Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →- A
small
Why wrong: Condition false.
- B
SyntaxError
Why wrong: Syntax is valid.
- C
big small
Why wrong: Only one branch executed.
- D
big
Condition true.
Question 478 of 510
Quick Answer
The answer is "big" because the Python if-else statement with semicolons is perfectly valid syntax. Semicolons in Python act as statement separators, not terminators, allowing you to write multiple simple statements on a single line. Here, `x = 10` is followed by a semicolon, then the `if x > 5:` condition, another semicolon, and the `print("big")` statement. Since `x` is 10, the condition evaluates to `True`, so the `if` branch executes and prints "big". On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this question tests your understanding of compound statements and line structure—specifically that colons after `if` and `else` are mandatory, while semicolons are optional but allowed for compact code. A common trap is thinking semicolons break the syntax or that `else` must start a new line; in reality, Python only requires the colon and proper indentation. Memory tip: think of semicolons as "glue" that sticks short statements together on one line, but never forget the colon—it's the real gatekeeper of the if-else block.
PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of computer programming and python fundamentals. 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.
A student writes the code: x = 10; if x > 5: print("big"); else: print("small"). 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
✓
big
The code `x = 10; if x > 5: print("big"); else: print("small")` is syntactically correct in Python. Since `x` is 10, the condition `x > 5` evaluates to `True`, so the `if` branch executes, printing `"big"`. The semicolons are allowed as statement separators, and the colon after `if` and `else` is required. Therefore, option D is correct.
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.
- ✗
small
Why it's wrong here
Condition false.
- ✗
SyntaxError
Why it's wrong here
Syntax is valid.
- ✗
big small
Why it's wrong here
Only one branch executed.
- ✓
big
Why this is correct
Condition true.
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 whether candidates know that semicolons are valid statement separators in Python, leading many to incorrectly think they cause a `SyntaxError` when they do not.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, semicolons can be used to write multiple statements on a single line, though this is discouraged by PEP 8 for readability. The `if-else` construct requires colons after the condition and after `else`, and indentation is not needed when the suite is a single statement on the same line. Under the hood, Python's parser treats the semicolon as a statement delimiter, and the conditional expression is evaluated at runtime, executing only the matched branch.
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 practitioner preparing for the PCEP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCEP question test?
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — This question tests Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: big — The code `x = 10; if x > 5: print("big"); else: print("small")` is syntactically correct in Python. Since `x` is 10, the condition `x > 5` evaluates to `True`, so the `if` branch executes, printing `"big"`. The semicolons are allowed as statement separators, and the colon after `if` and `else` is required. Therefore, option D is correct.
What should I do if I get this PCEP 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
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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