IGCSE Computer Science (9–1) 0984 · Topic 8

Identify errors in given algorithms and suggest: past paper questions

37 real questionsasked in 9 of the last 10 exam series2019–2026usually: Write, Identify, Explain, State, Complete

Real questions on identify errors in given algorithms and suggest

The newest 20 of 37 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0984/21 · May/June 2026 · Q11[5]
The function Power (FirstNumber, SecondNumber) returns the value of FirstNumber raised to the power of SecondNumber. FirstNumber and SecondNumber are integers. Write pseudocode statements to: ¢ define the function * call the function with the variables A and B and store the return value in the variable Value function d...
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0984/21 · May/June 2026 · Q12[15]
Aweather monitoring station records the number of minutes of sunshine for each day of a month. The one-dimensional (1D) array Sunshine [] is used to store the number of minutes of sunshine for each day. The index of the array represents the day. The one-dimensional (1D) array MonthDays[] contains the number of days in...
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0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q1[1]
The result of the arithmetic operation 4 ^ 2 is A 2 B 8 C 16 Tick (✓) one box to complete this sentence.
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0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[5]
Identify the line numbers of five errors in the pseudocode and suggest a correction for each error. Error 1 line number Correction Error 2 line number Correction Error 3 line number Correction Error 4 line number Correction Error 5 line number Correction
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0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2b(i)[4]
Complete the pseudocode for PROCEDURE NewData PROCEDURE NewData( ) 1 TO FOR Row FOR Column INPUT 1 TO 4
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0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2b(ii)[2]
Write the pseudocode to input the number of new contacts and to use procedure NewData. A variable declaration is not required.
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0984/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5[4]
Two library routines used in programming are MOD and DIV. State the purpose of each of the library routines. Give one example pseudocode statement for each of the library routines. MOD purpose Example pseudocode DIV purpose Example pseudocode
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0984/21 · May/June 2025 · Q6a[4]
Identify the line numbers of the four errors in the pseudocode and suggest a correction for each error. Error 1 line number Correction Error 2 line number Correction Correction Error 4 line number Correction Error 3 line number
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0984/21 · May/June 2025 · Q6b[2]
Identify one method to make the algorithm maintainable. Give an example.
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0984/21 · May/June 2025 · Q9b[6]
The function Odds(X) returns ‘Odd’ if the value of X is an odd number and returns ‘Even’ if the value of X is an even number. Write pseudocode statements to: • • define the function call the function using parameter A and store the return item in variable B Function definition Function call
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0984/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[5]
Identify the line numbers of five errors in the pseudocode and suggest a correction for each error. Error 1 line number Correction Error 2 line number Correction Error 3 line number Correction Error 4 line number Correction Error 5 line number Correction
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0984/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5b[2]
Write the pseudocode statement that will output the average height rounded to one decimal place.
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0984/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5c[4]
Explain how you could change the corrected algorithm so that it will also: • • find the height of the tallest person. output the height of the tallest person at the end of the algorithm. Any program statements used must be fully explained.
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0984/21 · May/June 2024 · Q2a[4]
Draw one line to link each description to the most appropriate programming concept. Not all programming concepts will be used. Description Programming concept a subroutine that may not return a value a value that is declared and used within a specific procedure function procedure parameter a value that a procedure expe...
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0984/21 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[2]
Write the pseudocode to use a procedure named Average that passes the values 25 and 50 to the procedure.
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0984/21 · May/June 2024 · Q2c[3]
Outline the role of procedures and functions in creating a program that is easier to maintain.
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0984/21 · May/June 2024 · Q4b[2]
Write the pseudocode statement that would output the average calculated in line 13 of the algorithm rounded to one decimal place.
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0984/21 · May/June 2023 · Q4[4]
Explain the purpose of the library routines DIV and ROUND DIV ROUND
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0984/21 · May/June 2023 · Q5a[4]
Identify the four errors in the pseudocode and suggest a correction for each error. Error Correction Error Correction Error Correction Error Correction
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0984/21 · May/June 2023 · Q6[4]
State two features that should be included to create a maintainable program. Give a reason why each feature should be used.
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What examiners said

Most candidates were able to identify the correct purpose of MOD and DIV with only a few giving the correct pseudocode for MOD and DIV.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/21 Q5 (Cambridge)

A minority of candidates identified four correct corrections. Most candidates identified two correct corrections. Some candidates identified the correction in the use of the ROUND function and the incorrect placement of the counter incrementing.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/21 Q6(a) (Cambridge)

Some candidates achieved all the marks identifying a method to make the algorithm maintainable and giving a correct example using the algorithm in part (a).
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/21 Q6(b) (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Download 0984 papers

In the syllabus

1 0478.8.0.01 — Write and amend algorithms for given problems • Precision is required when writing algorithms,

Write and amend algorithms for given problems • Precision is required when writing algorithms,
e.g. x > y is acceptable but
x is greater than y is not acceptable • See section 4 for flowchart symbols • See section 4 for pseudocode

2 0478.8.0.02 — e.g. x > y is acceptable but

e.g. x > y is acceptable but

3 0478.8.0.03 — x is greater than y is not acceptable • See section 4 for flowchart symbols • See section 4 for pseudocode

x is greater than y is not acceptable • See section 4 for flowchart symbols • See section 4 for pseudocode

4 0478.8.1.01 — Understand and use arithmetic, relational • Arithmetic, limited to:

Understand and use arithmetic, relational • Arithmetic, limited to:
– + – – – / – * – ^ (raised to power of) – MOD – DIV • Relational, limited to: – = – < – <= – > – >= – <> (not equal to) • Logical, limited to: – AND – OR – NOT
Understand and use nested statements • Including nested selection and iteration • Candidates will not be required to write more than three levels of nested statements
(a) Understand what is meant by procedures,
Define and use procedures and functions, • Procedures and functions may have up to three
parameters
Understand and use local and global
Understand and use library routines • Including: – MOD – DIV – ROUND – RANDOM
Understand how to create a maintainable • Including appropriate use of:
– meaningful identifiers – the commenting feature provided by the programming language – procedures and functions – relevant and appropriate commenting of syntax • Use meaningful identifiers for: – variables – constants – arrays – procedures and functions

5 0478.8.1.02 — – + – – – / – * – ^ (raised to power of) – MOD – DIV • Relational, limited to: – = – < – <= – > – >= – <> (not equal to) • Logical, limited

– + – – – / – * – ^ (raised to power of) – MOD – DIV • Relational, limited to: – = – < – <= – > – >= – <> (not equal to) • Logical, limited to: – AND – OR – NOT

6 0478.8.1.03 — Understand and use nested statements • Including nested selection and iteration • Candidates will not be required to write more than three l

Understand and use nested statements • Including nested selection and iteration • Candidates will not be required to write more than three levels of nested statements

7 0478.8.1.04 — (a) Understand what is meant by procedures,

(a) Understand what is meant by procedures,

8 0478.8.1.05 — Define and use procedures and functions, • Procedures and functions may have up to three

Define and use procedures and functions, • Procedures and functions may have up to three

9 0478.8.1.06 — parameters

parameters

10 0478.8.1.07 — Understand and use local and global

Understand and use local and global

11 0478.8.1.08 — Understand and use library routines • Including: – MOD – DIV – ROUND – RANDOM

Understand and use library routines • Including: – MOD – DIV – ROUND – RANDOM

12 0478.8.1.09 — Understand how to create a maintainable • Including appropriate use of:

Understand how to create a maintainable • Including appropriate use of:

13 0478.8.1.10 — – meaningful identifiers – the commenting feature provided by the programming language – procedures and functions – relevant and appropriate

– meaningful identifiers – the commenting feature provided by the programming language – procedures and functions – relevant and appropriate commenting of syntax • Use meaningful identifiers for: – variables – constants – arrays – procedures and functions

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