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Item 409 of 426 · Python, SQL, pseudocode and CSS patterns, 16 of 33

Python lists

Code pattern

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See every item in the sequence

Definition

A list stores ordered items: append(), remove(), len(), sorting with sort(), looping, and 2D lists as a list of lists.

Example

grid = [[0]*3 for _ in range(3)]

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

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

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: “A list stores ordered items: append(), remove(), len(), sorting with sort(), looping, and 2D lists as a list of lists.” Then apply it: grid = [[0]*3 for _ in range(3)]

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

Familiarisation Q13 (6 marks): Python: lists, loops, selection (6 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

6: Substantially correct solution with ALL of: looping correctly; referring to the contents of the data structure correctly; displaying the player's scores and corresponding points as shown; calculating the total points; taking bonus points into account; handling the final round correctly. 5: Most features. 3-4: Some features. 2: One feature. 1: Some understanding.

Sample answer

Input code

scores = [3,5,5,2,1,4,0,1,4,5]

Display the scores and points

Header row

print("Round\tScore\tPoints") totalPoints = 0

Calculate the points and print

for i in range(len(scores)): roundNumber = i + 1 score = scores[i] points = score

# Check if any bonuses apply and NOT the final round
if points == 5 and i != 9:
    # Add the points from the next round as bonus points
    points += scores[i + 1]

# Check if the final round bonus applies
if points == 5 and i == 9:
    # Give the bonus points of 10
    points = 10

# Add to the total points tally
totalPoints += points

# Print the results
print(str(roundNumber) + "\t" + str(score) + "\t" + str(points))

print("\nTOTAL POINTS: " + str(totalPoints))

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Go deeper

Flashcard: Python lists 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 lists

Check yourself

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

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