Quick Answer
The correct answer is 'C'. This is because the if-else-if chain evaluates conditions from top to bottom, and the first true condition determines the outcome. When score is 75, the first condition (score >= 90) is false, the second (score >= 80) is false, and the third (score >= 70) is true, so grade is assigned 'C' and the remaining else-if and else blocks are skipped entirely. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this concept tests your understanding of conditional flow control and the critical rule that only the first true condition in a cascading if-else-if structure executes. A common trap is assuming the else block runs when a later condition is true, but the chain stops at the first match. Remember the memory tip: "First true wins—once it fires, the rest retires."
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of control flow and loops. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A developer writes the following code: if (score >= 90) { grade = 'A'; } else if (score >= 80) { grade = 'B'; } else if (score >= 70) { grade = 'C'; } else { grade = 'D'; } What is the value of grade if score is 75?
'B'
Why wrong: score >= 80 is false for score 75.
'C'
score >= 70 is true, so grade is assigned 'C'.
'D'
Why wrong: The else block only runs if no condition is true, but here score >= 70 is true, so else is skipped.
'A'
Why wrong: score is 75, which is less than 90, so this condition is false.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
'C'
The code uses a cascading if-else-if structure that evaluates conditions from top to bottom. When score is 75, the first condition (score >= 90) is false, the second (score >= 80) is false, and the third (score >= 70) is true, so grade is assigned 'C'. The else block is only reached if all prior conditions are false.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
'B'
Why it's wrong here
score >= 80 is false for score 75.
'C'
Why this is correct
score >= 70 is true, so grade is assigned 'C'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
'D'
Why it's wrong here
The else block only runs if no condition is true, but here score >= 70 is true, so else is skipped.
'A'
Why it's wrong here
score is 75, which is less than 90, so this condition is false.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the candidate's understanding that the else-if chain stops at the first true condition, so a score of 75 correctly falls into the 'C' range, not 'D' or 'B'.
Detailed technical explanation
In Java, the if-else-if ladder short-circuits: once a condition evaluates to true, the corresponding block executes and the rest of the chain is skipped. This ensures that only the first matching range assigns the grade, making the order of conditions critical. In real-world grading systems, such logic must be carefully ordered from highest to lowest threshold to avoid logical errors like assigning 'C' when a score of 85 should get 'B'.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 1Z0-811 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Control Flow and Loops — This question tests Control Flow and Loops — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 'C' — The code uses a cascading if-else-if structure that evaluates conditions from top to bottom. When score is 75, the first condition (score >= 90) is false, the second (score >= 80) is false, and the third (score >= 70) is true, so grade is assigned 'C'. The else block is only reached if all prior conditions are false.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This 1Z0-811 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Oracle certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 1Z0-811 exam.
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