This page shows how to read and answer Computer Science questions. It does not give the paper structure, marks or weightings, because those belong to the official documents from Lembaga Peperiksaan (lp.moe.gov.my) and Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (bpk.moe.gov.my).
Check the current format there before you plan revision. The habits below work for any format.
How do you read what a question wants?
The command word sets the shape of the answer. Underline it before you write anything.
| Command | What it asks for |
|---|---|
| State, name, identify | A short answer with no reason |
| Explain | A statement plus the reason, using “because” |
| Trace | A table showing each variable as it changes |
| Write, complete | Code or pseudocode, or a missing part of it |
| Compare | Both items, with at least one point of difference |
| Justify, suggest | A choice plus the evidence that supports it |
| Test | Chosen inputs, expected outputs and what each input checks |
How do you lay out a trace table?
Give every variable a column, add a row each time a value changes, and write the output separately. The marker can then follow each step and award method marks.
Here is an original algorithm.
total ← 0
FOR i ← 1 TO 5
IF i MOD 2 = 1 THEN
total ← total + i
END IF
END FOR
OUTPUT total| i | i MOD 2 = 1 | total |
|---|---|---|
| start | 0 | |
| 1 | true | 1 |
| 2 | false | 1 |
| 3 | true | 4 |
| 4 | false | 4 |
| 5 | true | 9 |
The output is 9. Only the odd values 1, 3 and 5 are added, so 1 + 3 + 5 = 9.
A worked example of how marks are lost
A student skips the table and writes 15, the sum of 1 to 5, without testing the IF. The final answer is wrong, and there is no working to earn method marks.
Another student builds a table but adds to total in every row. The layout is fine, but the IF was ignored. The step that matters is checking the condition on every row.
What habits protect marks?
- Read the whole question, then underline the command word.
- Copy variable names exactly as they appear.
- Write the initial values in a start row before the loop runs.
- Test the boundary values, such as the first and last loop values.
- Use the same language or pseudocode style the question uses.
- Check that your output statement is part of the answer.
For programming and testing skills, use tracing pseudocode step by step and testing normal, boundary and invalid inputs.
How should you practise?
Work questions under time on paper, then mark your answer against what each command word asked. The timed practice session builder sets up a session, and the revision plan suggests which topics to cover first.
Practical and project work is assessed in school, so ask your teacher about it.
If you want a teacher to mark a full answer with you, see online one-to-one Computer Science tuition.