Programming: past paper questions
Real questions on programming
The newest 20 of 297 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9618/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(i)[2]
Describe one benefit of using library routines when developing software.
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Describe one drawback of using library routines when developing software. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5c[2]
Identify two presentation features found in a typical Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q6c[3]
Assembly language instructions are grouped. Complete each statement by writing the name of the appropriate instruction group. Loading data into the accumulator is an example of an instruction in the group. Incrementing the index register is an example of an instruction in the group. Branching to another
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[2]
State two disadvantages of using a compiler compared to an interpreter during program development.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q8b[3]
Explain how a programmer benefits from using program libraries during program development.
See it on the paper → - 9618/22 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[4]
The table contains pseudocode examples. Each example may contain statements that relate to one or more of: • • • selection iteration (repetition) subroutines (procedures or functions). Pseudocode example Selection Iteration Complete the table by placing one or more ticks (‘3’) in each row. Subroutine IF Status = FALSE...
See it on the paper → - 9618/23 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[3]
The programmer decides to use a library routine to provide part of the solution. One reason for this is that library routines may perform functions that the programmer is unable to program themselves. State three other benefits of using library routines in the development of the program.
See it on the paper → - 9618/23 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(i)[2]
State two reasons why the programmer may decide to use a subroutine.
See it on the paper → - 9618/23 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[2]
A function header in pseudocode is defined as: FUNCTION Pass2(Count : INTEGER) RETURNS BOOLEAN Complete the table by describing the terms used in the function header. The first row has been completed. Term Description Pass2 the name of the function Count BOOLEAN (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9618/23 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[2]
Iteration is one programming construct. Identify one other programming construct that will be required when the algorithm from part (a) is converted into pseudocode and explain how it is used. Construct Use
See it on the paper → - 9618/23 · October/November 2025 · Q3[1]
The array is declared in pseudocode: DECLARE ThisStack : ARRAY[1:30] OF INTEGER Stack design notes: The global variable SP acts as a stack pointer. SP contains the array index of the last value pushed onto the stack. • If the stack is empty, then SP is assigned the value zero. • The first item added to the stack will b...
See it on the paper → - 9618/23 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Write pseudocode for a single clause to replace the two clauses identified in (b) (i).
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[1]
Write the new pseudocode statement required to update the declaration of Choice in the definition of ClubMember.
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · October/November 2025 · Q10[3]
Explain what is meant by exception handling. Include an example of a possible cause of an exception in your answer. Explanation
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2025 · Q12a(i)[4]
Complete the pseudocode for the procedure to add a data item onto the stack. PROCEDURE Push( ) IF Top < Max – 1 THEN ← NewData ELSE OUTPUT ENDIF Top ←
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2025 · Q12a(ii)[2]
Write pseudocode to input a new data item and add it to the stack using Push().
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(i)[2]
Write the pseudocode statement for the type declaration of Spectrum to hold the names of the colours available: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · October/November 2025 · Q7b[3]
Write the Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) for the given infix expression: ((6 + 12) / (16 – 10)) * 18
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · October/November 2025 · Q7c[4]
The RPN expression c a – b d + * b c + / is to be evaluated, where: a = 4, b = 12, c = 24 and d = 6. Show the changing contents of the stack as the RPN expression is evaluated.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question asked for the advantages of using an interpreter rather than using a compiler. Many of the responses simply described the operation of an interpreter without any comparison to a compiler. Candidates should understand that in questions like this, it is necessary include both translators in the answer.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/11 Q6(a) (Cambridge)
This question was generally not answered well. Many candidates need to improve their understanding of why some high-level languages are partially compiled and partially interpreted.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/11 Q6(b) (Cambridge)
This question was generally answered well. The most popular correct answers were colour coding and the ability to expand/collapse code blocks. The question asked for features to support the visual presentation. A significant number of responses included features of an IDE which were not presentation features.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/11 Q6(c)(i) (Cambridge)
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