PCEP Practice Question: Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions
A developer writes a function that takes a tuple as an argument and tries to modify an element inside the tuple. What happens?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the distinction between `TypeError` and `ValueError` — the trap here is that candidates may confuse an operation that is not allowed (TypeError) with an operation that receives an invalid value (ValueError).
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
✓
The code raises a TypeError.
Tuples in Python are immutable, meaning their elements cannot be changed after creation. Attempting to modify an element (e.g., `my_tuple[0] = 5`) raises a `TypeError` because the tuple object does not support item assignment. This is a fundamental property of the tuple data type.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The code raises a TypeError.
Why this is correct
Tuples do not support item assignment.
- ✗
The tuple is converted to a list automatically.
Why it's wrong here
No automatic conversion.
- ✗
The first element is modified successfully.
Why it's wrong here
Tuples are immutable.
- ✗
The code raises a ValueError.
Why it's wrong here
The error type is TypeError.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCEP 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 PCEP exam.