1. The two groups of words below share an unusual relationship. Can you tell what it is?

Group I

DAM

LINGER

SON

LICE

NOR

Group II

LACE

PER

TENT

USE

LATE

2. The following words are related. Can you tell how?

CAME

LAME

WIND

WINE

PAIN

GAIN

HINTS:

1. Each word in both groups can be preceded by two letters. The second letter is the same, and the two letters make up related words.

2. Look at each word two letters at a time.

Answers:

1. The words in Group I can be preceded by MA, and those in Group II by PA:

MADAM                   PALACE 
MALINGER             PAPER
MASON                    PATENT
MALICE                   PAUSE
MANOR                    PALATE

2. They are made up of US Postal Service state abbreviations.