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Paper 1
Programming Basics
Both
Clear structure and testing help prevent logic errors.
Key Facts
- Indentation improves readability and reduces errors.
- Syntax errors stop a program from running.
- Logic errors produce incorrect output with no crash.
- Good algorithms can be expressed in pseudocode or flowcharts.
Topics Covered
Variables and Data Types
What you need to know
- •Use appropriate data types for numbers, strings, and booleans.
- •Name variables clearly to show purpose.
Exam Tips
- Use constants for fixed values to avoid repeated edits.
Control Structures
What you need to know
- •Use IF/ELSE for decisions.
- •Use FOR, WHILE, and REPEAT loops appropriately.
Exam Tips
- Choose the loop based on when the condition is checked.
Subroutines
What you need to know
- •Procedures do not return values; functions do.
- •Subroutines reduce repetition and improve clarity.
Exam Tips
- Explain how parameters pass data into subroutines.
Testing and Debugging
What you need to know
- •Use trace tables and test data to locate errors.
- •Fix syntax, logic, and runtime errors.
Exam Tips
- Explain how a test case shows the bug.
Key Terms
variable
A named storage location for a value.
function
A subroutine that returns a value.
procedure
A subroutine that performs a task.
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Common Exam Questions
Explain one benefit of using subroutines in programs.
3 markseasyPaper 1
Model Answer
They reduce duplication and make code easier to test and maintain.
What examiners want to see
- ✓Reuse
- ✓Maintainability
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