Refinement

Term Diagram

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Definition

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Y11 Programming Fundamentals Diagrams and tools.

Question types it can appear in

Drawing: Refinement: structure chart Refinement: Draw or label it in the online drawing tool.
Pseudocode: Use it correctly in the exam pseudocode editor.
Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.

Where it has appeared in the paper

The Software Engineering Project (Part 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

“Adding successively more detail: a subroutine is expanded into its own algorithm or structure chart, named the same as the subroutine.” Then apply it: Show the refinement of the Validate subroutine in a separate chart.

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

General advice

No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past drawing and pseudocode and short answer questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.

Go deeper

Flashcard: Refinement in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
Flashcard: Refinement in Diagrams and Modelling Tools (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
Memorise: Software development steps and algorithm design
Memorise: Drawing rules: DFD, structure chart, storyboard, decision tree, class diagram, ERD
Notes: Modelling tools: DFD, structure charts, storyboards, flowcharts, class diagrams (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
Notes: Pseudocode rules (Pseudocode, flowcharts and diagram rules)
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Refinement

Check yourself

Explain “Refinement” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.

Reveal the answer

Refinement: Adding successively more detail: a subroutine is expanded into its own algorithm or structure chart, named the same as the subroutine.

Example: Show the refinement of the Validate subroutine in a separate chart.

Refinement: Providing successively more detail as needed; a lower-level subroutine is shown in its own structure chart with the same name.

Example: Expand Validate Input into its own chart.

Could be tested as: Drawing, Pseudocode, Short answer, Multiple choice.