PCAP Object-Oriented Programming Practice Question
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming. 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.
Which of the following statements about class inheritance in Python are true? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Abstract base classes can be defined using the ABC module.
Option B is correct because Python's `abc` module (Abstract Base Classes) allows you to define abstract base classes by inheriting from `ABC` and using the `@abstractmethod` decorator. This enforces that subclasses must implement the abstract methods, providing a formal interface contract.
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 class can inherit from only one base class.
Why it's wrong here
Python supports multiple inheritance.
✓
Abstract base classes can be defined using the ABC module.
Why this is correct
The abc module provides the ABC class and abstractmethod decorator.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A child class can override any method from its parent class, but only if the method is declared as virtual.
Why it's wrong here
Python does not have a 'virtual' keyword; all methods can be overridden.
✗
The super() function is used to call a method from a sibling class.
Why it's wrong here
super() calls a method from the parent class, not a sibling.
✓
Python supports multiple inheritance.
Why this is correct
Python allows a class to inherit from more than one base class.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the misconception that `super()` only calls a parent method, but in multiple inheritance it actually calls the next class in the MRO, which could be a sibling or a cousin, not necessarily a direct parent.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Python does not have a 'virtual' keyword; all methods can be overridden.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Python's MRO (Method Resolution Order) uses the C3 linearization algorithm to determine the order in which base classes are searched when calling a method via `super()`. This ensures that each class in a multiple inheritance hierarchy is visited exactly once, preventing diamond inheritance issues. In practice, `super()` is crucial for cooperative multiple inheritance, where each class's `__init__` method calls `super().__init__()` to ensure all parent initializers run.
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.
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Abstract base classes can be defined using the ABC module. — Option B is correct because Python's `abc` module (Abstract Base Classes) allows you to define abstract base classes by inheriting from `ABC` and using the `@abstractmethod` decorator. This enforces that subclasses must implement the abstract methods, providing a formal interface contract.
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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Question Discussion
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