← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

Flow line

An arrow that joins two flowchart shapes and shows which step runs next. The arrowhead points the way control passes, from Start to End, and a line can loop back to repeat steps.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7c Pseudocode and Flowcharts — Module 44

Understanding Flow line in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

What it does: A process shape holds one step, so it has a single flow line out to the next step. Only a decision shape has two lines out. The arrowhead points to the next shape, so you know which way to read the flowchart. A line that loops back to an earlier shape sends control there again, so the steps run once more.

Common mistakes: The arrowhead points the wrong way. Control must pass from the process to the output, so the line should be Process Add 1 --> Output Total. A process shape has only one flow line out. This line leaves it for two shapes. It should be Process Total --> Output Total, and the output then goes on to End.

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

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 176–187) and word search (Modules 166–187).

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

Learning

Duo

What does a flow line show in a flowchart?

Which step runs nextThe value stored in a variable

Matches

Process box joined to the next shape by a plain line with no arrowhead

↓

The flow line has no arrowhead, so the direction of control is unclear. It must be an arrow pointing to the next shape.

Applying

Meanings

Term

flow line

Meaning

An arrow that joins two flowchart shapes and shows which step runs next. The arrowhead points the way control passes, from Start to End, and a line can loop back to repeat steps.

Practice

Count ← 1 // line from Start

Testing

Gaps

Start INPUT Num -> OUTPUT Num -> End

Check Answer

Spots

2Input Mark --> Process Add 1

3Output Total --> Process Add 1

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Quick Questions

1. What does a flow line show in a flowchart?

A. Which step runs next ✓

B. The value stored in a variable

A flow line is an arrow that shows control passing from one shape to the next.

2. Which part of a flow line shows the direction to follow?

A. The arrowhead ✓

B. The length of the line

The arrowhead points to the next shape, so you know which way to read the flowchart.

3. How many flow lines should leave a process box?

A. Two, a Yes line and a No line

B. One ✓

A process box has one line out because only one step can come next. Only a decision has two lines out, Yes and No.

4. How does a flowchart show that a set of steps repeats in a loop?

A. A flow line joins back to an earlier shape ✓

B. The process box is drawn twice in a row

A line that loops back to an earlier shape sends control there again, so the steps run once more.

5. Two flow lines need to be drawn. Which is better?

A. Lines that cross over each other in the middle

B. Lines that do not cross each other ✓

Avoid crossing lines where you can, because crossings make it hard to see which shape each line joins.

Match the Pairs

Start → Process → End (arrowheads pointing down) → The arrowheads on the flow lines show the direction control passes from one shape to the next

Arrow from the bottom of a decision back up to a shape above it → A flow line joining back to an earlier shape so that the steps repeat, which makes a loop

A process box has exactly one flow line leaving it, because only one step can come next → Total ← Total + Mark (one arrow out of the box to the next shape)

Flow lines should not cross where avoidable, so the flowchart stays clear and easy to follow → Tidy layout: the loop-back arrow goes round the side of the chart without crossing other arrows

Process box joined to the next shape by a plain line with no arrowhead → The flow line has no arrowhead, so the direction of control is unclear. It must be an arrow pointing to the next shape.

Process box with two arrows leaving it to two different shapes → A process shape should have only one flow line out. Two lines leaving it make it unclear which step runs next. Only a decision has two exits.

Key Term

flow line

An arrow that joins two flowchart shapes and shows which step runs next. The arrowhead points the way control passes, from Start to End, and a line can loop back to repeat steps.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Start -> INPUT Num -> OUTPUT Num -> End

Hint: Type the two-character symbol that stands for a flow line arrow pointing right.

2. Arrow: Input -> Output means Input is first

Hint: Type the word that says which step runs earlier, as shown by the arrowhead.

3. A process has 1 flow line out

Hint: Type the number of flow lines that leave a process shape.

4. Decision lines are labelled YES and NO

Hint: Type the label for the other line leaving a decision shape.

5. Process A -> Decision Decision -> NO -> Process A

Hint: Type the shape the loop-back flow line returns to so the steps repeat.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A Start --> Input Mark

B Input Mark --> Process Add 1

C Output Total --> Process Add 1

D Output Total --> End

Line C — The arrowhead points the wrong way. Control must pass from the process to the output, so the line should be Process Add 1 --> Output Total.

Question 2

A Start --> Process Total

B Process Total --> Output & End

C Output Total --> End

Line B — A process shape has only one flow line out. This line leaves it for two shapes. It should be Process Total --> Output Total, and the output then goes on to End.

Question 3

A Input Guess --> Decision Right

B Decision No --> End

C Decision Yes --> Output Win

D Output Win --> End

Line B — The No line must join back to Input Guess so the loop repeats. Here it goes straight to End, so the loop never happens.

Question 4

A Start --> Input Num

B Input Num --> Process Double

C Process Double --> Output Num

D Output Num --- End

Line D — The flow line has no arrowhead, so the direction of control is unclear. It should be Output Num --> End.

Question 5

A Input Num --> Start

B Input Num --> Process Square

C Process Square --> Output Sq

D Output Sq --> End

Line A — The line points into Start. Control must leave Start and pass to the first step, so it should be Start --> Input Num.

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