An algorithm is a precise, step-by-step set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task — computers can only do exactly what they're told, in exactly the order they're told it. Flowcharts are a visual way to map out an algorithm using standard symbols: ovals for start/end, rectangles for a process or action, and diamonds for a decision point that branches the path.
Example
An algorithm for making toast: 1) Put bread in toaster. 2) Push lever down. 3) Wait until toast pops up. 4) Is it dark enough? If no, toast again; if yes, remove and butter it. Steps 1-3 would be rectangles in a flowchart, and step 4 would be a diamond.
Key terms
Algorithm:
A step-by-step set of instructions for solving a problem.
Flowchart:
A diagram showing the steps and decisions in an algorithm.
Decision point:
A step where the path branches depending on a condition.
Questions
1. An algorithm is basically a:
Type of computer
Set of step-by-step instructions
Colour
Sound
2. A recipe is an everyday example of:
An algorithm
A flowchart symbol
A computer virus
A network
3. In a flowchart, an oval shape usually means:
A decision
Start or end
A calculation
Nothing
4. Brushing your teeth follows a set of ordered steps. This is an example of:
An algorithm
A network
A virus
A browser
5. A flowchart uses shapes and arrows to show:
Colours
The steps of a process
Music
Weather
6. If you follow a recipe's steps out of order, the result will likely be:
Exactly the same
Different or wrong
Faster
Impossible to cook
7. Which of these is an everyday algorithm?
Getting ready for school each morning
A rainbow
A cloud
A colour
8. An algorithm is best described as:
A computer part
A step-by-step set of instructions
A type of virus
A coding language
9. In a flowchart, a diamond shape usually represents:
Start/end
A decision
An input
A loop
10. Following an algorithm's steps in a different order could:
Always work fine
Give the wrong result
Never matter
Delete the algorithm
11. A flowchart is useful because it:
Hides the steps
Shows the logic of a process visually
Replaces the need for testing
Is only used in cooking
12. A rectangle shape in a flowchart usually represents:
A decision
A process or action step
Start/end
An input only
13. Writing clear, ordered instructions is important because a computer:
Can guess what you mean
Can only do exactly what it is told
Ignores wrong steps
Fixes mistakes automatically
14. A flowchart for making a cup of tea would likely include a decision step for:
Do you want sugar?
What colour is the mug?
What day is it?
Nothing, tea has no decisions
15. An algorithm for crossing the road that skips 'look both ways' is risky because:
Algorithms don't need every step
Missing a step can lead to an unsafe or wrong result
Skipping steps makes things safer
It doesn't matter
16. Two people follow the same algorithm exactly. What should happen?
They should get different results every time
They should get the same result, since algorithms are precise
It depends on their mood
Algorithms don't produce results
17. A flowchart for 'deciding what to wear' includes a diamond asking 'Is it raining?'. This diamond represents:
The start of the process
A decision point that branches the path
The end of the process
An unrelated step
18. Why might a programmer test an algorithm with several different examples before trusting it?
To make it look longer
To check it gives the correct result in different situations
Algorithms never need testing
To use more computer memory
19. Which best explains why flowcharts are useful even for non-programmers?
They only work for computers
They can map out and clarify the logic of any step-by-step process
They replace the need for instructions entirely
They are only used in maths
20. An algorithm to sort mail by suburb, then by street, is an example of:
A process with multiple ordered steps
A single decision with no steps
A random process
Something computers can't do
21. If an algorithm gives the wrong result every time it is followed correctly, the problem is most likely:
The person following it
The algorithm's instructions themselves
The flowchart's colours
Nothing, algorithms are always correct
Answer key (parent copy)
1. Set of step-by-step instructions
2. An algorithm
3. Start or end
4. An algorithm
5. The steps of a process
6. Different or wrong
7. Getting ready for school each morning
8. A step-by-step set of instructions
9. A decision
10. Give the wrong result
11. Shows the logic of a process visually
12. A process or action step
13. Can only do exactly what it is told
14. Do you want sugar?
15. Missing a step can lead to an unsafe or wrong result
16. They should get the same result, since algorithms are precise
17. A decision point that branches the path
18. To check it gives the correct result in different situations
19. They can map out and clarify the logic of any step-by-step process