The four stages of problem solving (define, plan, implement, evaluate), how to break a problem into parts, and how to list inputs, processes and outputs in an IPO chart with a worked example.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
Programmers do not start by typing code. They first understand the problem, then plan the solution. A good plan makes the program almost write itself.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Define, plan, implement, evaluate and document.
Know the inputs, processing, outputs and constraints.
Break the problem into smaller sub-problems.
Inputs, Processing, Outputs table.
Finite, ordered steps to solve a problem.
A separate part of a program that does one task.
User and technical documentation written at the end.
Check the solution meets the requirements.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Information Technology Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (11 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [11 marks]
A school wants a program that reads the price and quantity of a canteen item and displays the total cost with 8% tax.
(a) (a) List the four steps in solving a problem. [4]
(b) (b) Complete an IPO chart for the program. [4]
(c) (c) State what is meant by decomposition and give one benefit. [2]
(d) (d) State why the program should be evaluated after it is written. [1]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.