Flowcharts

Using shapes and arrows to show the steps and decisions in an algorithm

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Match each flowchart shape to what it means. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Oval (rounded), Rectangle, Diamond, Arrow Right: Start or End, A process or action, A decision (yes/no), Direction of flow
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2
Which shape would you use to show 'Is the score more than 10?' in a flowchart? A) Diamond B) Rectangle C) Oval D) Arrow
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3
True or false? Every flowchart should start and end with an oval shape. A) True B) False
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4
Which shape is used to show an action like 'Add 1 to the score'? A) Rectangle B) Diamond C) Oval D) Circle
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5
Put these flowchart steps in order to make a cup of tea. Put these in order: Start, Boil water, Pour water onto teabag, Add milk, End
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6
True or false? A diamond shape in a flowchart usually has exactly one arrow coming out of it. A) True B) False
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7
A flowchart has a diamond labelled 'Is it raining?'. The 'Yes' arrow leads to 'Take umbrella' and the 'No' arrow leads to 'Wear sunglasses'. What kind of step does the diamond show? A) A decision B) A loop C) An input D) The end
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8
Put these steps in order for a flowchart that asks the user a number and tells them if it is even or odd. Put these in order: Start, Input number, Is number divisible by 2?, Output 'Even' or 'Odd', End
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9
True or false? A flowchart that loops back to an earlier step can show repetition. A) True B) False
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10
Order this flowchart for 'check if number is even'. Put these in order: Start, Input number, Is number even?, Output 'Even' or 'Odd', End
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Answer key

Flowcharts · for parents and teachers

1
Oval (rounded) → Start or End; Rectangle → A process or action; Diamond → A decision (yes/no); Arrow → Direction of flow
Each shape has a job: ovals begin and end, rectangles do things, diamonds ask yes/no questions, and arrows show what comes next.
2
Diamond
A diamond is used for any decision step that has a yes/no answer. Two arrows come out: one for yes, one for no.
3
True
Yes. Ovals (sometimes drawn as rounded rectangles) are used to mark the Start and the End of a flowchart.
4
Rectangle
A rectangle stands for a process or action - a step that does something but does not ask a question.
5
Start, Boil water, Pour water onto teabag, Add milk, End
Flowcharts go from Start to End in order. You must boil the water before pouring it, and only add milk at the end.
6
False
A diamond has at least two arrows coming out: one for 'yes' and one for 'no'. That is what makes it a decision.
7
A decision
When a shape asks a yes/no question and the next step depends on the answer, it is a decision. Diamonds are always decisions.
8
Start, Input number, Is number divisible by 2?, Output 'Even' or 'Odd', End
The flow is: Start -> get the input -> make a decision based on the input -> output the right answer -> End.
9
True
Yes. When an arrow loops back to an earlier shape, the steps repeat. This is how flowcharts show loops.
10
Start, Input number, Is number even?, Output 'Even' or 'Odd', End
The flow goes Start, Input, Decision, Output, End.