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Item 60 of 426 · Year 11: Programming Fundamentals, 14 of 69
Selection
Term
Jump to a topic
- Exam format, question types and command words (46)
- Year 11: Programming Fundamentals (69)
- Year 11: The Object-Oriented Paradigm (33)
- Year 11: Programming Mechatronics (29)
- Year 12: Secure Software Architecture (57)
- Year 12: Programming for the Web (59)
- Year 12: Software Automation (35)
- Year 12: The Software Engineering Project (47)
- Diagrams and modelling tools (18)
- Python, SQL, pseudocode and CSS patterns (33)
Definition
A control structure that chooses which path to run depending on a condition: binary selection (IF ... ELSE), multi-way selection (CASEWHERE) or nested IF.
Example: Use IF/ELSE selection to output Pass when mark >= 50.
Found in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.
Where you'll use it in the test
Syllabus area: Y11 Programming Fundamentals.
Question types it can appear in
- Pseudocode: Use it correctly in the exam pseudocode editor.
- Python: if / elif / else
- Drawing: flowchart decision diamond
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Where it has appeared in the paper
Secure Software Architecture (Part A); The Software Engineering Project (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2025 HSC Q19 (3 marks): Developing secure code (Python) Secure Software Architecture (Part A) · 3 marks
- 2025 HSC Q26 (5 marks): Design, construct and implement a solution (Python) The Software Engineering Project (Part A) · 5 marks
How to use it
A model sentence
“A control structure that chooses which path to run depending on a condition: binary selection (IF ...” Then apply it: Use IF/ELSE selection to output Pass when mark >= 50.
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')
Go deeper
- Flashcard: Selection in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
- Memorise: Software development steps and algorithm design
- Notes: Python basics: input, selection, loops, strings (Python and SQL you must be able to write)
- Notes: Control structures in HSC pseudocode (Pseudocode, flowcharts and diagram rules)
- Master answer: skel-code | Technique: Python, SQL and pseudocode questions | answer | 5 (Master model answers: how to use)
- Master answer: hsc2025-q19 (3 marks, Python) (Master model answers: Secure Software Architecture)
- Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Selection
Check yourself
Explain “Selection” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.
Reveal the answer
A control structure that chooses which path to run depending on a condition: binary selection (IF ... ELSE), multi-way selection (CASEWHERE) or nested IF.
Example: Use IF/ELSE selection to output Pass when mark >= 50.
Could be tested as: Pseudocode, Python, Drawing, Multiple choice.
Quick multiple choice
Which of the following pseudocode keywords is associated with multiway selection?
- CASEWHERE
- IF
- REPEAT
- WHILE
Show the answer
A
NESA answer key: A. Old syllabus (SDD): useful as overlap practice only.
Source: NESA 2022 HSC Software Design and Development (OLD SYLLABUS) Section I, answer key from Marking Guidelines. Open it in the multiple-choice bank.