Function v procedure

Term

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Definition

A function returns a value to the caller (RETURN); a procedure carries out a task and does not return a value.

Example: 'def calc_total(a, b): return a + b' is a function.

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

Python: def with return
Pseudocode: Use it correctly in the exam pseudocode editor.
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

“A function returns a value to the caller (RETURN); a procedure carries out a task and does not return a value.” Then apply it: 'def calc_total(a, b): return a + b' is a function.

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 Q21b (5 marks): Python: subroutines, lists, loops (5 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

5: Substantially correct Python program that places each subject in the correct period; displays all 5 days; provides appropriate subroutines; programmatically builds the timetable. 4: Most requirements. 3: Some requirements. 2: One requirement. 1: Some understanding.

Sample answer

subjects = ["English", "Software", "Drama", "Science", "Art"] NUM_DAYS = 5 NUM_PERIODS = 5 DAYS_OF_WEEK = ["Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday"]

def create_timetable(subjects): timetable = [] for day in range(NUM_DAYS): periods = [] for period in range(NUM_PERIODS): periods.append(subjects[(period - day) % NUM_PERIODS]) timetable.append(periods) return timetable

def print_timetable(timetable): print() for day in range(NUM_DAYS): print(f"{DAYS_OF_WEEK[day]}") for period in range(NUM_PERIODS): print(f"\tPeriod {period+1}: {timetable[day][period]}") print()

timetable = create_timetable(subjects) print_timetable(timetable)

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Flashcard: Function v procedure in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
Memorise: Software development steps and algorithm design
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