In a certain code language, if DOCTOR is written as 'cnbsnq', then how can ENGINEER be written in that code?

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer -2019 (Shift -1)

Explanation

The problem uses a simple substitution cipher where each letter in the original word is replaced by the letter that comes immediately before it in the English alphabet.
In the example 'DOCTOR' -> 'cnbsnq', 'D' becomes 'c', 'O' becomes 'n', 'C' becomes 'b', and so on, which is a consistent '-1' shift.
Applying this '-1' shift to 'ENGINEER' gives: E -> d, N -> m, G -> f, I -> h, N -> m, E -> d, E -> d, R -> q.
Combining these letters results in the code 'dmfhmddq'.

Option A: This option has 'n' instead of 'm' for the second letter and 'r' instead of 'q' for the last letter. It does not consistently apply the '-1' shift rule.
Option B: This option has 'l' instead of 'm' for the second letter. The letter 'l' is a '-2' shift from 'N', which breaks the consistent '-1' pattern.
Option C: This option incorrectly codes the two 'E's as 'c'. The code for 'E' should be 'd' (E-1). 'c' would be the code for 'D'.

Visual 1: Flowchart: A flowchart illustrating the process of solving coding-decoding questions. Step 1: Analyze the given word and its code. Step 2: Identify the pattern (e.g., letter shift, reversal, position change). Step 3: Apply the identified pattern to the new word. Step 4: Select the matching option.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Coding/Decoding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This type of question is not related to clinical nursing practice but is a standard component of the General Intelligence and Reasoning section of nursing entrance exams.
It assesses logical deduction, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills, which are valuable for critical thinking in a clinical setting.
What if the code was 'fqqfqt'? The pattern would be a '+2' shift (D+2=F, O+2=Q, etc.). In that case, ENGINEER would become 'gpipggt'.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the given example: the word 'DOCTOR' and its code 'cnbsnq'.
Write down the letters of the word and its code vertically to easily compare them.
Determine the relationship between each pair of letters (e.g., D -> c, O -> n). Notice that each code letter is the one immediately preceding the original letter in the alphabet.
Once you have identified the pattern (a '-1' shift), apply this same rule to every letter of the word 'ENGINEER'.
Construct the new code word by combining the resulting letters.
Compare your result with the given options to find the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QFlc9SrX3ZutFnlxR0eUXU

Practise the full ESIC Nursing Officer -2019 (Shift -1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.