PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question

A data scientist has a list: scores = [88, 92, 79, 93, 85]. They want to add 5 bonus points to each score and store the new scores. Which code accomplishes this?

⚠ Common exam trap

The PCEP exam often tests the distinction between modifying a loop variable (which has no effect on the original list) and creating a new list via comprehension, exploiting the common misconception that `for s in scores: s += 5` updates the list.

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

✓

scores = [s + 5 for s in scores]

Uses a list comprehension to create a new list where each element is the original score plus 5. This correctly generates the new scores without modifying the original list, which is the intended behavior.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
scores = [s+5] for s in scores
Why it's wrong here
Syntax error (missing brackets).
✓
scores = [s + 5 for s in scores]
Why this is correct
Correct list comprehension.
✗
for s in scores: s += 5
Why it's wrong here
Does not modify list elements.
✗
scores = scores + 5
Why it's wrong here
Can't add int to list.

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PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

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