Python selection (if elif else)

Code pattern

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Definition

if condition: ... elif condition: ... else: ...; indentation matters (Q19 marker note: indentation).

Example

if mark >= 50: print("Pass") else: print("Fail")

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

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Code patterns.

Question types it can appear in

Python: Write or complete it in the online Python tool.
Code reading: Code or algorithm reading: interpret a fragment and state its output or purpose.

Where it has appeared in the paper

Secure Software Architecture (Part A). 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: “if condition: ...” Then apply it: if mark >= 50: print("Pass") else: print("Fail")

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.

Official worked answer

2025 HSC Q19 (3 marks): Developing secure code (Python) (3 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

3: Correct code for the problem. 2: Partially correct code that includes a correct selection structure OR password creation. 1: Some understanding of the scenario and Python.

Sample answer

uName = input('What is your username?') password = input('What is your password?') passwordP1 = uName[:3] passwordP1= passwordP1 + '123' if passwordP1 == password: print ('Welcome!') else: print ('Incorrect password entered')

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Go deeper

Flashcard: Python selection (if elif else) in Code Patterns: Pseudocode, Python, SQL, CSS (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
Memorise: Python basics: input, selection, loops, strings
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Python selection (if elif else)

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Write or say the “Python selection (if elif else)” pattern from memory: the syntax and what it does.

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