IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2 Definitions Worksheet: 7b Decomposition and Sub-systems (Modules 107–118)
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Key terms
Write what each term means, in your own words.
1
analysis, design, coding, testing
2
analysis
3
abstraction
4
abstract a scenario
5
structure diagram
6
top-down design
7
complete a structure diagram
8
flowchart symbol
Answer Key
IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2 · Modules 107–118 · Student wording will vary for definitions
1analysis, design, coding, testing — The four ordered stages of building a program: analysis (what is needed), design (plan it), coding (write it) and testing (check it works).
2analysis — The first stage of the program development life cycle: identify the problem and list what the solution must do, using abstraction and decomposition, before any design starts.
3abstraction — Keeping only the detail that matters for the problem and hiding the rest, like a tube map showing stations and lines but not exact distances.
4abstract a scenario — Read the scenario, list the details the solution needs and cross out the rest, saying 'because' for each choice (e.g. a bus app keeps times, not bus colour).
5structure diagram — A diagram with the whole problem in a top box, joined by lines to lower boxes for each sub-problem, in levels. It shows the parts of the problem, not the order of the steps.
6top-down design — Name the whole problem in the top box, then split it into sub-problems level by level until each box is one simple task. Use clear box names.
7complete a structure diagram — Read the given boxes top down, then fill each gap with the sub-problem its parent box needs, so the sub-boxes together make up the parent. Ignore boxes that do not belong.
8flowchart 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.