Software Engineering › Key terms › Y11 Programming Fundamentals › Pseudocode
Pseudocode
Term Y11 Programming Fundamentals
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 it is used 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
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Other questions that mention it
- 2023 Software Design and Development Q32 The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 8 marks · old syllabus
- Sample exam Q7 The Software Engineering Project (Part B) · 1 mark
Study links
- 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)
How to use it in an answer
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.
Technique for the question types
- Pseudocode: Write HSC-style pseudocode: capital keywords, paired END words, indentation; initialise variables; output the required result.
- Multiple choice: Read all four options, rule out wrong ones, pick one; no penalty for guessing so never leave blank.
What the marking guidelines and feedback say
Marker feedback: use pseudocode control structures accurately; iterate an array and sum it; apply relational operators correctly; use the stimulus to choose the right structures.
The original (buggy) algorithm is not available. Note the 'Index - 1' because Index is incremented after the item is found.
Worked answers from the marking guidelines
Sample exam Q14 (3 marks): Algorithm design (subroutines) (3 marks): 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
Familiarisation Q8 (3 marks): Algorithm design (linear search) (3 marks): criteria and sample answer
Criteria
3: Correctly modifies the algorithm to achieve its intended purpose. 2: Corrects some mistakes. 1: Some understanding of the problem.
Sample answer
BEGIN Search (SearchItem) Set LastIndex to the number of elements in ItemArray Found = FALSE Index = 1 WHILE Found = FALSE AND Index < LastIndex + 1 IF ItemArray(Index) = SearchItem THEN Found = TRUE ENDIF Index = Index + 1 ENDWHILE IF Found = TRUE THEN Display 'Position', Index - 1 ELSE Display 'Not found' ENDIF END Search
Common mistakes
- Pseudocode questions (2025 HSC exam Q17): use pseudocode control structures accurately; iterate an array and sum it; apply relational operators correctly; use the stimulus to choose the right structures.
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Computational thinking · Algorithm · Sequence · Selection · Iteration (repetition) · Divide and conquer · Backtracking · Top-down design · Bottom-up design · Abstraction · Refinement · Flowchart · Subroutine (module, subprogram, procedure) · Function v procedure