← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

Cambridge flowchart symbols (7a)

Six standard flowchart shapes: terminator (Start/Stop), process, input/output, decision (two exits), subroutine call, and flow lines with arrows showing direction.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7a Program Development Life Cycle — Module 10

Understanding Cambridge flowchart symbols (7a) in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

What it does: The process rectangle is used for actions such as assigning a value or doing a calculation. The parallelogram is used for both input and output, for example INPUT Age or OUTPUT Total. The terminator is the rounded rectangle used for Start and Stop. A diamond is used for decisions. Reading data from the user is input, so it uses a parallelogram. A rectangle is for processing. A decision asks a question and the flow takes one of two paths depending on the answer. The subroutine symbol means the steps are drawn in another flowchart. The end of a program is shown by a terminator.

Common mistakes: The start of a flowchart must use the terminator (oval) symbol, not a process rectangle. It should be 'Terminator: Start'. Entering data is shown with the input/output parallelogram, not the process rectangle. It should be 'Input/Output: INPUT Age'.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–16) and word search (Modules 1–26).

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Learning
Duo
Which symbol marks the Start and Stop of a Cambridge flowchart?
Terminator (rounded rectangle)Decision (diamond)
Matches
A diamond containing Total ← Total + 1
↓
A calculation or assignment has been put in a decision diamond. It belongs in a process rectangle. A diamond must hold a question with two exits.
Applying
Meanings
Term
flowchart symbols
Meaning
Six standard flowchart shapes: terminator (Start/Stop), process, input/output, decision (two exits), subroutine call, and flow lines with arrows showing direction.
Practice
Terminator: Start
Testing
Gaps
Start and Stop use a shape.
Check Answer
Spots
1Process: Start
2Input/Output: INPUT Mark

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Quick Questions

1. Which symbol marks the Start and Stop of a Cambridge flowchart?
A. Terminator (rounded rectangle) ✓
B. Decision (diamond)
The terminator is the rounded rectangle used for Start and Stop. A diamond is used for decisions.
2. Which symbol should hold the instruction: Total ← Total + Mark?
A. Process (rectangle) ✓
B. Input/output (parallelogram)
A calculation or assignment is a process, so it goes in a rectangle. The parallelogram is only for input and output.
3. Which symbol should hold the instruction: INPUT Age?
A. Process (rectangle)
B. Input/output (parallelogram) ✓
Reading data from the user is input, so it uses a parallelogram. A rectangle is for processing.
4. How many exits should a decision diamond have?
A. Two, labelled Yes and No (or True and False) ✓
B. One, going straight to the next step
A decision asks a question and the flow takes one of two paths depending on the answer.
5. What does the subroutine symbol show in a flowchart?
A. The end of the whole program
B. A call to a separate flowchart ✓
The subroutine symbol means the steps are drawn in another flowchart. The end of a program is shown by a terminator.

Match the Pairs

Rounded rectangle (terminator) containing Start → Marks where the flowchart begins; a matching terminator containing Stop marks where it ends
Diamond with a Yes exit and a No exit → A decision: a question is asked and the flow follows one of two paths depending on the answer
A process symbol holds an instruction or calculation, such as an assignment → Rectangle containing: Total ← Total + Mark
An input/output symbol shows data entering or leaving the algorithm → Parallelogram containing: INPUT Age
A diamond containing Total ← Total + 1 → A calculation or assignment has been put in a decision diamond. It belongs in a process rectangle. A diamond must hold a question with two exits.
A rounded terminator containing OUTPUT Result → An output has been put in a terminator. Terminators are only for Start and Stop, and the output should be in a parallelogram.

Key Term

flowchart symbols
Six standard flowchart shapes: terminator (Start/Stop), process, input/output, decision (two exits), subroutine call, and flow lines with arrows showing direction.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Start and Stop use a terminator shape. Flow lines have arrows to show direction.
Hint: Type the name of the symbol used at the beginning and end of a flowchart.
2. A process step is drawn as a rectangle.
Hint: Type the name of the shape used for a process such as a calculation or assignment.
3. Input and output use a parallelogram shape.
Hint: Type the name of the slanted four-sided shape used for input and output.
4. A decision diamond has two exits: Yes, No.
Hint: Type the number of exit flow lines that leave a decision symbol.
5. A subroutine symbol calls another flowchart.
Hint: Type the name of the symbol used to call a separate flowchart.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Process: Start
B Input/Output: INPUT Mark
C Decision: Mark >= 50? Yes/No
D Terminator: Stop
Line A — The start of a flowchart must use the terminator (oval) symbol, not a process rectangle. It should be 'Terminator: Start'.
Question 2
A Terminator: Start
B Process: INPUT Age
C Process: Total <- Age * 2
D Terminator: Stop
Line B — Entering data is shown with the input/output parallelogram, not the process rectangle. It should be 'Input/Output: INPUT Age'.
Question 3
A Terminator: Start
B Input/Output: Cost <- Qty * 3
C Input/Output: OUTPUT Cost
D Terminator: Stop
Line B — A calculation or assignment belongs in a process rectangle. The parallelogram is only for input and output. It should be 'Process: Cost <- Qty * 3'.
Question 4
A Terminator: Start
B Input/Output: INPUT Score
C Process: Score > 40?
D Input/Output: OUTPUT Pass
E Terminator: Stop
Line C — A question with Yes/No exits must be drawn as a decision diamond, not a process rectangle. It should be 'Decision: Score > 40?'.
Question 5
A Terminator: Start
B Process: Call SortList
C Input/Output: OUTPUT List
D Terminator: Stop
Line B — A call to a separate flowchart uses the subroutine symbol (rectangle with double side lines), not a plain process. It should be 'Subroutine: Call SortList'.

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