PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
An application requires different messages based on temperature. Given: temp = 25
if temp > 30:
print('Hot')elif temp > 20:
print('Warm')else:
print('Cool')What is the output?
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCEP exam often tests the misconception that `elif` is optional or that the `else` block will execute even when a preceding `elif` is True, leading candidates to incorrectly choose 'Cool'.
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
✓
Warm
The condition `temp > 30` is False (25 is not greater than 30), so the first `if` block is skipped. The `elif temp > 20` condition is True (25 > 20), so the `print('Warm')` statement executes, outputting 'Warm'. Option D is correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
No output
Why it's wrong here
Every if/elif/else chain executes exactly one branch, so output always occurs. Selecting 'No output' assumes a syntax or runtime failure that does not exist; the code is valid and temp=25 satisfies the elif, printing 'Warm'.
- ✗
Hot
Why it's wrong here
With temp = 25, the first condition (temp > 30) evaluates to False, so its block is skipped; the elif condition (temp > 20) is True, printing 'Warm'. Choosing 'Hot' ignores that Python tests conditions sequentially and stops at the first match. 'Hot' would print only if temp exceeded 30.
- ✗
Cool
Why it's wrong here
The elif condition temp > 20 evaluates true for 25, so 'Warm' prints and the else branch is skipped entirely. Choosing 'Cool' ignores that elif short-circuits before else; else only runs when all preceding conditions are false, which is not the case here.
- ✓
Warm
Why this is correct
The first condition, temp > 30, evaluates false because 25 is not greater than 30. The elif condition, temp > 20, evaluates true, so its block runs and prints Warm; the else branch is skipped.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every PCEP question from scratch — 482 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
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.