← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

Cambridge flowchart symbols (7b)

A fixed shape showing one step in a flowchart: oval start/end, arrow flow, rectangle process, parallelogram input/output, diamond decision, double-sided rectangle subroutine.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7b Decomposition and Sub-systems — Module 26, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Pseudocode and Algorithm Design — Module 39

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

What it does: Data entering or leaving the program, such as reading a value from the user, goes in a parallelogram. The oval is the terminator symbol. It shows where the flowchart starts and where it ends. A rectangle shows a process, such as a calculation or an assignment. A parallelogram is for input and output. A diamond holds a yes/no question. It has two exits, usually labelled Yes and No. Flow lines with arrowheads show the direction of flow from one step to the next. The subroutine symbol is a rectangle with extra vertical lines on both sides. A plain rectangle is a normal process.

Common mistakes: A decision (a yes/no question) uses a diamond, not a rectangle. Rectangles are for processes. It should be 'diamond: age >= 18?'. Input and output steps use a parallelogram. A rectangle is for processes such as calculations. It should be 'parallelogram: Input mark'.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add Cambridge flowchart symbols (7b) to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 107–118) and word search (Modules 94–118).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Which shape marks the START and END of a Cambridge flowchart?
Oval (terminator)Diamond
Matches
Rectangle: INPUT name
↓
Input is drawn in a rectangle, but it should be in a parallelogram
Applying
Meanings
Term
flowchart symbol
Meaning
A fixed shape showing one step in a flowchart: oval start/end, arrow flow, rectangle process, parallelogram input/output, diamond decision, double-sided rectangle subroutine.
Practice
Oval = Start or End
Testing
Gaps
Start and End use an (terminator)
Check Answer
Spots
2parallelogram: Input age
3rectangle: age >= 18?

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Hermit Crab' badge — Definition Collector, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. Which shape marks the START and END of a Cambridge flowchart?
A. Diamond
B. Oval (terminator) ✓
The oval is the terminator symbol. It shows where the flowchart starts and where it ends.
2. Which symbol is used for a process step such as Total ← Total + 1?
A. Parallelogram
B. Rectangle ✓
A rectangle shows a process, such as a calculation or an assignment. A parallelogram is for input and output.
3. Which symbol should hold the step: INPUT Age?
A. Parallelogram ✓
B. Rectangle
Input and output steps go in a parallelogram. The rectangle is only for processes.
4. Which symbol shows a decision such as 'Is Mark >= 50?'
A. Diamond ✓
B. Oval
A diamond holds a yes/no question. It has two exits, usually labelled Yes and No.
5. What do the arrows between flowchart symbols show?
A. The order in which steps happen (flow line) ✓
B. The data type of each step
Flow lines with arrowheads show the direction of flow from one step to the next.

Match the Pairs

Oval labelled START → Terminator symbol: marks where the flowchart begins or ends
Diamond: Is mark >= 50? → Decision symbol: asks a yes/no question and has two exits
A parallelogram is the symbol for input and output → Parallelogram: INPUT age
A rectangle shows a process such as a calculation → Rectangle: total <- price * qty
Rectangle: INPUT name → Input is drawn in a rectangle, but it should be in a parallelogram
Oval: total <- a + b → A calculation is placed in an oval, but ovals are only for START and END

Key Term

flowchart symbol
A fixed shape showing one step in a flowchart: oval start/end, arrow flow, rectangle process, parallelogram input/output, diamond decision, double-sided rectangle subroutine.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Start and End use an oval (terminator)
Hint: Type the shape used for the start and end terminator.
2. Input and output use a parallelogram
Hint: Type the slanted four-sided shape used for input and output.
3. A decision is drawn as a diamond
Hint: Type the shape used for a question with Yes and No exits.
4. A process step is drawn as a rectangle
Hint: Type the shape used for a calculation or action step.
5. A flow line is drawn as an arrow
Hint: Type the line type that shows the direction between steps.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A oval: Start
B parallelogram: Input age
C rectangle: age >= 18?
D parallelogram: Output Adult
E oval: End
Line C — A decision (a yes/no question) uses a diamond, not a rectangle. Rectangles are for processes. It should be 'diamond: age >= 18?'.
Question 2
A oval: Start
B rectangle: Input mark
C rectangle: pass = mark >= 50
D parallelogram: Output pass
E oval: End
Line B — Input and output steps use a parallelogram. A rectangle is for processes such as calculations. It should be 'parallelogram: Input mark'.
Question 3
A diamond: Start
B parallelogram: Input price
C rectangle: total = price * 3
D parallelogram: Output total
E oval: End
Line A — The start of a flowchart uses an oval (terminator). A diamond is only for decisions. It should be 'oval: Start'.
Question 4
A oval: Start
B parallelogram: Input score
C diamond: score >= 50?
D oval: CALL PrintPass
E oval: End
Line D — Calling a subroutine uses the subroutine symbol (a rectangle with double sides). An oval is only for start and end. It should be 'subroutine: CALL PrintPass'.
Question 5
A oval: Start
B arrow: asks a yes/no question
C rectangle: add 1 to count
D oval: End
Line B — A flow line (arrow) shows the order in which steps happen. Asking a yes/no question is the job of a diamond. It should say the arrow shows the order of steps.

Student with a class code? Join your class →