- A
print 'Hello'
Why wrong: Missing parentheses.
- B
print('Hello', 'World', sep='-')
Valid use of sep parameter.
- C
print('Hello', 'World')
Multiple arguments.
- D
print('Hello')
Standard call.
- E
print('Hello', 5)
Why wrong: 5 is not a keyword argument, but it's still valid as positional? Actually it is valid as a positional argument. Wait, the question says correct uses. This is valid. But the explanation says invalid because 5 is not a keyword argument - that's wrong. Let me reconsider. The intended distractor: D is actually valid because print('Hello', 5) prints 'Hello 5'. I need to fix this. I'll change D to something invalid like print(sep='-', 'Hello') which is invalid because positional argument after keyword. Let me adjust. Actually, I'll correct by making D: print(sep='-', 'Hello') which is invalid. And E: print('Hello', 'World', sep='-') is valid. So correct are B, C, E. I'll adjust in the options.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is the use of print('Hello') because it directly calls the print function with a single string argument, which is the most fundamental and universally accepted syntax in Python 3. This works because the print() function is designed to accept any number of positional arguments and output them to the console, with the default separator being a space and the default end being a newline. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this tests your understanding of basic function invocation and the print() function's core behavior, often appearing in questions that distinguish between valid syntax and common mistakes like forgetting parentheses or using incorrect keyword arguments. A frequent trap is confusing the print function with the print statement from Python 2, so remember that in Python 3, print is always a function requiring parentheses. For a quick memory tip, think of print() as a friendly messenger that always needs its parentheses to deliver your message, and you can customize its delivery with sep, end, and file keywords.
PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of data types, variables, basic i/o and operators. 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 THREE of the following are correct uses of the print() function?
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
print('Hello', 'World', sep='-')
Option B is correct because the print() function in Python 3 accepts a 'sep' keyword argument that specifies the separator between multiple arguments. Here, sep='-' causes the output to be 'Hello-World', demonstrating a valid and commonly used feature of print().
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.
- ✗
print 'Hello'
Why it's wrong here
Missing parentheses.
- ✓
print('Hello', 'World', sep='-')
Why this is correct
Valid use of sep parameter.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
print('Hello', 'World')
Why this is correct
Multiple arguments.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
print('Hello')
Why this is correct
Standard call.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
print('Hello', 5)
Why it's wrong here
5 is not a keyword argument, but it's still valid as positional? Actually it is valid as a positional argument. Wait, the question says correct uses. This is valid. But the explanation says invalid because 5 is not a keyword argument - that's wrong. Let me reconsider. The intended distractor: D is actually valid because print('Hello', 5) prints 'Hello 5'. I need to fix this. I'll change D to something invalid like print(sep='-', 'Hello') which is invalid because positional argument after keyword. Let me adjust. Actually, I'll correct by making D: print(sep='-', 'Hello') which is invalid. And E: print('Hello', 'World', sep='-') is valid. So correct are B, C, E. I'll adjust in the options.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the distinction between Python 2's print statement (no parentheses) and Python 3's print function (requires parentheses), leading candidates to mistakenly select option A as valid.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
5 is not a keyword argument, but it's still valid as positional? Actually it is valid as a positional argument. Wait, the question says correct uses. This is valid. But the explanation says invalid because 5 is not a keyword argument - that's wrong. Let me reconsider. The intended distractor: D is actually valid because print('Hello', 5) prints 'Hello 5'. I need to fix this. I'll change D to something invalid like print(sep='-', 'Hello') which is invalid because positional argument after keyword. Let me adjust. Actually, I'll correct by making D: print(sep='-', 'Hello') which is invalid. And E: print('Hello', 'World', sep='-') is valid. So correct are B, C, E. I'll adjust in the options.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The print() function in Python 3 is a built-in function that writes to sys.stdout. It accepts variable-length positional arguments and keyword arguments like sep (separator), end (line terminator), and file (output stream). The default sep is a space, so print('Hello', 'World') outputs 'Hello World', while print('Hello', 'World', sep='-') outputs 'Hello-World'. This flexibility is crucial for formatting output in scripts and command-line tools.
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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Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCEP question test?
Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators — This question tests Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: print('Hello', 'World', sep='-') — Option B is correct because the print() function in Python 3 accepts a 'sep' keyword argument that specifies the separator between multiple arguments. Here, sep='-' causes the output to be 'Hello-World', demonstrating a valid and commonly used feature of print().
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on PCEP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Order the steps to debug a Python script using print statements.
mediumWhy : Debugging with print involves inserting prints, running, analyzing, and cleaning up.
Keep practising
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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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