Input, process, output

How computers work: input goes in, the CPU processes it, then output comes out

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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
Which of these is an input device? A) Keyboard B) Monitor C) Speakers D) Printer
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2
Which of these is an output device? A) Monitor B) Mouse C) Microphone D) Scanner
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3
True or false? The CPU is the part of the computer that does the processing. A) True B) False
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4
Match each device to whether it is input or output. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Mouse, Printer, Speakers, Microphone Right: Input, Output, Output, Input
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5
Put these steps in the correct order: input → process → output. Put these in order: You type 'Hello' on the keyboard, The CPU works out what to do, 'Hello' appears on the screen
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6
A scanner copies a paper picture into the computer. What type of device is it? A) Input B) Output C) Process D) Storage
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7
Complete the sentence. Computers follow an input, ___, output cycle.
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8
Match each step to the part of input-process-output. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Clicking the mouse, CPU works out what to do, Sound plays from speakers, Picture shows on the screen Right: Input, Process, Output, Output
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9
You speak into a microphone and the computer plays your voice through speakers. Which describes this best? A) Mic is input, speakers are output B) Mic is output, speakers are input C) Both are input D) Both are output
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10
Which device is BOTH input and output? A) Touchscreen B) Speaker C) Mouse D) Printer
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Answer key

Input, process, output · for parents and teachers

1
Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device because you use it to put information into the computer.
2
Monitor
A monitor is an output device because it shows information from the computer on a screen.
3
True
True. The CPU processes data inside the computer.
4
Mouse → Input; Printer → Output; Speakers → Output; Microphone → Input
Mouse and microphone are inputs. Printer and speakers are outputs.
5
You type 'Hello' on the keyboard, The CPU works out what to do, 'Hello' appears on the screen
Typing is the input. The CPU processes the typing. The screen shows the output.
6
Input
A scanner is an input device because it puts a picture into the computer.
7
process
Computers follow an input, process, output cycle. Data goes in, gets processed, and a result comes out.
8
Clicking the mouse → Input; CPU works out what to do → Process; Sound plays from speakers → Output; Picture shows on the screen → Output
Computers always follow input, then process, then output, with different devices doing each step.
9
Mic is input, speakers are output
The microphone is an input (sound in). The speakers are output (sound out).
10
Touchscreen
A touchscreen outputs images and accepts input from your finger.