← Python

Strings – Slicing

A slice [start:stop] extracts a substring from position start up to but not including stop

What it does: Omitting start defaults to 0. Slices from index 0 up to (not including) 3. Step -1 traverses the string backwards — a quick way to reverse. Start at 0, stop before 3: P(0) y(1) t(2). [:2] starts from 0, stops before index 2: h(0) e(1). [3:] starts at index 3 and takes everything to the end: l(3) o(4). Step of 2: take index 0, 2, 4 = a, c, e. Step of -1 reverses the string. Start and stop at the same index — nothing in between.

Common mistakes: Use colon : for slicing, not comma. Step cannot be 0: causes ValueError.

Class: _____________________ · Name: _____________________ · Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a journey and assign it to your class.

🖨 Print Worksheet and Answer key of Strings – Slicing (PDF)

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

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

Learning

Duo

What does 'Python'[0:3] return?

'Pyt''Pyth'

Matches

❌ 'hello'[1,4]

↓

Error: Use colon not comma

Applying

Meanings

Term

Slice

Meaning

Extract a portion of a string using [start:stop].

Practice

word = 'Python'

Testing

Gaps

print(word[:3])

Check Answer

Spots

1word = 'hello'

2part = word[0,3]

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

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.

Teach this with your class →

Quick Questions

1. What does 'Python'[0:3] return?

A. 'Pyt' ✓

B. 'Pyth'

Start at 0, stop before 3: P(0) y(1) t(2)

2. What does 'hello'[:2] return?

A. 'hel'

B. 'he' ✓

[:2] starts from 0, stops before index 2: h(0) e(1)

3. What does 'hello'[3:] return?

A. 'lo' ✓

B. 'llo'

[3:] starts at index 3 and takes everything to the end: l(3) o(4)

4. Is the stop index included in a slice?

A. Yes

B. No it stops before it ✓

Same rule as range() — slicing stops BEFORE the stop index

5. What does 'abcdef'[::2] return?

A. 'ace' ✓

B. 'bdf'

Step of 2: take index 0, 2, 4 = a, c, e

Match the Pairs

'hello'[1,4] → Error: Use colon not comma

'hello'[10:20] → Invalid: But returns '' not error

'hello'[:3] → Valid: Returns 'hel'

'hello'[::-1] → Ok: Reverses the string

print('hello'[1:4]) → Output: ell

print('python'[2:]) → Output: thon

Key Term

Slice

Extract a portion of a string using [start:stop].~~[start:stop]

Fill in the Blanks

1. word = 'Python' print(word[0:3])

2. word = 'hello' print(word[:3])

3. word = 'hello' print(word[2:])

4. word = 'hello' print(word[::-1])

5. text = 'abcdef' print(text[1:5])

Spot the Error

Question 1

A word = 'hello'

B part = word[0,3]

C print('Slice:', part)

D print('Done')

Line B — Use colon : for slicing, not comma

Question 2

A word = 'hello'

B part = word[1:4:0]

C print('Slice:', part)

D print('Done')

Line B — Step cannot be 0: causes ValueError

Question 3

A word = 'hello'

B part = word(1:3)

C print('Slice:', part)

D print('Done')

Line B — Use square brackets [] for slicing, not parentheses ()

Question 4

A word = 'hello'

B part = word[0:5:]

C print('Slice:', part)

D # trying to get all

Line B — Trailing colon without step is fine but unnecessary: remove it for clarity

Question 5

A part = 'hello'[-1:-4]

B word = 'hello'

C print('Slice:', part)

D print('Done')

Line A — Start must be before stop: -4 comes before -1 in the string

For Teachers

Create a free class, add this module to a journey, and track who's stuck.

Create a free teacher account →

No credit card. No setup fee. Make a class and invite students in under three minutes.

For Students

Practice this topic interactively, track progress, and unlock badges.

Start Learning Free →

Have a class code?