Scratch Programming Quiz: Basics of Code

Which of the following best describes a variable in Scratch?

• A command that repeats actions

• A container that stores information, like a number or word

• A sprite that moves on the stage

• A background image

Answer explanation

In Scratch, a variable is best described as a container that stores information, such as numbers or words. This allows users to keep track of data and use it in their programs, unlike commands, sprites, or backgrounds.

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

• To repeat actions forever

• To store information

• To make decisions based on conditions

• To draw shapes

Answer explanation

An 'if' statement is used in programming to make decisions based on conditions. It allows the program to execute certain actions only if specific criteria are met, making it essential for controlling the flow of execution.

Which block in Scratch would you use to repeat a set of actions a certain number of times?

• If block

• Repeat block

• Variable block

• Say block

Answer explanation

The Repeat block in Scratch is specifically designed to execute a set of actions multiple times, making it the correct choice for this question. The other blocks serve different purposes and do not repeat actions.

What is the correct sequence of actions if you want a sprite to move 10 steps and then say "Hello"?

• Say "Hello", then move 10 steps

• Move 10 steps, then say "Hello"

• Move 5 steps, then say "Hello"

• Say "Goodbye", then move 10 steps

Answer explanation

To have a sprite move 10 steps and then say 'Hello', the correct sequence is to first move 10 steps and then say 'Hello'. This ensures the movement occurs before the speech, aligning with the desired action order.

If you want to store the number of times a sprite jumps, which Scratch feature should you use?

• A sound block

• A variable

• A costume

• A backdrop

Answer explanation

To store the number of times a sprite jumps, you should use a variable. Variables in Scratch can hold numerical values, making them ideal for counting actions like jumps.

Which of the following is an example of selection in programming?

• Repeating a dance 5 times

• Moving forward 10 steps

• If touching edge, bounce

• Changing the background

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'If touching edge, bounce', demonstrates selection in programming by using a conditional statement to determine an action based on a specific condition, unlike the other options which do not involve decision-making.

What will the following Scratch code do? ``` if 10> say "You win!" ```

• Always says "You win!"

• Says "You win!" only if the score is greater than 10

• Says "You win!" if the score is less than 10

• Never says "You win!"

Answer explanation

The code checks if the score is greater than 10. If true, it executes the 'say' command, displaying 'You win!'. Therefore, it only says 'You win!' when the score exceeds 10, making the correct choice the second option.

Which block would you use to keep track of a player's points in a game?

• Change colour effect

• Set variable

• Play sound

• Go to x: y:

Answer explanation

To keep track of a player's points in a game, you would use the 'Set variable' block. This block allows you to create and update a variable that can store the player's score, making it essential for point tracking.

What does the following code do? ``` repeat 4 move 50 steps turn 90 degrees ```

• Draws a triangle

• Draws a square

• Moves in a straight line

• Draws a circle

Answer explanation

The code repeats a sequence of moving 50 steps and turning 90 degrees four times. This creates four sides of equal length with right angles, forming a square.

Which of these is NOT a good name for a variable that stores a player's score?

• score

• playerScore

• banana

• points

Answer explanation

The variable name 'banana' is not descriptive of a player's score, making it a poor choice. In contrast, 'score', 'playerScore', and 'points' clearly indicate that they store scoring information.