +1 but miss the +8 jump between starting letters, or vice versa. Others forget alphabet wrap-around when moving past Z. Always test both dimensions of the pattern and consider modular wrap-around. Final Answer: ZADE

Question 13

Letter progression: dem, fgo, hiq, ____ — identify the next 3-letter term that continues the established pattern.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This verbal reasoning problem involves recognizing a uniform shift across multiple positions in a 3-letter sequence. Such items assess the ability to detect consistent positional increments in the alphabet and replicate them to predict the next term. Given Data / Assumptions: Series: dem, fgo, hiq, ? Alphabet indexing is standard (a=1, b=2, …, z=26), with linear forward movement and no wrap-around needed here. Concept / Approach: Check whether each of the three letter positions follows the same step size from one term to the next. If all positions advance by a constant amount, apply it again to find the next 3-letter block. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Compare term1 → term2: d→f (+2), e→g (+2), m→o (+2).2) Compare term2 → term3: f→h (+2), g→i (+2), o→q (+2).3) The pattern is consistent: each position increases by +2 across successive terms.4) Apply +2 to term3 (hiq): h→j, i→k, q→s ⇒ jks. Verification / Alternative check: Reconstruct the series forward: dem (+2) → fgo (+2) → hiq (+2) → jks. All three tracks (first, second, third letters) obey +2 consistently, confirming the result. Why Other Options Are Wrong: jkt: Third letter t is +3 from q, breaking the +2 rule. ikp: First letter i is only +1 from h; third letter p is −1 from q. klt: First letter k is +3 from h, not +2; others also deviate. Common Pitfalls: It is easy to check only the first letter and assume the rest match. Always verify all positions. Also beware of accidental +1/+3 slips when scanning quickly; maintain a consistent +2 tracking for each column. Final Answer: jks

Question 14

Which ordered set of letters, placed into the blanks in sequence, completes the series? C D_E_D D_C D_E

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a “fill the gaps with a chosen ordered set” type of letter-series question. Unlike inserting independent letters, here we must take one option (four letters, given with spaces for readability) and place its letters into the blanks in the exact left-to-right order to make the entire sequence coherent. Given Data / Assumptions: Base pattern with underscores: C D _ E _ D D _ C D _ E One ordered 4-letter sequence must be inserted sequentially at the four blanks. Concept / Approach: Look for recurring micro-motifs like “C D E D” or “D C D E” that can tile the string with minimal conflict. The visible fragments “C D” at the start and “D _ E” at the end suggest a symmetric completion using D and E around C to form repeating triplets/quartets. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Test option “D C E D”. Place D at the first blank: C D D E …2) Place C at the second blank to get C D D E C D, which exhibits a smooth C–D–E movement.3) For the third blank (in “D _ C”), insert E so it becomes D E C, keeping the earlier D–E pattern intact.4) For the final blank (in “D _ E”), insert D so the tail becomes D D E, aligning with the motif near the start.5) The full string reads consistently with repeating C/D/E ordering when the placements are applied as D, C, E, D. Verification / Alternative check: Quickly re-scan for contradictions such as doubled letters that violate adjacency logic or broken small runs. The completed sequence maintains a coherent interleaving of C, D, and E. Why Other Options Are Wrong: C D C D: Produces clumps that block the needed E insertions at two locations. D C C C: Overloads Cs, breaking the visible D–E alternations. D D D C: Forces long D runs and a single C tail, inconsistent with central fragments. Common Pitfalls: Many test takers fit the first two blanks but fail to check the last two positions. Always place all four letters and then re-check the entire sequence. Final Answer: D C E D

Question 15

Complete the series by selecting one ordered 4-letter set to fill the blanks: H__J H__I J H H I__H H__J H

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Here we again place a single ordered 4-letter option into four blanks to restore a global repeating structure. The pattern is closely related to the HIJH cycle, a common building block in letter-series problems that repeat a 4-letter motif. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: H _ _ J H _ _ I J H H I _ _ H H _ _ J H Letters must be inserted in order from the chosen option. Concept / Approach: Based on the mix of visible H, I, and J, a natural hypothesis is the HIJH repeating cycle. The goal is to verify which choice placed left-to-right yields blocks that align with HIJH across the line without contradictions. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Try option “I H I J”.2) Insert I at the first blank, giving H I _ J, which is consistent with HIJH (expecting HIJH…).3) Insert H at the second blank to complete H I H J; nearby letters then support leading into H I J H in the next segment.4) Insert I at the third blank (in the H__I zone), maintaining …H I J H / H I… continuity.5) Insert J at the fourth blank in the latter part, closing the final HIJH block. Verification / Alternative check: After all placements, segment the completed string and confirm you can partition it (with overlaps) into HIJH groups. The option “I H I J” uniquely preserves this across all four insertions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: I H J I: Swaps the last two letters, breaking the tail closure. H I H I / H J H J: These produce alternating pairs but fail to synchronize the visible J and I anchors into HIJH blocks. Common Pitfalls: Filling early blanks by local fit and neglecting the later overlaps. Always test all four placements end-to-end and look for a single repeating macro-motif. Final Answer: I H I J

Question 16

Choose the 5-letter set to complete: Which one set of letters when sequentially placed at the gaps completes the series? s – n x – m n x – m n – s m – x

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We insert a 5-letter sequence (with spaces in options for readability) into five gaps to maintain a repeating arrangement among {m, n, s, x}. The visible skeleton cycles through bigrams like “s–n”, “x–m”, and “n–s”. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: s – n x – m n x – m n – s m – x Options (ordered fills): “m s s x n”, “n x y m s”, “n m x x n”, “s m n x x”. Concept / Approach: Because only {m, n, s, x} appear in the skeleton, any option containing “y” is immediately invalid. We then test remaining candidates to preserve the repeating micro-blocks “…s n…”, “…x m…”, “…n s…”, “…m x…”. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Reject “n x y m s” due to “y”.2) Trial “m s s x n” yields joints that realize the sequence of pairs “…s n | x m | n x | m n | s m | x…”.3) Other choices introduce doubled letters at the wrong boundaries (e.g., “…x x…” mid-run) or break the “x→m” and “m→n/s” handoffs. Verification / Alternative check: Rescan with sliding bigrams and confirm the target pair set recurs in the correct order. Why Other Options Are Wrong: n m x x n / s m n x x: Force “x x” or “n x x” clusters that contradict the alternation visible in the skeleton. Common Pitfalls: Keeping only local adjacency without preserving the whole run of bigrams. Final Answer: m s s x n

Question 17

Complete the long alternating pattern by choosing one ordered 6-letter set: _ c b _ c a _ b a c b _ c a _ b a c _ d.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a dense placement problem with six blanks and a target alphabet {a, b, c, d}. The skeleton already contains a, b, c in a rhythm; the chosen option must introduce d’s at precise points while preserving the interleaving of a, b, c. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: _ c b _ c a _ b a c b _ c a _ b a c _ d Options (as 6 letters, spaced for readability): “b a d d d b”, “b b b d d d”, “a d d d d b”, “a d d b b b”. Concept / Approach: We must place d sparingly so that c–b and b–a alternations are not destroyed. Over-insertion of d (e.g., four or more in a row) tends to break the repeating bigrams already present in the host string. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Test “a d d b b b”: leading “a” closes the early “_ c b” into “a c b”, a natural motif.2) The two d’s in the middle create necessary transitions at positions that do not collide with “c b” and “b a” pairs.3) The trailing b b b consolidates the “…c a _ b a c…” zone without overloading d at the tail where a set “…_ d” is already present.4) Alternatives either overload d (four or more, causing disruptions) or place b’s where an a/c handoff is required. Verification / Alternative check: Walk the final line with bigram windows and confirm intact cycles among a, b, c while d appears as controlled pivots. Why Other Options Are Wrong: b a d d d b / b b b d d d / a d d d d b: Each creates excessive d density, breaking established a/b/c alternations. Common Pitfalls: Counting letters but not testing bigram continuity. Final Answer: a d d b b b

Question 18

Fill the blanks to complete: a _ b a _ b _ b _ a _ b.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a binary alphabet pattern (a/b) with five blanks. The goal is to sustain the recurring “a b a / b …” rhythm without generating quadruple repeats or broken alternations. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: a _ b a _ b _ b _ a _ b (5 blanks). Options: abaab, aabba, bbabb, abbab. Concept / Approach: We search for an option that (i) forms “a b a” near the start, (ii) keeps a double-b cluster only where the skeleton already demands it (“…b b…”), and (iii) closes the tail “…a _ b” neatly. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert “a b b a b” left-to-right.2) Early segment becomes “a a b a…”, then mid-sequence supports the required “…b b…” cluster.3) The tail resolves as “…a b”, preserving the alternation cadence.4) Other options either break the mid “bb” requirement or create awkward “aa…” runs at wrong locations. Verification / Alternative check: Rescan with 2-letter windows to confirm “ab/ba” alternation and one intended “bb” cluster. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They misplace the double-b or create “aa”/“bbb” sequences where the skeleton does not support them. Common Pitfalls: Fitting the first three blanks only; the crucial constraint is the mid “…bb…” region. Final Answer: abbab

Question 19

Choose a 4-letter ordered set to complete: m _ m _ am _ a _.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We must place four letters into a short skeleton using {a, m}. The visible clusters include “m m” and “am”, suggesting the motif “ma/ma”. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: m _ m _ a m _ a _ (4 blanks). Options: amam, ammm, amaa, mama. Concept / Approach: A natural completion is to alternate m and a to form repeating “ma” blocks while preserving the fixed “am” already present. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert “m a m a”.2) This yields “…m m m a a m m a a…”, aligning multiple “ma” transitions and keeping the given “am” intact.3) Other options either over-concentrate m’s (“ammm”), create long a-runs (“amaa”), or misplace alternation (“amam”). Verification / Alternative check: Scan for consistent “m→a→m→a” alternation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They introduce triple m’s or double a’s that are not implied by the skeleton. Common Pitfalls: Choosing by majority letter rather than alternation logic. Final Answer: mama

Question 20

Fill the blanks with an ordered 4-letter set: b b _ a a b _ c a a b _ c a _.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The alphabet subset is {a, b, c} with a strong presence of “bb”, “aa”, and “ab/ba” alternations. We must fill four blanks so the sequence keeps recurring “ab”, “bc”, and “ca” joints without introducing heavy triple runs. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: b b _ a a b _ c a a b _ c a _ (4 blanks). Options: abbc, bcab, cbba, acab. Concept / Approach: We prefer a fill that (i) ends the initial “bb_aa” zone with “bc” or “ba” that blends into “…aab…”, (ii) supplies “c a” transitions, and (iii) closes “…c a _” neatly. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert “b c a b”.2) The first blank “+ b” after “bb” keeps a controlled b-cluster and leads into “…aab…”.3) The mid “+ c” and “+ a” reinforce “…b c a a b…”, a common pattern.4) The final “+ b” at the tail yields “…c a b”, maintaining the a→b progression and avoiding triple repeats. Verification / Alternative check: Check bigram flow: “…bb|ba/ab…”, “…ab|bc…”, “…ca|ab”. Why Other Options Are Wrong: abbc / cbba / acab: Each causes at least one misaligned joint (e.g., “aac”, “cbb”, or “aca”) that contradicts the alternation implied by the skeleton. Common Pitfalls: Repairing the head but breaking the tail; always check all four insertions. Final Answer: bcab

Letter and Symbol Series Questions