A word series is given with one word missing. Choose the correct alternative that will complete the series: nature, ensure, tense, spent, spurn, ?

Introduction / Context:
This is a challenging word series question where the pattern is based on the position of a specific letter within each word. The given series is nature, ensure, tense, spent, spurn, ?. You are asked to select the missing word that continues the same structural rule from the options pushup, thrash, upturn, and asset.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: nature, ensure, tense, spent, spurn, ?
• Options: pushup, thrash, upturn, asset.
• The same pattern must hold between each pair of consecutive words.
• Exactly one option will preserve this pattern after spurn.

Concept / Approach:
The core idea is to inspect the position of a particular letter that appears in every word of the series. Here, notice that the letter n features in each of the given words. By examining the position of n in each word from left to right, you may detect a regular shift in position. Once that pattern is clear, apply it to the missing word and see which option matches the required position of n.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write each word and mark the position of the letter n, counting from the left.Step 2: In nature, n is at position 1.Step 3: In ensure, n is at position 2.Step 4: In tense, n is at position 3.Step 5: In spent, n is at position 4.Step 6: In spurn, n is at position 5.Step 7: The pattern is that the letter n moves one position to the right in each subsequent word: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and so the next word should have n in position 6.Step 8: Check the options to see where n appears. In upturn, which has six letters, the letter n is at position 6. This correctly continues the pattern.Step 9: Other options either do not contain n at all or cannot place n at the sixth position in a consistent way.

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pushup does not contain the letter n, so it cannot extend the pattern that tracks the position of n.Thrash also lacks the letter n and therefore fails to match the positional progression.Asset does not have n at all and cannot work with the observed rule for this series.

Common Pitfalls:
This question is tricky because the pattern is not based on overlapping letter segments or simple prefixes and suffixes. Many students initially look for shared beginnings or endings or some hidden meaning relation. The subtle idea of tracking the position of a single recurring letter like n is easy to overlook. A good strategy is to check for repeated letters across all words and then investigate whether their positions follow a systematic progression.

Final Answer:
The word that correctly completes the series nature, ensure, tense, spent, spurn is upturn.