← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

Splitting a scenario into inputs, processes, outputs and storage

Read the scenario and sort every part into input (data in), process (what is done), output (result shown) or storage (data kept). Then check nothing is missing or in the wrong group.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7b Decomposition and Sub-systems — Module 10, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Understanding Digital Problems — Module 3, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Data-Driven Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 24, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Complex Digital Data Exchange Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 94, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Pseudocode and Algorithm Design — Module 10

Understanding Splitting a scenario into inputs, processes, outputs and storage in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

What it does: Data kept for later use, such as a high-score table saved to a file, belongs in the storage group. The temperature is the input and the IF test is the process. The result is an output action: opening the window. The PIN is data going into the system from the user, so it is an input. Checking or comparing data is something the system does, so it is a process. The balance itself would be storage. Good decomposition ends with a check that every part is sorted and each one is in the right group. The answer typed in is the input. Comparing it with the correct answer is the process.

Common mistakes: Cash is what the ATM gives out, so it is an output, not an input. The input line should be 'Input: PIN, amount wanted'. The answer is typed in by the player, so it is an input. The line should be 'Input: player's answer'.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 94–106) and word search (Modules 94–118).

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Learning
Duo
ATM cash withdrawal: the customer types in a PIN. Which group does the PIN belong to?
OutputInput
Matches
Quiz game decomposition: Input = score is displayed on screen
↓
Showing the score on screen is an output, not an input. Input is data the player enters, such as an answer.
Applying
Meanings
Term
Input, Process, Output, Storage
Meaning
Read the scenario and sort every part into input (data in), process (what is done), output (result shown) or storage (data kept). Then check nothing is missing or in the wrong group.
Practice
INPUT: card, PIN, amount wanted
Testing
Gaps
Typing the PIN at an ATM is an
Check Answer
Spots
1ATM cash withdrawal
2Input: cash, amount wanted

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Quick Questions

1. ATM cash withdrawal: the customer types in a PIN. Which group does the PIN belong to?
A. Input ✓
B. Output
The PIN is data going into the system from the user, so it is an input.
2. ATM cash withdrawal: the system checks the balance is high enough for the amount requested. Which group is this?
A. Storage
B. Process ✓
Checking or comparing data is something the system does, so it is a process. The balance itself would be storage.
3. Quiz game: the high-score table is saved so it is still there next time the game starts. Which group is this?
A. Input
B. Storage ✓
Data that is kept for later use, such as a high-score table in a file, is storage.
4. Quiz game: the player's score is shown on the screen at the end. Which group does it belong to?
A. Output ✓
B. Process
Showing a result to the user is output. Working out the score would be the process.
5. Automatic greenhouse: a temperature sensor reads 31 degrees. Which group is the sensor reading?
A. Input ✓
B. Output
A sensor sends data into the system, so the reading is an input.

Match the Pairs

INPUT PIN → ATM: the card PIN typed by the customer is data going in, so it goes in the input group
balance ← balance - amount → ATM: working out the new balance is something the program does, so it goes in the process group
Quiz game: the high-score table must be kept after the game ends, so it is sorted as storage → WRITE highScores TO file
Greenhouse: a sensor reading is data coming in, and the check against the limit is a process that decides what happens next → IF temperature > 30 THEN OPEN window
Quiz game decomposition: Input = score is displayed on screen → Showing the score on screen is an output, not an input. Input is data the player enters, such as an answer.
ATM decomposition: Input = PIN, Process = check PIN, Output = notes given out (no storage listed) → Storage is missing. The account balance and PIN must be kept somewhere, so the check for missing parts was skipped.

Key Term

Input, Process, Output, Storage
Read the scenario and sort every part into input (data in), process (what is done), output (result shown) or storage (data kept). Then check nothing is missing or in the wrong group.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Typing the PIN at an ATM is an input
Hint: Type the group name for data going into the system.
2. Checking the PIN matches is a process
Hint: Type the group name for work done on the data.
3. Showing the cash amount is an output
Hint: Type the group name for a result shown or given to the user.
4. Quiz high scores kept in a file are storage
Hint: Type the group name for data kept for later use.
5. Sensor reads temperature: input Compare with the target: process Switch fan on or off: output
Hint: Type the missing group for the step that decides using the data.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A ATM cash withdrawal
B Input: cash, amount wanted
C Process: check the balance
D Output: cash and receipt
E Storage: account balance
Line B — Cash is what the ATM gives out, so it is an output, not an input. The input line should be 'Input: PIN, amount wanted'.
Question 2
A Output: player's answer
B Process: compare with correct
C Output: score on screen
D Storage: high-score table
Line A — The answer is typed in by the player, so it is an input. The line should be 'Input: player's answer'.
Question 3
A Process: temperature sensor
B Process: compare to set limit
C Output: open the window
D Storage: daily temp log
Line A — A sensor reading is data going into the system, so it is an input. Comparing it with the limit is the process. The line should start 'Input:'.
Question 4
A Quiz game high-score table
B Storage: none needed
C Process: add 1 for correct
D Output: show the table
E Input: player's name
Line B — A high-score table must be kept after the game ends, so something is missing from storage. It should be 'Storage: names and top scores'.
Question 5
A Automatic greenhouse
B Input: temperature, moisture
C Process: compare with limits
D Input: sprinkler turns on
E Storage: readings log
Line D — The sprinkler switching on is a result the system produces, so it is an output. It should be 'Output: sprinkler turns on'.

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