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Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

PCEP Practice Question: Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions

This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of functions, tuples, dictionaries and exceptions. 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.

Exhibit

>>> d = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
>>> try:
...     print(d['c'])
... except KeyError:
...     print('Key missing')
... else:
...     print('Success')
... finally:
...     print('Done')

Refer to the exhibit. What is the output?

Exhibit

>>> d = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
>>> try:
...     print(d['c'])
... except KeyError:
...     print('Key missing')
... else:
...     print('Success')
... finally:
...     print('Done')

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

✓

Key missing\nDone

Option C is correct because the code attempts to access a dictionary key ('key') that does not exist, which raises a KeyError. The except block catches this specific exception and prints 'Key missing'. After the try-except, the 'finally' block (or code after the try-except) prints 'Done'. The output is therefore 'Key missing' followed by 'Done' on separate lines.

Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Cisco often tests the order of execution in try-except blocks, specifically that the except block runs only when the matching exception occurs, and that code after the try-except always runs unless a break/return/exit occurs.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

In Python, when a dictionary key is missing, a KeyError is raised. The try-except construct catches this specific exception, allowing the program to continue gracefully. The 'finally' block (or code after the try-except) always executes, regardless of whether an exception occurred, making it ideal for cleanup actions like closing files or releasing resources. This pattern is common in real-world scripts where user input or external data may contain missing keys.

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?

Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions — This question tests Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Key missing\nDone — Option C is correct because the code attempts to access a dictionary key ('key') that does not exist, which raises a KeyError. The except block catches this specific exception and prints 'Key missing'. After the try-except, the 'finally' block (or code after the try-except) prints 'Done'. The output is therefore 'Key missing' followed by 'Done' on separate lines.

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.

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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026

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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.