Ambiguity in Q53 of QP2

[Hritwik NE]

In question number 53 of QP2, we’re told that A is the respective variable used in the pseudocode. In which case, all the code bits with C as a variable is a possible error. So the answers must have been:

 

1. Error in Line 1
2. Error in Line 5  ( This option isn’t marked right in the answer key )

       4. Error in Line 11

 

Line 1 & Line 5 use C as a variable instead of A. That caused confusion which’s why I marked both options (1st and 2nd options).

[Z0rba]

Well, Hritwik I looked at it this way, maybe A is some  variable which will be assigned the value taken on by the C variable and is declared elsewhere. According to that logic, line 1 has an error of variable C=1 which should be assigned to 0, line 5 is correct algorithmically and line 11 also has an error. 

[Hritwik NE]

The question is framed in such a way that the given pseudocode is executed where A captures the desired output. Yes, using C as a variable doesn't produce any logical or syntactical errors, but then we should've been asked to mark the options which aren't syntactically correct. 

Given the 'specific' question, the 'specific' answer is that using C is not desired, or at least we're led to believe so. Also, the question asks us to pick out the 'mistakes' rather than 'errors'.

Nevertheless what you said, Zorba, is a justification of IIT's answer to that question, and sure we could come up with plenty more justifications apart from yours. Plus I don't care if I'm given marks for the question either. I'm just pointing out that such ambiguity should be avoided in such objective questions, especially since we're gonna face similar exams every month from now on.