PCEP Practice Question: Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions
Which TWO of the following are valid ways to create a tuple containing the elements 1 and 2? (Select two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the misconception that parentheses alone create a tuple, leading candidates to select `(1)` as a valid tuple, when in fact a trailing comma is required for a single-element tuple (e.g., `(1,)`).
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
✓
tuple([1, 2])
`tuple([1, 2])` calls the `tuple()` constructor with a list `[1, 2]` as an argument, which converts the list into a tuple `(1, 2)`. Option E is correct because `(1, 2)` is the literal syntax for a tuple containing the elements 1 and 2.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
(1)
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; this is an integer, not a tuple.
- ✗
[1, 2]
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; this is a list.
- ✗
int(1)
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; integer.
- ✓
tuple([1, 2])
Why this is correct
Correct; converts list to tuple.
- ✓
(1, 2)
Why this is correct
Correct; literal tuple.
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Same concept, more angles
2 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. Which of the following correctly creates a tuple with a single element 5?
easy- ✓ A.t = (5,)
- B.t = (5)
- C.t = (5)
- D.t = (5, 5)
Why A: In Python, a tuple with a single element requires a trailing comma after the element. Without the comma, parentheses are treated as grouping operators for expression evaluation, not as a tuple literal. Thus, `t = (5,)` creates a tuple containing the integer 5.
Variation 2. Which THREE of the following are valid ways to create a list in Python?
easy- ✓ A.list((1, 2, 3))
- ✓ B.[x for x in range(3)]
- ✓ C.[1, 2, 3]
- D.(1, 2, 3)
- E.{1, 2, 3}
Why A: The `list()` constructor can take an iterable, such as a tuple, and convert it into a new list. `list((1, 2, 3))` explicitly creates a list `[1, 2, 3]` from the tuple `(1, 2, 3)`. This is a standard and valid way to create a list in Python.
JA
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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