The answer is ERROR: Disk full. This is correct because when a Python program writes output to a file after an exception, the file’s content reflects exactly what the exception handler printed or wrote, not any additional console output or traceback. In the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this tests your understanding of file I/O combined with exception handling—specifically, that a try-except block can capture an error and write a custom message to a file, and the file’s final content is that message alone. A common trap is assuming the file also contains the exception type or line number, but unless explicitly written, only the string passed to the write method appears. Remember: the file output after an exception is only what the code explicitly writes, not what Python’s default error reporter would show. Memory tip: “File after fail = only what you write, not what Python might cite.”
PCAP Exceptions and File I/O Practice Question
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of exceptions and file i/o. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
# log_output.txt contains:
# INFO: Process started
# ERROR: Disk full
# WARN: Memory high
# INFO: Process ended
with open('log_output.txt', 'r') as f:
for line in f:
if 'ERROR' in line:
print(line.strip())
# Expected output: ERROR: Disk full
If the file 'log_output.txt' contains the lines shown, what is the actual output?
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
# log_output.txt contains:
# INFO: Process started
# ERROR: Disk full
# WARN: Memory high
# INFO: Process ended
with open('log_output.txt', 'r') as f:
for line in f:
if 'ERROR' in line:
print(line.strip())
# Expected output: ERROR: Disk full
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ERROR: Disk full
Option B is correct because the code likely uses a try-except block that catches an exception and prints 'ERROR: Disk full' to the file. The question states that the file contains the lines shown, and the actual output is the content written to the file, which matches 'ERROR: Disk full' exactly. The other options include additional lines or different formatting that do not appear in the given file content.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
ERROR
Why it's wrong here
The full line is printed.
✓
ERROR: Disk full
Why this is correct
Correct: only line with 'ERROR' is printed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
INFO: Process started\nERROR: Disk full
Why it's wrong here
First line does not contain 'ERROR'.
✗
ERROR: Disk full\nWARN: Memory high
Why it's wrong here
WARN does not contain 'ERROR'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the distinction between the content written to a file and the representation of that content when read back, leading candidates to confuse the actual file content with formatted output that includes escape sequences like '\n'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, when writing to a file using the write() method, the newline character must be explicitly included if a line break is desired. The absence of a newline in the written string means the file contains exactly that string without additional lines. This behavior is crucial when logging errors, as each write operation appends to the file without automatic line separation unless specified.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Exceptions and File I/O — This question tests Exceptions and File I/O — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ERROR: Disk full — Option B is correct because the code likely uses a try-except block that catches an exception and prints 'ERROR: Disk full' to the file. The question states that the file contains the lines shown, and the actual output is the content written to the file, which matches 'ERROR: Disk full' exactly. The other options include additional lines or different formatting that do not appear in the given file content.
What should I do if I get this PCAP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This PCAP practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute 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 PCAP exam.
Question Discussion
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