← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

The standard flowchart symbols

Cambridge 0478 flowcharts use only six standard shapes: terminator, process, input/output, decision, subroutine and flow line. Each shape must be drawn correctly and used for its own job.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7c Pseudocode and Flowcharts — Module 42, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Algorithms with Logical Operators — Module 6

Understanding The standard flowchart symbols in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

What it does: Input and output both use a parallelogram. INPUT Age shows data being entered by the user. The terminator marks where the algorithm starts and ends. A diamond is only for decisions. Calculations and assignments are processes, so they go in a rectangle. The decision diamond asks a question and has two exits, labelled Yes and No (or True and False). The subroutine symbol is a rectangle with extra vertical lines inside each side. A plain rectangle is an ordinary process. Cambridge 0478 flowcharts use only the six standard symbols: terminator, process, input/output, decision, subroutine and flow line. Flow lines join the symbols and their arrowheads show the direction in which the algorithm runs.

Common mistakes: A yes/no question must be drawn in a decision symbol (a diamond), not a process box. The line should be 'Decision: Mark >= 50 ?'. OUTPUT shows data to the user, so it goes in an input/output symbol (a parallelogram), not a process box. The line should be 'Input/output: OUTPUT Total'.

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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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Learning
Duo
Which shape is used for START and END in a Cambridge flowchart?
Terminator (rounded rectangle)Decision (diamond)
Matches
A rectangle containing the text INPUT Name
↓
Input must be drawn in a parallelogram, not a rectangle. The rectangle is the process symbol, so the wrong symbol has been used.
Applying
Meanings
Term
flowchart symbols
Meaning
Cambridge 0478 flowcharts use only six standard shapes: terminator, process, input/output, decision, subroutine and flow line. Each shape must be drawn correctly and used for its own job.
Practice
Terminator = oval, start and end
Testing
Gaps
Diamond shape = symbol
Check Answer
Spots
2Input/output: INPUT Mark
3Process: Mark >= 50 ?

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Quick Questions

1. Which shape is used for START and END in a Cambridge flowchart?
A. Decision (diamond)
B. Terminator (rounded rectangle) ✓
The terminator marks where the algorithm starts and ends. A diamond is only for decisions.
2. Which symbol should you draw for the statement Total ← Total + Mark?
A. Process (rectangle) ✓
B. Input/output (parallelogram)
Calculations and assignments are processes, so they go in a rectangle.
3. Which shape shows INPUT Age or OUTPUT Total?
A. Parallelogram ✓
B. Rectangle
Input and output share one symbol, the parallelogram. A rectangle is for processes.
4. A question such as Score >= 50? with a Yes and a No exit goes in which symbol?
A. Process (rectangle)
B. Decision (diamond) ✓
The decision diamond asks a question and has two exits, labelled Yes and No (or True and False).
5. How do you draw a call to a subroutine in a flowchart?
A. A rectangle with double vertical lines at the sides ✓
B. A plain rectangle
The subroutine symbol is a rectangle with extra vertical lines inside each side. A plain rectangle is an ordinary process.

Match the Pairs

Rounded rectangle (terminator) containing START → Marks the start of the flowchart. A terminator is also used with END to mark where it finishes.
Diamond containing Mark >= 50 ? → A decision symbol: it asks a question and has two exits labelled Yes and No (or True and False).
A parallelogram is the input/output symbol, used when data goes in or comes out → Parallelogram containing INPUT Age
A rectangle is the process symbol, used for a calculation or an assignment → Rectangle containing Total ← Total + Mark
A rectangle containing the text INPUT Name → Input must be drawn in a parallelogram, not a rectangle. The rectangle is the process symbol, so the wrong symbol has been used.
A circle containing the text START → START and END must be in a terminator, a rounded rectangle. A circle is not one of the six standard symbols, so it is not allowed.

Key Term

flowchart symbols
Cambridge 0478 flowcharts use only six standard shapes: terminator, process, input/output, decision, subroutine and flow line. Each shape must be drawn correctly and used for its own job.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Diamond shape = decision symbol
Hint: Type the name of the symbol that asks a yes/no question and has two exits.
2. Parallelogram = input/output symbol
Hint: Type the two-part name of the symbol used to read data in and show data out.
3. Rounded box for START and END = terminator
Hint: Type the name of the symbol that marks where an algorithm begins and stops.
4. Rectangle with double sides: subroutine
Hint: Type the name of the symbol used to call a separate named part of a program.
5. Rectangle for Total ← Total + 1: process
Hint: Type the name of the symbol used for calculations and assignments.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Terminator: START
B Input/output: INPUT Mark
C Process: Mark >= 50 ?
D Input/output: OUTPUT Pass
Line C — A yes/no question must be drawn in a decision symbol (a diamond), not a process box. The line should be 'Decision: Mark >= 50 ?'.
Question 2
A Terminator: START
B Process: Total <- 0
C Process: OUTPUT Total
D Terminator: END
Line C — OUTPUT shows data to the user, so it goes in an input/output symbol (a parallelogram), not a process box. The line should be 'Input/output: OUTPUT Total'.
Question 3
A Terminator: START
B Input/output: INPUT Name
C Process: CALL Greet(Name)
D Terminator: END
Line C — Calling a subroutine needs the subroutine symbol (a rectangle with double side bars). A plain process box is for ordinary calculations. The line should be 'Subroutine: CALL Greet(Name)'.
Question 4
A Decision: START
B Input/output: INPUT Num
C Process: Square <- Num * Num
D Input/output: OUTPUT Square
E Terminator: END
Line A — The start of a flowchart must use a terminator symbol (a rounded rectangle). A decision diamond is only for yes/no questions. The line should be 'Terminator: START'.
Question 5
A Terminator: START
B Input/output: INPUT Marks
C Subroutine: CALL Mean(Marks)
D Decision: OUTPUT Mean
E Terminator: END
Line D — A decision symbol only holds a yes/no question with two exits. Showing a result needs an input/output symbol. The line should be 'Input/output: OUTPUT Mean'.

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