Question 1

Alphabet series with repeating step pattern – fill the last two letters: Z, Y, X, U, T, S, P, O, N, K, ?, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Here the alphabet sequence mixes small and larger backward steps, repeating a short cycle. Recognizing the cycle and continuing it yields the final two letters. Given Data / Assumptions: Sequence: Z, Y, X, U, T, S, P, O, N, K, ?, ? We must find the last two letters. Concept / Approach: Convert letters to positions and examine pairwise differences. A common motif is a cycle like −1, −1, −3 repeated throughout. Check whether this holds from the beginning and, if so, apply it to the tail. Step-by-Step Solution: Z(26) → Y(25): −1; Y(25) → X(24): −1; X(24) → U(21): −3.U(21) → T(20): −1; T(20) → S(19): −1; S(19) → P(16): −3.P(16) → O(15): −1; O(15) → N(14): −1; N(14) → K(11): −3.The cycle −1, −1, −3 repeats perfectly. Continue it: K(11) → J(10): −1; J(10) → I(9): −1. Verification / Alternative check: Mapping all steps confirms three complete repetitions of the −1, −1, −3 motif, and the final application gives J then I without any conflict. Why Other Options Are Wrong: H, G or I, H break the exact step-by-step cycle visible across the entire sequence. H, I skips the necessary intermediate −3 that would follow after two −1 steps elsewhere in the pattern. Common Pitfalls: Losing track of the repeating 3-step cycle and trying to invent a new rule at the end. Final Answer: J, I

Question 2

Cyclic alphabet shift by a fixed step – find the next letter: U, B, I, P, W, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a single-rule cyclic alphabet progression. Each term is obtained from the previous one by adding a fixed step size with wrap-around at Z. Detecting that constant step gives the immediate next letter. Given Data / Assumptions: Sequence: U, B, I, P, W, ? Alphabet positions: A=1, …, Z=26 with modular wrap. Concept / Approach: Compute forward steps between consecutive letters using modular arithmetic. If the step remains constant, apply it once more to the last letter to get the answer. Step-by-Step Solution: U(21) → B(2): forward step = +7 (since 21 + 7 = 28 → 2 after wrapping by 26).B(2) → I(9): +7.I(9) → P(16): +7.P(16) → W(23): +7.Therefore apply +7 again: W(23) + 7 = 30 → 4 = D. Verification / Alternative check: Every gap is consistently +7 modulo 26. The pattern is linear and unambiguous, so the next letter must be D. Why Other Options Are Wrong: F (+11), Q (+? from W), Z (+3), E (+? from W) all deviate from the fixed +7 rule. Common Pitfalls: Treating the steps as absolute without wrap-around, which makes U→B seem inconsistent; modular counting resolves it. Final Answer: D

Question 3

Complete the letter pair sequence by identifying the next pair. Series: AI, BJ, CK, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a classic letter-pair sequence question from verbal reasoning. Each pair follows a position-based pattern in the English alphabet. The task is to decode how the first and second letters of each pair progress and then extend the pattern to find the next pair. Given Data / Assumptions: Given series of pairs: AI, BJ, CK, ? Alphabet positions used (A=1, B=2, …, Z=26). Exactly one pair continues the discovered pattern. Concept / Approach: Treat each component of the pair (the first letter and the second letter) as an independent sequence. Determine the step for the first letters and the step for the second letters, then apply those steps to produce the next pair. Step-by-Step Solution: First letters: A → B → C → ? (each step +1). So the next first letter is D. Second letters: I → J → K → ? (each step +1). So the next second letter is L. Combine results: the next pair is D + L = DL. Verification / Alternative check: Check consistency: (A,B,C,D) and (I,J,K,L) are both strictly consecutive runs. No irregularities appear, confirming DL fits uniquely. Why Other Options Are Wrong: .DM: Does not match the +1, +1 progression and contains an invalid leading character. GH: First letter would jump from C→G (+4) and second from K→H (−3), breaking the pattern. LM: First letter would be L instead of D, and second M instead of L; both violate the +1 steps. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up the two tracks (first vs. second letters) or looking for alternating or skipping patterns when a simple +1 progression explains the data. Final Answer: DL

Question 4

Fill in the blanks with letters to complete the repeating pattern. Pattern: _ stt _ tt _ tts _

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem asks you to insert letters into four blanks so that the entire string follows a consistent, repeating pattern of s and t clusters. Such questions test visual pattern recognition and string sequence reasoning frequently used in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: Template: _ stt _ tt _ tts _ Options provide four letters to fill the four blanks in order. Only one option should create a smooth, internally consistent repetition. Concept / Approach: Identify recurring blocks such as "stt", "tt", and "tts". The goal is to choose letters so that adjacencies form sensible clusters without creating impossible doubles or breaking a growing/alternating motif. Step-by-Step Solution: Consider option "tsst" mapped to the four blanks sequentially. Substitute: t stt s tt s tts t. Now scan clusters: we see a plausible alternation of single letters around stable blocks "stt", "tt", and "tts". No illegal or contradictory junctions arise. Testing other options leads to awkward or broken transitions like stranded doubles or inconsistent growth in cluster sizes. Verification / Alternative check: Re-check by inserting each of the other options. They introduce either repeated conflicts (e.g., forced tt at odd junctions) or disrupt the visible rhythm of the base blocks. "tsst" remains the smoothest continuation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: tsts: Produces clashing joins that break the emergent cadence around “tt” and “tts”. ttst: Forces heavy tt merges in places that destroy the staggered feel of the sequence. sstt: Introduces double s joins that do not align with the recurring clusters. Common Pitfalls: Judging only locally (one blank at a time) instead of checking the global effect across all clusters. Final Answer: tsst

Question 5

Complete the alternating letter string by filling the blanks in order. Series: gfe _ ig _ eii _ fei _ gf_ ii

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is an alphabetic pattern-completion puzzle. The given letters repeat in intertwined strands. Your job is to insert five letters (from one option) into the five blanks in order so the overall sequence maintains its interleaving logic. Given Data / Assumptions: Base: gfe _ ig _ eii _ fei _ gf_ ii Options each contain 5 letters, to be placed left-to-right in the blanks. The final string should show smooth local transitions and a consistent weave of mini-patterns like gf→e, fei→, and eii→. Concept / Approach: Look for micro-motifs: “gfe”, “fei”, and “eii” recur and are often separated by single-letter links. Choose the option that sustains these micro-motifs without collisions (e.g., impossible bigrams) and preserves symmetry. Step-by-Step Solution: Insert the candidate letters of "ifgie": gfeiigfeiigfeiegfiii. Check local joins: gfe|i|ig, g|f|eii, i|g|fei, i|e|gf, i|ii. These transitions keep recurring chunks intact and avoid awkward letter clashes. Verification / Alternative check: Try the other choices; they create broken joins (e.g., repeated i merges or lost “gf” formations). "ifgie" uniquely retains the gfe / fei / eii interplay. Why Other Options Are Wrong: eifgi: Misplaces links and interrupts the gfe→ig handoff. figie: Overloads g-i adjacency and loses symmetry with eii blocks. ifige: Produces uneven spacing that breaks the fei repeats. Common Pitfalls: Focusing only on the first few blanks; the best option must validate every junction across all five placements. Final Answer: ifgie

Question 6

Fill in the blanks so that the pattern of a’s and b’s remains consistent. Series: _ a _ b _ abaa _ bab _ abb

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: You must select a five-letter sequence to fill five blanks and produce a coherent alternating pattern built around repeating substrings with a/b. These puzzles test recognition of hidden symmetry and block repetition. Given Data / Assumptions: Template: _ a _ b _ abaa _ bab _ abb Exactly one option placed left-to-right in the blanks preserves the observed alternation and block repetition. Concept / Approach: Observe anchor blocks “abaa”, “bab”, “abb”. The blanks must bridge these anchors without causing illegal double merges (like too many consecutive a’s/b’s) or breaking the rhythm of alternation. Step-by-Step Solution: Insert "ababb": a a b b a abaa b bab b abb. Scan joins: Each anchor is preserved, and transitions between them remain regular without forcing triple-consecutive identical letters in wrong places. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute other options; they force either extra merges (aaa or bbb) in awkward spots or disrupt the stable blocks “abaa/bab/abb”. Why Other Options Are Wrong: aaabb: Causes heavy identical runs that clash with anchor spacing. babab: Breaks adjacency harmony near “abaa”. babba: Misaligns the final “abb” anchor. Common Pitfalls: Not checking each junction where a blank meets an anchor; that is where most inconsistencies appear. Final Answer: ababb

Question 7

Choose the four-letter sequence to complete the pattern. Series: abca _ bcaab _ ca _ bbc _ a

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem involves restoring a repeating motif formed by the letters a, b, and c. The right completion must preserve the internal blocks like "abca", "bcaab", and "bbc" without creating impossible joins. Given Data / Assumptions: Pattern skeleton: abca _ bcaab _ ca _ bbc _ a There are four blanks to be filled by a four-letter option in order. Concept / Approach: Detect the rolling presence of “abca” and “bca” motifs and ensure that the inserted string produces smooth overlaps while retaining “bbc” near the end. Step-by-Step Solution: Insert "abac": abca|a|bcaab|a|ca|b|bbc|a|a. The joins remain natural: “abca” repeats neatly, then “bcaab” and “ca” are respected, and “bbc” is untouched. Verification / Alternative check: Other choices create congestion (e.g., c merges) or misalign the “bca” clusters, breaking the recognizable motif. Why Other Options Are Wrong: ccaa: Overloads c near “bca” joins. bbaa: Warps the “abca/bca” cadence. abba: Misplaces b near the “bbc” anchor. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring anchor blocks at the end; the correct fill must preserve “bbc”. Final Answer: abac

Question 8

Insert the letters to maintain the cyclic order among r, s, t, u. Series: _ tu _ rt _ s _ _ usrtu _

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The letters r, s, t, u tend to appear in cyclical subsequences. Your task is to fill seven blanks (from a seven-letter option) to sustain that cycle without introducing impossible adjacencies. Given Data / Assumptions: Schematic: _ tu _ rt _ s _ _ usrtu _ We must preserve the ending block “usrtu” and ensure the cycle before it transitions smoothly into it. Concept / Approach: Favor fills that create r→s→u→r→t type rotations and avoid doubled letters that do not appear elsewhere in the skeleton. The concluding “usrtu” acts as a strong anchor. Step-by-Step Solution: Insert "rsurts": r tu s rt u s r s usrtu s. The lead-in to “usrtu” becomes consistent and no duplicate contradictions appear at boundaries. Verification / Alternative check: Test other options; they introduce double r merges or displace the expected order right before “usrtu”. Why Other Options Are Wrong: rtusru / rsutrr / rsurtr: Each creates at least one awkward adjacency or breaks the smooth link into “usrtu”. Common Pitfalls: Not aligning the pre-anchor segment with the fixed “usrtu” tail. Final Answer: rsurts

Question 9

Choose the five letters to complete the pattern of a’s and b’s. Series: _ _aba _ _ ba _ ab

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This string-completion task involves inserting five letters into a template built around mini-blocks like “aba” and “ba”. The correct option must maintain consistent alternation while preserving these blocks. Given Data / Assumptions: Framework: _ _aba _ _ ba _ ab Five blanks; one five-letter option placed left-to-right must fit globally. Concept / Approach: Use the anchors “aba” and “ba” as guides. Valid solutions avoid triple letters and support a-b alternations surrounding the anchors. Step-by-Step Solution: Insert "abbab": a b aba b b ba b ab. Read-through shows intact anchors and regular alternation, with no contradictory triple merges. Verification / Alternative check: Testing other choices reveals collisions (e.g., “bbb”) or misalignment with the final “ab” close. Why Other Options Are Wrong: abbba / baabb / bbaba: Each forces either heavy repeats or spoils anchor integrity. Common Pitfalls: Checking only the first or last two blanks; the middle anchors are decisive for correctness. Final Answer: abbab

Question 10

Fill the blanks so that the b-dominant runs and final “abbb” motif remain consistent. Series: c _ bbb _ _ abbbb _ abbb _

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This pattern centers on long b runs (“bbb”, “abbbb”, “abbb”) with occasional a/c separators. We must insert five letters to preserve these heavy-b anchors and keep transitions legal. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton: c _ bbb _ _ abbbb _ abbb _ Anchors: “bbb”, “abbbb”, “abbb” must be preserved. We add exactly five letters in order. Concept / Approach: We look for fills that (1) avoid breaking the long b runs, and (2) avoid introducing extra letters that split “abbbb” or “abbb”. Step-by-Step Solution: Insert "abacb": c a bbb a c abbbb b abbb b. The main b-heavy anchors remain intact; small separators a/c occur where needed for smooth joins. Verification / Alternative check: Try other options; they either split “abbbb” or fail at the tail near “abbb”. Why Other Options Are Wrong: aabcb / abccb / baebb: Each creates an undesirable break in a long b-run or mismatches the final joins. Common Pitfalls: Accidentally inserting letters that break “abbbb,” the strongest anchor in the middle. Final Answer: abacb

Question 11

Insert the five letters to complete the pattern without breaking the anchors. Series: _ bbca _ bcca _ ac _ a _ cb

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Another anchor-based completion: substrings like “bbca”, “bcca”, and “ac…cb” must be preserved. We insert five letters to keep those anchors intact and create smooth joins. Given Data / Assumptions: Template: _ bbca _ bcca _ ac _ a _ cb Five blanks, one five-letter option, placed sequentially. Concept / Approach: Favor fills that maintain “bbca” then “bcca”, and finally produce a clean “ac…a…cb” ending, avoiding triple-letter collisions. Step-by-Step Solution: Insert "bacab": b bbca a bcca b ac a a cb. The anchors are preserved in order, and joins remain consistent without forced breaks. Verification / Alternative check: Competing fills either break “bcca” or leave an untidy tail before “cb”. Why Other Options Are Wrong: abeba / acbab / bcaajb: Each damages at least one anchor or creates awkward double a/b clusters at boundaries. Common Pitfalls: Not checking the last two joins; the final “…a _ cb” part is especially sensitive. Final Answer: bacab

Question 12

Complete the pattern by inserting four letters to maintain symmetry and anchors. Series: a _ bbc _ aab _ cca _ bbcc

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: A final a/b/c template puzzle using anchors like “bbc”, “aab”, “cca”, and “bbcc”. We must insert four letters to keep the internal structure and produce clean transitions. Given Data / Assumptions: Pattern: a _ bbc _ aab _ cca _ bbcc Four blanks; choose one four-letter sequence that preserves the anchors. Concept / Approach: Look for a fill that lightly separates anchors with single letters while avoiding triple runs. The aim is to respect “bbc” → “aab” → “cca” → “bbcc”. Step-by-Step Solution: Insert "acba": a a bbc c aab a cca a bbcc. The joins are neat: a|bbc, c|aab, a|cca, a|bbcc, with no broken anchors. Verification / Alternative check: Other fills scramble the joins—either fusing anchors or inserting letters that fracture them. Why Other Options Are Wrong: bacb / abba / caba: Each introduces at least one problematic join around “aab” or “cca”. Common Pitfalls: Treating each blank independently instead of validating the entire chain of anchors. Final Answer: acba

Question 13

Letter-fill pattern puzzle: Complete the sequence so it follows a consistent grouped pattern of a's, b's, and c's.  Given string with four blanks: cccbb _ aa _ cc _ bbbaa _ c  Choose the option that supplies the four missing letters (left to right) …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reasoning question asks you to fill four letter-blanks so that the overall string exhibits a clear and internally consistent pattern. Such sequences often hide a repeated structure when you group identical letters together or scan the string from left to right looking for cycles like c → b → a or their repeats. Given Data / Assumptions: Template (four blanks, filled left to right): cccbb _ aa _ cc _ bbbaa _ c Options provide a 4-letter sequence to insert into the four blanks in order. Only letters a, b, and c appear; aim for a smooth grouped pattern without abrupt breaks. Concept / Approach: The visible groups suggest a repeating idea: runs of the same letter in balanced clusters. A natural target is to make groups of three where possible (ccc, bbb, aaa, etc.) because the start already shows ccc and there are long b and a runs later. Test each option by substituting its letters into the four blanks (left to right) and then examine whether the resulting string forms clean groups and a sensible repeating cycle. Step-by-Step Solution: Start with the skeleton: cccbb _ aa _ cc _ bbbaa _ cTry option 'baca': place b, a, c, a in the 4 blanks.After the 1st blank: cccbbb → cccbbb (now a tidy group of three b’s).Then 'aa' + 2nd blank 'a': → aaa (another tidy group of three a’s).Then 'cc' + 3rd blank 'c': → ccc (again a clean triplet of c’s).Then 'bbbaa' + 4th blank 'a': → bbbaaa (three b’s followed by three a’s).Finally the closing 'c' remains as the start of the next possible triplet. Verification / Alternative check:bbb aaa ccc bbbaaa c. We repeatedly obtain neat triplets: ccc, bbb, aaa, ccc, then a combined group bbbaaa (three b’s followed by three a’s). This produces the most coherent and rhythmic grouping among the answer choices, aligning with the evident motif of forming triple clusters wherever possible. Why Other Options Are Wrong: aebe: introduces 'e', which breaks the alphabet restriction and the grouping pattern. baba: creates uneven clusters and disrupts the emerging triplets (you lose the systematic ccc/bbb/aaa cadence). acba: injects letters in an order that fractures clean triplets and yields jagged transitions. Common Pitfalls: Filling blanks greedily without checking the global effect; ignoring that runs of identical letters are being completed into triplets; overlooking that all letters should remain within {a, b, c} and support a repeating motif. Final Answer: baca

Series Completion Questions