Which letter cluster will replace the question mark (?) in the following series?
HOM, KQL, NSK, QUJ, ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → TWI
In a letter-cluster series, the first, second and third letters each follow their own rule, so each position is checked separately using the place of the letter in the alphabet.
First letters H (8), K (11), N (14), Q (17): 3 places ahead each time, so the next is \(17+3=20\), that is T
Second letters O (15), Q (17), S (19), U (21): 2 places ahead each time, so the next is \(21+2=23\), that is W
Third letters M (13), L (12), K (11), J (10): 1 place back each time, so the next is \(10-1=9\), that is I
So the missing cluster is TWI.