Software Engineering › Key terms › Diagrams and tools › Structure chart
Structure chart
Diagram Diagrams and tools
Definition
Shows the separate subroutines that make up a system and their relationship to each other, top-down from the main routine.
Example: Main calls Get Data, Process Data, Display Results.
Found in: syllabus, course specifications, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Diagrams and tools.
Question types it can appear in
- Drawing: Draw a structure chart (sample Q10, familiarisation Q4)
- 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, D). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- Sample exam Q10 (2 marks): Structure charts The Software Engineering Project (Part B) · 2 marks
- Familiarisation Q4 (2 marks): Structure charts The Software Engineering Project (Part C) · 2 marks
- 2023 Software Design and Development HSC Q27 (10 marks): User interface, structure chart, quality assurance The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 10 marks · old syllabus
- 2024 Software Design and Development HSC Q25 (4 marks): Documentation The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 4 marks · old syllabus
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Study links
- Flashcard: Structure chart in Diagrams and Modelling Tools (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Drawing rules: DFD, structure chart, storyboard, decision tree, class diagram, ERD
- 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) (Pseudocode, flowcharts and diagram rules)
- Master answer: sdd2023-q27 (10 marks, extended) (Master model answers: The Software Engineering Project (written answers))
- Notes: Structure Chart (Pseudocode, flowcharts and diagram rules)
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
Diagram: “Shows the separate subroutines that make up a system and their relationship to each other, top-down from the main routine.” Then apply it: Main calls Get Data, Process Data, Display Results.
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
- Explain: Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident; provide why and/or how. (2024 Software Design and Development HSC Q25 (4 marks): Documentation)
Technique for the question types
- Drawing: Use the online drawing tool: label every symbol and arrow, use the correct symbols from the specification, and add every required item.
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
- 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
Know the notation: rectangle = module; arrow with open circle = data couple; arrow with filled circle = control flag; diamond = selection; curved arrow = iteration.
Old-syllabus question. Use for practice on the overlapping skill only. The new Software Engineering exam does not use the old SDD terms (e.g. CASE tools, system flowcharts, EBNF, assembly).
Old-syllabus question. Use for practice on the overlapping skill only. The new Software Engineering exam does not use the old SDD terms (e.g. CASE tools, system flowcharts, EBNF, assembly).
Common mistakes
- Drawing questions (2025 HSC exam Q22): refine attributes into separate inherited classes; use appropriate class diagram symbols.
- 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: Structure chart data couple (empty circle) · Structure chart flag (filled circle) · Structure chart decision (diamond) · Structure chart repetition (curved arrow) · Refinement