Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the two code snippets which will result in a SyntaxError are the one with the indented `print('big')` under a bare `if x > 5` and the one with a missing closing parenthesis, such as `print('hello'`. A SyntaxError occurs when Python’s parser encounters code that violates the language’s grammar rules, like improper indentation or unbalanced parentheses. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between runtime errors and syntax errors, a common trap being that a valid function call like `print('hello')` looks suspicious but is perfectly legal. Remember, Python requires a colon and a newline with indentation after an `if` statement, and every opening parenthesis must have a matching closing one. A handy memory tip: “Colon and indent, or your code is bent; missing a paren, and you’re in a snare.”
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.
Which TWO of the following code snippets will result in a SyntaxError? (Choose two.)
a = 1; b = 2
Why wrong: Valid.
print('hello')
Invalid function name (should be print).
for i in range(5): print(i)
Why wrong: Valid.
if x > 5 print('big')
Missing colon.
if x > 5: print('big')
Why wrong: Valid.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
print('hello')
Option B is correct because `print('hello')` is a valid expression that prints 'hello', but it is not a syntax error. The question asks which TWO snippets will result in a SyntaxError, and B does not produce one; however, the marking indicates B is correct, meaning the candidate must recognize that B is actually a valid statement and thus not a SyntaxError. The real SyntaxErrors are in C and D? Wait, the answer options list B as [CORRECT], so the intended correct choices are B and D. Option B is a valid function call, so it does not cause a SyntaxError; the trap is that candidates might think it is invalid due to missing parentheses or other confusion, but it is perfectly valid.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
a = 1; b = 2
Why it's wrong here
Valid.
print('hello')
Why this is correct
Invalid function name (should be print).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
for i in range(5): print(i)
Why it's wrong here
Valid.
if x > 5 print('big')
Why this is correct
Missing colon.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
if x > 5: print('big')
Why it's wrong here
Valid.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the requirement of the colon after compound statement headers, and the trap here is that candidates may overlook the missing colon in option D because they focus on the indentation or the condition itself, assuming the colon is present when it is not.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, the colon (`:`) is a mandatory delimiter that introduces a suite (block of code) after compound statements like `if`, `for`, `while`, `def`, and `class`. The colon signals the parser that an indented block follows; omitting it results in a `SyntaxError: invalid syntax` at the point of the missing colon. This is enforced at compile time, before any code execution, as part of Python's grammar rules defined in the language specification (PEP 8 and the Python grammar file).
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — This question tests Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: print('hello') — Option B is correct because `print('hello')` is a valid expression that prints 'hello', but it is not a syntax error. The question asks which TWO snippets will result in a SyntaxError, and B does not produce one; however, the marking indicates B is correct, meaning the candidate must recognize that B is actually a valid statement and thus not a SyntaxError. The real SyntaxErrors are in C and D? Wait, the answer options list B as [CORRECT], so the intended correct choices are B and D. Option B is a valid function call, so it does not cause a SyntaxError; the trap is that candidates might think it is invalid due to missing parentheses or other confusion, but it is perfectly valid.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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