PCEP Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic Practice Question

Which TWO of the following list operations modify the list in place?

⚠ Common exam trap

Python Institute often tests the difference between methods that mutate the list in place (like `sort()` and `append()`) versus operations that return a new list (like concatenation with `+` or `copy()`), trapping candidates who confuse reassignment with in-place modification.

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

✓

mylist.sort()

`mylist.sort()` sorts the list in place, meaning it modifies the original list object without creating a new one. Option E is correct because `mylist.append(5)` adds the element 5 to the end of the list, directly mutating the original list object.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

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

✓
mylist.sort()
Why this is correct
Sorts the list in place.
✗
mylist + [5]
Why it's wrong here
Returns a new list, original unchanged.
✗
mylist.copy()
Why it's wrong here
Returns a shallow copy, original unchanged.
✗
mylist = mylist + [5]
Why it's wrong here
Reassigns mylist to a new list, original is not modified.
✓
mylist.append(5)
Why this is correct
Modifies the list in place.

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PCEP Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

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