Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →- A
a b
Why wrong: Output is on separate lines: a then b.
- B
b a
Why wrong: Except block runs before finally.
- C
a\nb
Correct: prints 'a', newline, then 'b'.
- D
b
Why wrong: Except block also prints.
Question 450 of 511
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.
What is the output of the following code?
try:
raise ValueError('a') except ValueError as e:
print(e.args[0])
finally:
print('b')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\nb
Option C is correct because the `finally` block always executes after the `try` block, even when an exception is raised. The `except` block catches the `ValueError` and prints the first argument of the exception (`'a'`), then the `finally` block prints `'b'`. The output is `a` on one line and `b` on the next, matching `a\nb`.
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.
- ✗
a b
Why it's wrong here
Output is on separate lines: a then b.
- ✗
b a
Why it's wrong here
Except block runs before finally.
- ✓
a\nb
Why this is correct
Correct: prints 'a', newline, then 'b'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
b
Why it's wrong here
Except block also prints.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the misconception that `finally` runs before `except` or that `print()` outputs on the same line, leading candidates to choose options with incorrect order or missing newlines.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Output is on separate lines: a then b.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, the `finally` block is guaranteed to execute regardless of whether an exception is raised, caught, or even if a `return`, `break`, or `continue` statement is encountered in the `try` or `except` blocks. This is implemented via the interpreter's internal exception-handling mechanism, which ensures cleanup code runs. In real-world scenarios, `finally` is critical for releasing resources like file handles or network connections, as seen in the `with` statement's context manager protocol.
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.
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Exceptions and File I/O — study guide chapter
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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\nb — Option C is correct because the `finally` block always executes after the `try` block, even when an exception is raised. The `except` block catches the `ValueError` and prints the first argument of the exception (`'a'`), then the `finally` block prints `'b'`. The output is `a` on one line and `b` on the next, matching `a\nb`.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
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