Structuring Your Responses

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General Approach to Programming Questions

Programming questions appear in both Paper 1 (algorithm understanding) and Paper 2 (design, write, test, refine).
Paper 2 includes a fixed 15-mark programming question at the end.
Answers must be in CIE pseudocode, Structured English, or a high-level language.
Before writing a program, ask five key questions: inputs, outputs, processes, constructs, subprograms.

Five Key Questions for Programming

What are the inputs? – Identify data the program receives (e.g., user input, file).
What are the outputs? – Determine what the program displays or saves.
What processes take place? – Describe the transformations or calculations.
What constructs will I need? – Choose sequence, selection (IF), iteration (WHILE, FOR), assignment, string operations.
Do I need to use subprograms? – Use built-in functions (e.g., SUBSTRING, LCASE) or user-defined procedures/functions.

Example: String Manipulation Question

Question: store a string, extract a substring, output lowercase.
Use SUBSTRING(Quote, Start, Number) – returns Number chars from position Start (1-indexed).
Use LCASE(Quote) to convert to lowercase.
Answer: assign Quote, set Start=25, Number=8, OUTPUT SUBSTRING, OUTPUT LCASE.

What is a Trace Table?

A trace table tracks variable values as a program runs line by line.
Tests ability to simulate code and record outputs accurately.
Typically worth 3–6 marks, often involving iteration, selection, and arrays/lists.
The table structure is usually provided; you fill in missing values.

Command Words for Trace Table Questions

Complete – Fill in the table with correct values.
State – Give a single value/output/result.
Explain – Say why something happens or changes.
Identify – Spot where something goes wrong or doesn't match expectations.

Steps to Tackle a Trace Table

1. Read the code carefully – Understand loops, IF statements, variable changes.
2. Use the trace table provided – Headings and row count guide iterations.
3. Work line by line – Simulate in head/paper, update each variable after every change.
4. Watch for variable resets – Variables inside loops reset each iteration.
5. Show final output clearly – Write exactly as it would appear on screen.

Trace Table Worked Example

Algorithm: total=0, count=1, WHILE count≤3: input number, IF number>10 THEN total+=number, count+=1, OUTPUT total.
Inputs: 12, 8, 15. Output: 27.
Trace table rows: line number, count, number, total, output.
Use a dash (–) when a column is not relevant; keep neat.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Read code exactly as a computer would – don't skip lines.
Use a pencil and annotate each step.
Don't fill in lines that just mark end of IF/WHILE (e.g., line 7, 9).
If only 5–6 rows used, something is likely missing.

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1.What is the purpose of a trace table in computer science?
Easy
- ATo follow the values of variables as a program runs
- BTo draw a diagram of the program's structure
- CTo convert high-level code to machine code
- DTo store the program's output
2.In the context of trace tables, what does the command word 'Complete' mean?
Easy
- AFill in the table with correct values
- BGive the value/output/result
- CSay why something happens or changes in the program
- DSpot where something goes wrong or doesn't match expectations
3.Which of the following is NOT a question you should ask yourself when attempting a programming question?
Easy
- AWhat are the inputs?
- BWhat are the outputs?
- CWhat is the file size?
- DWhat constructs will I need to use?
4.In CIE pseudocode, which function is used to convert a string to lowercase?
Easy
- ALCASE()
- BUPPERCASE()
- CLOWER()
- DTOLOWER()
5.Given the string Quote = 'Learning Never Exhausts The Mind', what is the result of SUBSTRING(Quote, 25, 8)?
Medium
- A'The Mind'
- B'The Min'
- C'he Mind'
- D'The Mind' (including the space)
6.In a trace table, what is a common mistake that students make?
Easy
- ASkipping or misreading a line
- BUsing too many rows
- CWriting the output first
- DUsing a pencil
7.In the trace table worked example with inputs 12, 8, 15, what is the final output?
Medium
- A27
- B35
- C20
- D12
8.When completing a trace table, why should you use a new row whenever a variable or output changes?
Easy
- ATo accurately track each step of the program's execution
- BTo make the table look longer
- CTo avoid using too many rows
- DTo confuse the examiner

Mehr Fragen

9.In CIE pseudocode, which construct is used to repeat a block of code a fixed number of times?
Easy
- AWHILE loop
- BIF statement
- CAssignment
- DSubprogram
10.Which of the following is a built-in string handling function mentioned in the source?
Easy
- ASUBSTRING()
- BCONCAT()
- CLENGTH()
- DFIND()
11.In a trace table, what should you do if a variable is declared inside a loop?
Medium
- AReset its value each iteration
- BKeep its value from the previous iteration
- CIgnore it
- DAdd it to the output
12.How many marks is the fixed programming question at the end of Paper 2?
Easy
- A15 marks
- B10 marks
- C20 marks
- D5 marks
13.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 total ← 0 02 FOR i ← 1 TO 4 03 number ← INPUT 04 IF number > 5 THEN 05 total ← total + number 06 ENDIF 07 NEXT i 08 OUTPUT total What is the output if the inputs are 3, 8, 12, 2?
Medium
- A20
- B25
- C15
- D10
14.Given the pseudocode: 01 x ← 10 02 WHILE x > 0 03 x ← x - 3 04 ENDWHILE 05 OUTPUT x What is the output?
Medium
- A-2
- B1
- C0
- D2
15.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 DECLARE Numbers : ARRAY[1:5] OF INTEGER 02 FOR i ← 1 TO 5 03 Numbers[i] ← i×2 04 NEXT i 05 OUTPUT Numbers[3] + Numbers[5] What is the output?
Medium
- A16
- B20
- C12
- D18
16.In CIE pseudocode, which of the following correctly assigns the string "Hello World" to a variable called message?
Easy
- Amessage ← "Hello World"
- Bmessage = "Hello World"
- CSET message TO "Hello World"
- Dmessage := "Hello World"
17.The string function SUBSTRING(Text, Start, Number) returns a substring from Text starting at position Start with length Number. The first character is at position 1. Given Text = "Programming", what is the result of SUBSTRING(Text, 4, 3)?
Medium
- Agra
- Bram
- Cogr
- Damm
18.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 DECLARE List : ARRAY[1:4] OF INTEGER 02 List[1] ← 7 03 List[2] ← 3 04 List[3] ← 9 05 List[4] ← 2 06 FOR i ← 1 TO 3 07 IF List[i] > List[i+1] THEN 08 temp ← List[i] 09 List[i] ← List[i+1] 10 List[i+1] ← temp 11 ENDIF 12 NEXT i 13 OUTPUT List[1], List[2], List[3], List[4] What is the output?
Hard
- A3,7,2,9
- B3,7,9,2
- C7,3,2,9
- D7,3,9,2
19.Given the pseudocode: 01 x ← 1 02 REPEAT 03 x ← x + 2 04 OUTPUT x 05 UNTIL x ≥ 10 How many times is the OUTPUT statement executed?
Medium
- A5
- B4
- C6
- D3
20.In a trace table, which of the following should you do when a variable is declared inside a loop?
Medium
- AReset the variable to its initial value at the start of each iteration
- BKeep the value from the previous iteration
- CUse a new column for each loop iteration
- DIgnore the variable
21.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 total ← 0 02 FOR i ← 1 TO 5 03 IF i MOD 2 = 0 THEN 04 total ← total + i 05 ENDIF 06 NEXT i 07 OUTPUT total What is the output?
Medium
- A6
- B9
- C15
- D10
22.Given the pseudocode: 01 a ← 5 02 b ← 10 03 a ← a + b 04 b ← a - b 05 a ← a - b 06 OUTPUT a, b What is the output?
Medium
- A10,5
- B5,10
- C15,5
- D10,10
23.Which of the following is a built-in string handling function in CIE pseudocode?
Easy
- ASUBSTRING
- BSUBSTR
- CMID
- DLEFT
24.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 DECLARE Scores : ARRAY[1:6] OF INTEGER 02 Scores[1] ← 45 03 Scores[2] ← 67 04 Scores[3] ← 89 05 Scores[4] ← 34 06 Scores[5] ← 78 07 Scores[6] ← 56 08 highest ← Scores[1] 09 FOR i ← 2 TO 6 10 IF Scores[i] > highest THEN 11 highest ← Scores[i] 12 ENDIF 13 NEXT i 14 OUTPUT highest What is the output?
Medium
- A89
- B78
- C67
- D90
25.In the worked example trace table, after processing the second input (8), what is the value of total?
Medium
- A0
- B8
- C12
- D27
26.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 total ← 0 02 FOR i ← 1 TO 3 03 number ← INPUT 04 IF number > 5 THEN 05 total ← total + number 06 ENDIF 07 NEXT i 08 OUTPUT total The user inputs 4, 6, 8. What is the output?
Medium
- A14
- B18
- C10
- D12
27.Which of the following is NOT one of the five key questions to ask when attempting a programming question?
Easy
- AWhat are the inputs?
- BWhat are the outputs?
- CWhat is the time complexity?
- DWhat constructs will I need to use?
28.In the source material, what command word means 'Fill in the table with correct values'?
Easy
- AState
- BComplete
- CIdentify
- DExplain
29.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 DECLARE Numbers : ARRAY[1:4] OF INTEGER 02 FOR i ← 1 TO 4 03 Numbers[i] ← i×3 04 NEXT i 05 OUTPUT Numbers[3] What is the output?
Easy
- A3
- B6
- C9
- D12
30.In CIE pseudocode, which function converts a string to lowercase?
Easy
- ALOWERCASE()
- BLCASE()
- CTOLOWER()
- DLOWER()
31.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 x ← 1 02 REPEAT 03 x ← x + 3 04 OUTPUT x 05 UNTIL x ≥ 12 How many times is the OUTPUT statement executed?
Medium
- A3
- B4
- C5
- D6
32.In a trace table, what should you do when a variable is declared inside a loop?
Medium
- ACarry its value across iterations
- BReset it each iteration
- CIgnore it in the table
- DOnly record it at the end
33.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 a ← 5 02 b ← 10 03 a ← a + b 04 b ← a - b 05 a ← a - b 06 OUTPUT a, b What is the output?
Medium
- A10, 5
- B5, 10
- C15, 5
- D10, 10
34.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 total ← 0 02 count ← 1 03 WHILE count ≤ 3 04 number ← INPUT 05 IF number > 10 THEN 06 total ← total + number 07 ENDIF 08 count ← count + 1 09 ENDWHILE 10 OUTPUT total What is the output when the inputs are 12, 8, 15?
Medium
- A27
- B35
- C12
- D15
35.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 total ← 0 02 FOR i ← 1 TO 4 03 number ← INPUT 04 IF number > 5 THEN 05 total ← total + number 06 ENDIF 07 NEXT i 08 OUTPUT total What is the output when the inputs are 3, 7, 2, 9?
Medium
- A16
- B21
- C12
- D19
36.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 DECLARE Numbers : ARRAY[1:5] OF INTEGER 02 FOR i ← 1 TO 5 03 Numbers[i] ← i×2 04 NEXT i 05 OUTPUT Numbers[3] + Numbers[4] What is the output?
Medium
- A14
- B12
- C10
- D16
37.The string function SUBSTRING(Text, Start, Number) returns a substring from Text starting at position Start with length Number. The first character is at position 1. Given Quote = "Learning Never Exhausts The Mind", what is the result of SUBSTRING(Quote, 25, 8)?
Medium
- AThe Mind
- BThe Min
- Che Mind
38.A program uses the following pseudocode: 01 total ← 0 02 count ← 1 03 WHILE count ≤ 3 04 number ← INPUT 05 IF number > 10 THEN 06 total ← total + number 07 ENDIF 08 count ← count + 1 09 ENDWHILE 10 OUTPUT total What is the output when the inputs are 12, 8, and 15?
Medium
- A27
- B35
- C20
- D12
39.Which command word in a trace table question means 'Fill in the table with correct values'?
Easy
- AComplete
- BState
- CExplain
- DIdentify
40.What is a trace table used for?
Easy
- ATo follow the values of variables as a program runs
- BTo draw the flowchart of an algorithm
- CTo convert pseudocode into machine code
- DTo store the output of a program
41.What is the purpose of a trace table?
Easy
- ATo follow the values of variables as a program runs
- BTo store the output of a program
- CTo write the pseudocode for a program
- DTo compile a program
42.Which command word means 'Fill in the table with correct values'?
Easy
- AComplete
- BState
- CExplain
- DIdentify
43.In CIE pseudocode, the first character of a string is at position 0.
Easy
True or false?
44.When completing a trace table, you should use a new row whenever a variable or output changes.
Easy
True or false?
45.What is the fixed mark value of the programming question at the end of Paper 2?
Easy
- A15 marks
- B10 marks
- C20 marks
- D5 marks
46.In a trace table, variables declared inside a loop reset every iteration and do not carry their value across iterations.
Medium
True or false?
47.What should you do if a trace table row is not relevant for a particular column?
Easy
- ALeave it blank
- BWrite a dash (–)
- CWrite 0
- DWrite 'N/A'
48.Which of the following is an example of a construct you might need to use in a programming question?
Easy
- ASequence
- BArray
- CVariable
- DComment
49.In CIE pseudocode, the SUBSTRING function takes three parameters: the string, the start position (first character at 1), and the number of characters to extract.
Easy
True or false?
50.What is the most common mistake students make when completing trace tables?
Medium
- AUsing a pencil
- BSkipping or misreading a line
- CWriting too many rows
- DNot using annotations

Karteikarten

What are the two papers in CIE IGCSE Computer Science that can contain programming questions?

Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 tests understanding and interpretation of algorithms; Paper 2 assesses designing, writing, testing, and refining programs.

What are the three acceptable formats for answering programming questions in CIE IGCSE Computer Science?

CIE pseudocode notation, Structured English, or a high-level programming language.

What five key questions should you ask yourself when writing a new program?

What are the inputs? What are the outputs? What processes take place? What constructs will I need to use? Do I need to use subprograms?

What does the SUBSTRING(Quote, Start, Number) function do?

It returns a string from Quote beginning at position Start that is Number characters long. The first character is at position 1.

What does LCASE(Quote) do?

It returns the lowercase version of the string Quote.

In the example, what pseudocode extracts and displays 'The Mind' from the string 'Learning Never Exhausts The Mind'?

Start ← 25, Number ← 8, OUTPUT SUBSTRING(Quote, Start, Number).

What is a trace table used for?

Trace tables are used to follow the values of variables as a program runs, testing your ability to simulate code line by line and accurately record outputs.

What command word means 'Fill in the table with correct values'?

Complete.

What command word means 'Give the value/output/result (usually a single word or number)'?

State.

What command word means 'Say why something happens or changes in the program'?

Explain.

What command word means 'Spot where something goes wrong or doesn't match expectations'?

Identify.

What are the five steps to tackle a trace table question?

1. Read the code carefully. 2. Use the trace table provided. 3. Work line by line. 4. Watch out for variable resets. 5. Show the final output clearly.

What is a common mistake when doing trace tables?

Skipping or misreading a line. Use a pencil and annotate each step.

In a trace table, when should you use a new row?

Whenever a variable or output changes.

What should you do if a column isn't relevant in a trace table?

Use a dash (–).

In the worked example, what is the output when inputs are 12, 8, 15?

27.

In the worked example, why is 8 not added to total?

Because 8 is not greater than 10, so the IF condition fails.

What does 'Watch out for variable resets' mean in trace tables?

Variables declared inside loops often reset every time; don’t carry the wrong value across iterations.

How many marks are trace table questions normally worth?

3–6 marks.

In which types of questions do trace tables most commonly appear?

Questions involving iteration, selection, and arrays/lists.

What is the fixed mark programming question at the end of Paper 2?

A 15-mark programming question.

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