In the following question, from the given alternative words, select the word which cannot be formed by using the letters of the word SUPERCONDUCTORS.

Introduction / Context:
This word formation question again tests the ability to verify whether an option can be built from the letters of a given base word. The base word is SUPERCONDUCTORS, which is fairly long and therefore encourages quick but careful counting. The candidate must examine each option and decide whether it is possible to assemble it using the letters available in the base word without using any letter too many times or adding letters that are not present.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The base word is SUPERCONDUCTORS.
- Available letters are S, U, P, E, R, C, O, N, D, U, C, T, O, R, S.
- Each letter can be used only as many times as it appears in this base word.
- No new letters beyond those in SUPERCONDUCTORS may be introduced.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is simple frequency matching. First, count how many times each letter appears in SUPERCONDUCTORS. Next, for every option word, count its letter requirements and compare them with the base counts. If for any letter, the required count exceeds the available count, or the letter is missing completely from the base word, that option cannot be formed. Otherwise, the option is considered formable. This systematic check avoids accidental oversight, especially for longer words.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Count the letters in SUPERCONDUCTORS: S(2), U(2), P(1), E(1), R(2), C(2), O(2), N(1), D(1), T(1). Step 2: Check Sports: S, P, O, R, T, S. Requirements are S(2), P(1), O(1), R(1), T(1). All of these are available within the base counts, so Sports can be formed. Step 3: Check Spunt: S, P, U, N, T. Requirements are S(1), P(1), U(1), N(1), T(1). These are all available, so Spunt can be formed. Step 4: Check Stern: S, T, E, R, N. Requirements are S(1), T(1), E(1), R(1), N(1). Each letter exists in the base word, so Stern can be formed. Step 5: Check Spectrum: S, P, E, C, T, R, U, M. Requirements are S(1), P(1), E(1), C(1), T(1), R(1), U(1), M(1). Step 6: The base word SUPERCONDUCTORS contains no letter M at all. Therefore, Spectrum cannot be formed from these letters. Step 7: Check Courts: C, O, U, R, T, S. Requirements are C(1), O(1), U(1), R(1), T(1), S(1), all of which are available.

Verification / Alternative check:
A fast verification method is to skim SUPERCONDUCTORS visually to see whether the critical letters of each option appear. For Sports, Spunt, Stern and Courts, you can quickly see the needed letters scattered throughout the base word. For Spectrum, you will search in vain for the letter M, which signals that the word is impossible. This alternative visual check confirms the frequency based conclusion that Spectrum cannot be formed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Sports) uses letters that all exist and remain within available counts. Option B (Spunt) makes valid use of S, P, U, N and T. Option C (Stern) is also feasible because S, T, E, R and N are present. Option E (Courts) is valid as well with C, O, U, R, T and S. These options therefore can be formed, so they are not the required answer. Option D (Spectrum) fails because of the missing letter M, so it is the only impossible word.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes forget to check for letters that do not appear at all, focusing only on repetition counts. Another issue is misreading the base word or option word, especially in a timed exam, which can lead to incorrect assumptions about letter presence. Some students also neglect to verify each option, instead stopping after finding one impossible word even when more careful checking might reveal an error. Always scan all options and confirm that there is exactly one that cannot be formed.

Final Answer:
The word that cannot be formed from the letters of SUPERCONDUCTORS is Spectrum.