PCEP Practice Question: Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions

Which TWO of the following are valid ways to create a dictionary with initial key-value pairs? (Select exactly 2)

⚠ Common exam trap

Python Institute often tests the distinction between the literal `{}` syntax and the `dict()` constructor, and candidates may mistakenly think that `dict()` can accept two separate lists as positional arguments, similar to how `zip()` works, or that parentheses can be used to define a dictionary.

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

✓

d = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}

It uses the standard literal syntax for creating a dictionary with initial key-value pairs. The curly braces `{}` with colon-separated keys and values are the most common and direct way to define a dictionary in Python.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✓
d = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
Why this is correct
Standard dictionary literal.
✗
d = ('a'=1, 'b'=2)
Why it's wrong here
Parentheses and assignment are not valid syntax.
✗
d = dict.fromkeys(['a', 'b', 'c']) # without value
Why it's wrong here
Valid but creates keys with None values, not with initial pairs as given; but the stem asks for initial key-value pairs, so not suitable.
✓
d = dict(a=1, b=2)
Why this is correct
Keyword arguments to dict() create a dictionary.
✗
d = dict(['a', 'b'], [1, 2])
Why it's wrong here
dict() takes at most one argument; this is invalid.

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PCEP Practice Question: Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

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