AQA · GCSE · Computer Science
Course version: 8525 · Version from Sept 2020
Students must be able to identify where inputs, processing and outputs are…
Full specification wording
Representing algorithms: Students must be able to identify where inputs, processing and outputs are taking place within an algorithm.
Identifying where inputs, processing and outputs occur means locating each role inside a given algorithm rather than describing algorithms in general.
Checked against the AQA 8525 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 7 of 8
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Identifying where inputs, processing and outputs occur means locating each role inside a given algorithm rather than describing algorithms in general. Work through the algorithm in order. A step that obtains data, such as asking the user for a value or reading a record, is an input. A step that changes, compares or combines data, including arithmetic, selection and iteration, is processing. A step that presents or returns a result, such as displaying a total or writing to a file, is an output. A single line can contain more than one role, so split it: reading a number and doubling it involves an input and processing in one statement. Trace with sample values to confirm which step does what. When asked to identify, point to the specific step and label it, giving a brief reason.
What earns the marks
- Locates a specific step in a given algorithm and labels it as an input, processing or output step.
- Gives a reason for the label, for example that a step reads a value from the user, so it is an input.
- Recognises that a single statement may combine roles, such as reading and then calculating in one line.
- Traces the algorithm with sample data to confirm which steps supply, transform and return data.
- Distinguishes processing operations such as comparison and iteration from the input and output steps around them.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Labelling a whole algorithm as one role instead of identifying individual steps.
Put it right by labelling each step separately.
Missing that one line can contain both an input and processing.
Put it right by splitting the statement into its parts.
Confusing a stored result with an input.
Put it right by checking whether the value is produced by the algorithm or supplied to it.
Exam tips
- Quote or reference the exact step you are labelling so the marker can see your target.
- Add a short reason to each label to show your reasoning.
- Trace with a sample value to check your identification before finalising.
Try the lesson
The start of the Representing algorithms: Students must be able to identify where inputs, processing and outputs are taking place within an algorithm. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
An algorithm contains the line: total ← total + score. Which part of an input–process–output model does this line represent?
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