Algorithms for Year 4 Computing: Learn and Test Your Skills

Question 1

In algorithm development, which of these actions demonstrates logical reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Checking if a number is even by dividing it by 2 and examining the remainder.

Answer

Listing the days of the week alphabetically.

Answer

Drawing a circle with a 5 cm radius.

Question 2

What's the best way to make an algorithm more efficient?

Accepted Answer

Use a better algorithm

Answer

Use a different programming language

Answer

Add more comments to the algorithm

Answer

Use a more powerful computer

Question 3

How do the instructions in an algorithm change the inputs to create different outputs?

Accepted Answer

Instructions change the inputs to create outputs.

Answer

Inputs stay the same.

Answer

Outputs are already decided and don't change.

Question 4

When checking the accuracy of an algorithm you're creating, what's the most important thing to consider?

Accepted Answer

The number of different situations the algorithm can handle

Answer

The number of steps in the algorithm

Answer

The type of information the algorithm uses

Answer

The speed at which the algorithm runs

Question 5

Which of these is NOT an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Dance routine for a performance

Answer

Recipe for baking a cake

Answer

Flowchart for making a paper airplane

Answer

Computer program for playing a game

Question 6

Imagine making a peanut butter and jam sandwich is like solving a problem. Which part is most like a set of instructions that you follow to solve the problem?

Accepted Answer

The steps you follow to make the sandwich (like spreading the peanut butter)

Answer

The ingredients you need (like peanut butter and jam)

Answer

The sandwich itself (once it's made)

Question 7

When creating algorithms, it's important to think about how they might affect different people. Which of these is an important ethical consideration to keep in mind?

Accepted Answer

Making sure the algorithm is fair and unbiased.

Answer

Making sure the algorithm is fast and efficient.

Answer

Making sure the algorithm is easy to understand.

Answer

Making sure the algorithm is fun to use.

Question 8

How can you make an algorithm more efficient?

Accepted Answer

Use fewer steps.

Answer

Use more variables.

Answer

Use more complex data structures.

Answer

Add more comments.

Question 9

What are some good and bad things about using algorithms to make decisions about people?

Accepted Answer

Algorithms can help us make fairer decisions by removing human bias.

Accepted Answer

Algorithms can make us less skilled at thinking for ourselves.

Answer

Algorithms are always right.

Answer

Algorithms should never be used to make decisions about people.

Question 10

When algorithms are used to make important decisions, like who gets into a school or who gets a job, what ethical issues should we think about?

Accepted Answer

Algorithms can be biased, leading to unfair outcomes for certain groups of people.

Answer

Algorithms are always fair and unbiased.

Answer

It's not important to consider the ethical implications of using algorithms.

Answer

Algorithms should never be used to make decisions about people.

Question 11

You have a bag of sweets to share equally with your friends. What's the best way to do it?

Accepted Answer

Divide the bag in half, then each half in half again, until you have enough shares.

Answer

Count all the sweets one by one.

Answer

Grab handfuls of sweets and give them to your friends until the bag is empty.

Answer

Weigh the sweets and divide the weight equally.

Question 12

In algorithm design, what's the key difference between a top-down and a bottom-up approach?

Accepted Answer

Top-down breaks a problem into smaller parts, while bottom-up builds a solution from smaller parts.

Answer

Top-down is faster than bottom-up.

Answer

Top-down is for small problems, while bottom-up is for large problems.

Question 13

When designing an algorithm, which step should you avoid doing?

Accepted Answer

Selecting the programming language for the algorithm

Answer

Breaking the problem into smaller steps

Answer

Testing the algorithm to ensure it works

Answer

Identifying the problem to be solved

Question 14

What does the time complexity of an algorithm measure?

Accepted Answer

The time it takes to solve a problem of a certain size

Answer

The speed at which an algorithm can solve any problem

Answer

The number of lines of code in an algorithm

Question 15

What is the main purpose of using variables in an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

To store data

Answer

To control the flow of the algorithm

Answer

To make the algorithm more efficient

Answer

To make the algorithm easier to read

Question 16

What is the main difference between an algorithm and a program?

Accepted Answer

An algorithm is step-by-step instructions, while a program is a set of instructions written in a specific programming language

Answer

A program is step-by-step instructions, while an algorithm is a set of instructions written in a programming language

Answer

An algorithm is written in English, while a program is written in a programming language

Answer

An algorithm is executed by a computer, while a program is executed by a human

Question 17

What is the first step in solving a problem using an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Define the problem

Answer

Design the algorithm

Answer

Write the algorithm in a programming language

Answer

Test the algorithm

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a sorting algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Bubble sort

Answer

Binary search

Answer

Depth-first search

Answer

Breadth-first search

Question 19

What is the time complexity of a linear search algorithm, where n represents the number of elements in the list?

Accepted Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(1)

Answer

O(n^2)

Answer

O(log n)

Question 20

What is the main goal of an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

To solve a problem step-by-step

Answer

To make you laugh

Answer

To make you smarter

Answer

To help you organize your thoughts

Question 21

When creating an algorithm, what is the first thing you should do?

Accepted Answer

Understand the problem you are trying to solve

Answer

Write down the steps

Answer

Test the algorithm

Answer

Draw a flowchart

Question 22

Flowcharts use different shapes to represent different parts of an algorithm. Which shape represents the start or end of an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Circle

Answer

Rectangle

Answer

Triangle

Answer

Star

Question 23

What is the main purpose of using flowcharts?

Accepted Answer

To make algorithms easier to understand and follow

Answer

To make it easier to write code

Answer

To store data

Answer

To design websites

Question 24

What is the difference between a loop and a sequence in an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

A loop repeats steps until a condition is met, while a sequence does not

Answer

A sequence repeats steps until a condition is met, while a loop does not

Answer

Loops and sequences are the same thing

Answer

There is no difference

Question 25

Which of these is an example of a nested loop?

Accepted Answer

A loop that repeats inside another loop

Answer

A loop that repeats until a condition is met

Answer

A loop that runs a sequence of steps

Answer

A loop that never ends

Question 26

Which of these best describes an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

A step-by-step guide to solve a problem

Answer

A list of random numbers

Answer

A story with a beginning, middle, and end

Answer

A painting of a landscape

Question 27

What makes a good algorithm?

Accepted Answer

It is clear and easy to follow

Answer

It is very long and complicated

Answer

It only works for one specific problem

Answer

It uses fancy programming language

Question 28

Why do we test algorithms?

Accepted Answer

To make sure they work correctly

Answer

To impress our teachers

Answer

To share with our friends

Answer

To win a prize

Question 29

Which of these is NOT a type of algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Square

Answer

Linear

Answer

Random

Answer

Parallel

Question 30

What is the purpose of a flowchart in algorithm development?

Accepted Answer

To show the steps of the algorithm in a picture

Answer

To store the algorithm's code

Answer

To test the algorithm's efficiency

Answer

To generate the algorithm's output

Question 31

How are steps and sub-algorithms related?

Accepted Answer

A step is a smaller part of a sub-algorithm

Answer

A sub-algorithm is a smaller part of a step

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

There is no difference

Question 32

Which of these is NOT an advantage of using algorithms?

Accepted Answer

They require a lot of time and effort to create

Answer

They make tasks easier to follow

Answer

They reduce the risk of errors

Answer

They increase the speed of task completion

Question 33

What is a recipe for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich an example of?

Accepted Answer

An algorithm

Answer

A flowchart

Answer

A computer program

Answer

A heuristic

Question 34

Before creating an algorithm, what do you need to do first?

Accepted Answer

Define the problem

Answer

Draw a flowchart

Answer

Write a computer program

Answer

Test the algorithm

Question 35

What is the purpose of a sequence step in an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

To perform a specific action

Answer

To make a decision based on a condition

Answer

To repeat a set of steps

Answer

To store data

Question 36

In a flowchart, which shape represents the beginning or ending of an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Circle

Answer

Rectangle

Answer

Diamond

Answer

Arrow

Question 37

What is the first step in creating an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Defining the problem

Answer

Writing the pseudocode

Answer

Drawing the flowchart

Answer

Testing the algorithm

Question 38

Which logical operator checks if either of two conditions are true?

Accepted Answer

OR

Answer

AND

Answer

NOT

Answer

IF

Question 39

What is the difference between a loop and a sequence?

Accepted Answer

A loop repeats steps, while a sequence executes them once.

Answer

A sequence repeats steps, while a loop executes them once.

Answer

A loop is always used with a condition, while a sequence is not.

Answer

A sequence is always used with a condition, while a loop is not.

Question 40

Which method can make an algorithm run more efficiently?

Accepted Answer

Reducing the number of steps in the algorithm

Answer

Using a faster computer

Answer

Using a more advanced programming language

Answer

Increasing the amount of data the algorithm processes

Question 41

In an algorithm, which of the following is NOT a component?

Accepted Answer

Randomness

Answer

Steps to follow

Answer

Specific order

Answer

Goal to achieve

Question 42

When creating an algorithm, what should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Identify the problem

Answer

Write step-by-step instructions

Answer

Try different solutions

Answer

Test the algorithm

Question 43

Which type of algorithm involves repeating actions until a condition is met?

Accepted Answer

Iterative algorithm

Answer

Sequential algorithm

Answer

Conditional algorithm

Answer

Random algorithm

Question 44

Which of these is NOT an advantage of using algorithms?

Accepted Answer

Making programs more difficult

Answer

Solving problems efficiently

Answer

Automating tasks

Answer

Reducing errors

Question 45

When creating an algorithm, what's the first step you should take?

Accepted Answer

Understand the problem

Answer

Write the computer code

Answer

Draw a flowchart

Answer

Test the algorithm

Question 46

When cooking a pizza, you follow a recipe. How is a recipe similar to an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Both a recipe and an algorithm provide a step-by-step guide to follow.

Answer

Both a recipe and an algorithm are written in a special language that only experts can understand.

Answer

Neither a recipe nor an algorithm needs to be followed exactly to get the desired result.

Answer

Both a recipe and an algorithm can only be used for one specific purpose.

Question 47

A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm that uses:

Accepted Answer

Shapes connected by arrows

Answer

Numbers and letters

Answer

Words and phrases

Answer

Symbols and diagrams

Question 48

When testing an algorithm, it is important to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a range of different inputs

Answer

Only test the algorithm with one input

Answer

Not test the algorithm at all

Answer

Use a computer to run the algorithm

Question 49

A sequence in an algorithm means that the instructions are executed:

Accepted Answer

One at a time, in order

Answer

Randomly

Answer

All at once

Answer

Only when the user inputs data

Question 50

When designing an algorithm, it is crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Consider all possible inputs

Answer

Only consider the inputs you expect to receive

Answer

Not consider inputs at all

Answer

Use as many variables as possible

Question 51

What is the purpose of a condition in an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

To check if a statement is true or false

Answer

To store data

Answer

To perform a calculation

Answer

To output data

Question 52

What is an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

A set of clear and detailed instructions that tell a computer or person what to do step-by-step to solve a problem

Answer

A complicated way of writing a story

Answer

A difficult maths sum

Question 53

Which of the following is an example of an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

The instructions on how to play a board game

Answer

A video of how to tie your shoelaces

Answer

A song about the planets

Question 54

What is the first step in creating an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Figure out exactly what the problem is and what it's asking you to do

Answer

Draw a picture of the answer

Answer

Write the instructions

Question 55

Which of the following is a characteristic of a good algorithm?

Accepted Answer

It is clear, easy to understand, and works every time

Answer

It uses lots of difficult words

Answer

It is very long

Question 56

Which of these shapes in a flowchart means you have a choice to make?

Accepted Answer

Diamond

Answer

Square

Answer

Circle

Question 57

What's the difference between a loop and a sequence of instructions in an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

A loop repeats the same instructions over and over again, while a sequence goes straight through the instructions once

Answer

A sequence repeats the same instructions over and over again, while a loop goes straight through the instructions once

Answer

There is no difference between a loop and a sequence

Question 58

Why is it important to test an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

To make sure that it works correctly and gives the right answer

Answer

To show your teacher that you've finished your work

Answer

To see how many mistakes you can make

Question 59

What's one way of testing an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Run it with different information and see if it still works

Answer

Ask your friend to check it

Answer

Just hope that it works

Question 60

To check if both 'It is raining' and 'The grass is wet' are true, which operator should we use?

Accepted Answer

AND

Answer

OR

Answer

NOT

Question 61

What's the main difference between a depth-first search and a breadth-first search?

Accepted Answer

Depth-first search goes down one path as far as it can before trying other paths, while breadth-first search checks all paths at the same level before going deeper.

Answer

Depth-first search is used to find the longest path, while breadth-first search is for finding the shortest path.

Answer

Depth-first search always uses more memory than breadth-first search.

Answer

Depth-first search uses a queue, while breadth-first search uses a stack.

Question 62

Which of these is the best way to compare the speed of different algorithms?

Accepted Answer

The time it takes them to run

Answer

The number of lines of code they have

Answer

How easy they are to understand

Question 63

What is abstraction in algorithm design and how does it help us create better algorithms?

Accepted Answer

Abstraction allows us to hide unnecessary details and focus on the main logic of the algorithm, making it more efficient and easier to understand.

Answer

Abstraction makes algorithms less efficient because it adds extra steps to the algorithm.

Answer

Abstraction is only useful for complex algorithms, not simple ones.

Answer

Abstraction is not related to algorithm design.

Question 64

What is the main purpose of using variables in an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

To store information that can change

Answer

To create loops that repeat actions

Answer

To define functions that perform tasks

Answer

To print messages on the screen