Pseudocode keywords

Code pattern

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Definition

Keywords are in capitals; structural elements come in pairs (BEGIN/END, IF/ENDIF, WHILE/ENDWHILE); indent to show control structures.

Example

IF mark >= 50 THEN ... ENDIF

Found in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Code patterns.

Question types it can appear in

Pseudocode: Write pseudocode (2025 Q17)
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.
Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Where it has appeared in the paper

The Software Engineering Project (Part A, B, C). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

Code pattern: “Keywords are in capitals; structural elements come in pairs (BEGIN/END, IF/ENDIF, WHILE/ENDWHILE); indent to show control structures.” Then apply it: IF mark >= 50 THEN ... ENDIF

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Command words used with it

From the linked past questions

Identify: Recognise and name. (Sample exam Q7 (1 mark): Python to pseudocode)

Official worked answer

Sample exam Q7 (1 mark): Python to pseudocode (1 mark): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

1: Identifies the correct answer.

Sample answer

0 TO n−1

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Go deeper

Flashcard: Pseudocode keywords in Code Patterns: Pseudocode, Python, SQL, CSS (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
Memorise: Python and SQL you must be able to write
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Pseudocode keywords

Check yourself

Write or say the “Pseudocode keywords” pattern from memory: the syntax and what it does.

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