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Item 68 of 426 · Year 11: Programming Fundamentals, 22 of 69
Pseudocode
Term
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- 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
Structured, language-independent English-like code: keywords in capitals (IF, ELSE, WHILE, ENDWHILE, FOR, NEXT, SET, GET, DISPLAY), paired structures and consistent indentation.
Example: Always write a mainline plus subroutines, use indentation and close every structure (ENDIF, ENDWHILE).
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: Y11 Programming Fundamentals.
Question types it can appear in
- Pseudocode: Write an algorithm in the exam pseudocode editor
- Code reading: Read pseudocode and give the output
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Where it has appeared in the paper
The Software Engineering Project (Part A, B, C). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2025 HSC Q17 (3 marks): Algorithm design The Software Engineering Project (Part A) · 3 marks
- Sample exam Q14 (3 marks): Algorithm design (subroutines) The Software Engineering Project (Part B) · 3 marks
- Familiarisation Q8 (3 marks): Algorithm design (linear search) The Software Engineering Project (Part C) · 3 marks
How to use it
A model sentence
“Structured, language-independent English-like code: keywords in capitals (IF, ELSE, WHILE, ENDWHILE, FOR, NEXT, SET, GET, DISPLAY), paired structures and consistent indentation.” Then apply it: Always write a mainline plus subroutines, use indentation and close every structure (ENDIF, ENDWHILE).
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
Sample exam Q14 (3 marks): Algorithm design (subroutines) (3 marks): official criteria and sample answer
Criteria
3: Substantially correct pseudocode that includes at least ONE subroutine. 2: Addresses some of the requirements. 1: Some understanding of the problem.
Sample answer
BEGIN main Get num_pizzas total_cost = 0 FOR i = 1 TO num_pizzas Get pizza_size Get num_toppings cost_per_pizza = calculate_pizza_cost(pizza_size, num_toppings) DISPLAY cost_per_pizza total_cost = total_cost + cost_per_pizza NEXT i DISPLAY total_cost END main
BEGIN calculate_pizza_cost(size, num_toppings) base_price = 10 topping_price = 1.5 IF size = "Medium" THEN base_price = base_price + 2 ELSEIF size = "Large" THEN base_price = base_price + 4 ENDIF pizza_cost = base_price + num_toppings * topping_price RETURN pizza_cost END calculate_pizza_cost
Go deeper
- Flashcard: Pseudocode in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
- Memorise: Software development steps and algorithm design
- Master answer: hsc2025-q17 (3 marks, pseudocode) (Master model answers: code, SQL, pseudocode, diagrams and tables)
- Notes: Part 3. Where this has been examined (see ../../question_bank.md) (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
- Notes: Part 3. Where this has been examined (see ../../question_bank.md) (Year 11 content (Programming fundamentals, OOP, Mechatronics))
- Notes: Part 3. Where this has been examined (see ../../question_bank.md) (Pseudocode, flowcharts and diagram rules)
- Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Pseudocode
Check yourself
Explain “Pseudocode” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.
Reveal the answer
Structured, language-independent English-like code: keywords in capitals (IF, ELSE, WHILE, ENDWHILE, FOR, NEXT, SET, GET, DISPLAY), paired structures and consistent indentation.
Example: Always write a mainline plus subroutines, use indentation and close every structure (ENDIF, ENDWHILE).
Could be tested as: Pseudocode, Code reading, Multiple choice.
Quick multiple choice
Python: for index in range(n): print(index). Select the correct option to complete the equivalent pseudocode: FOR index = ______ / Display index / NEXT index
- 0 TO n
- 1 TO n
- 0 TO n-1
- 1 TO n-1
Show the answer
C
range(n) produces 0 to n-1. (The NESA MG answer was an image; this answer is reasoned, not copied.)
Source: NESA Sample Exam (Software Engineering 2022 syllabus) questions and Marking Guidelines. Open it in the multiple-choice bank.