Understanding Conditionals in Coding

What’s an example of an “If…then” statement?

• If you finish your homework, then you can play outside.

• I like playing games outside.

• Because I finished my homework, I played outside.

• Playing outside is fun.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, "If you finish your homework, then you can play outside," is a clear example of an "If…then" statement, indicating a condition and its consequence.

What’s an example of an “If…then…else” statement?

• If it’s raining, then bring an umbrella, else wear sunglasses.

• I will bring an umbrella because it’s raining.

• If it’s raining, then bring an umbrella.

• I love wearing sunglasses when it’s sunny.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, "If it’s raining, then bring an umbrella, else wear sunglasses," clearly follows the "If…then…else" structure, providing a condition and two possible actions based on that condition.

In coding, conditionals tell a computer to do which of the following?

• How to do it

• To do it faster

• When to do it

• Where to do it

Answer explanation

Conditionals in coding specify 'when' certain actions should occur based on specific criteria. They do not dictate 'how', 'faster', or 'where' to perform tasks, making 'when to do it' the correct choice.

True or false: A conditional statement must have all the following: If, then, else

• False

• True

Answer explanation

The statement is false because a conditional statement only requires 'if' and 'then'. The 'else' part is optional and not necessary for a conditional to exist.

Which of these is a true conditional statement?

• If the light is red, then stop.

• Stop when the light is red.

• Because the light is red, stop.

• I stopped at the red light.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, "If the light is red, then stop," is a true conditional statement as it clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship. The other options do not present a conditional structure.

What does an “else” statement do in a conditional?

• It tells what to do if the “if” condition is met.

• It tells what to do if the “if” condition is not met.

• It repeats the “if” condition.

• It restarts the program.

Answer explanation

An 'else' statement specifies the actions to take when the 'if' condition is not met, providing an alternative path in the code. This is why the correct answer is that it tells what to do if the 'if' condition is not met.

Which of the following would best describe a conditional?

• A list of things to do.

• A choice based on a condition.

• A result after an action.

• A way to repeat an action.

Answer explanation

A conditional refers to a choice made based on whether a specific condition is true or false. This distinguishes it from lists, results, or repetition, making 'A choice based on a condition' the best description.

In the statement “If it’s cold, then wear a coat,” what is the condition?

• It’s cold

• Wear a coat

• Cold

• Coat

Answer explanation

In the statement "If it’s cold, then wear a coat," the condition is what comes after "if." Therefore, the correct choice is "It’s cold," as it sets the premise for wearing a coat.

What happens if the condition in an "if" statement is false?

• The program stops.

• The "then" part is executed.

• The "else" part is executed.

• Nothing happens.

Answer explanation

If the condition in an 'if' statement is false, the 'else' part is executed. This allows the program to perform an alternative action when the initial condition is not met.

What is the purpose of an "if" statement in programming?

• To repeat a block of code.

• To execute a block of code based on a condition.

• To define a function.

• To declare a variable.

Answer explanation

An 'if' statement allows a program to execute a block of code only if a specified condition is true. This conditional execution is essential for controlling the flow of a program, making it the correct choice.