Exhibit
try:
x = 1 / 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print('A')
except:
print('B')
else:
print('C')
finally:
print('D')Question 405 of 521
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
try:
x = 1 / 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print('A')
except:
print('B')
else:
print('C')
finally:
print('D')Refer to the exhibit. What is the output?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A D
Option D is correct because the code defines a custom exception class `MyError` that inherits from `Exception`, and the `try` block raises `MyError` with the message 'A'. The first `except` clause catches `MyError` and prints 'A', then the `else` clause is skipped because an exception was raised, and the `finally` clause always executes, printing 'D'. Thus the output is 'A D'.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute (PCAP) often tests the order of `except` clauses and the behavior of `else` versus `finally` — the trap here is that candidates forget the `else` block is skipped when an exception is raised, and mistakenly think the `finally` block is optional or conditional.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python's exception handling, the `else` clause executes only if the `try` block completes without raising an exception, while the `finally` clause executes unconditionally. Custom exceptions like `MyError` should inherit from `Exception` (or a subclass) to be caught by `except Exception`; inheriting from `BaseException` would catch system-exiting exceptions like `SystemExit`, which is not recommended. This pattern is critical in resource management (e.g., file I/O) where cleanup must occur regardless of errors.
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 — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Exceptions and File I/O practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All PCAP questions
521 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
PCAP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related PCAP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Modules and Packages practice questions
Practise PCAP questions linked to Modules and Packages.
Strings practice questions
Practise PCAP questions linked to Strings.
Object-Oriented Programming practice questions
Practise PCAP questions linked to Object-Oriented Programming.
Exceptions and File I/O practice questions
Practise PCAP questions linked to Exceptions and File I/O.
PCAP fundamentals practice questions
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP fundamentals.
PCAP scenario practice questions
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP scenario.
PCAP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free PCAP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCAP question test?
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: A D — Option D is correct because the code defines a custom exception class `MyError` that inherits from `Exception`, and the `try` block raises `MyError` with the message 'A'. The first `except` clause catches `MyError` and prints 'A', then the `else` clause is skipped because an exception was raised, and the `finally` clause always executes, printing 'D'. Thus the output is 'A D'.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More PCAP practice questions
- Which TWO of the following are valid ways to raise an exception in Python?
- Which TWO of the following statements about Python's `sys.path` are true?
- Match each Python operator to its precedence level (1=highest).
- Match each Python module to its purpose.
- Drag and drop the steps to debug a Python script using pdb into the correct order.
- A class 'Point' is defined with __slots__ = ['x', 'y']. A developer creates an instance p = Point() and tries to set p.z…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.