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Descriptive questions (long/short answer prompts) to study

Memory and storage concepts

Define memory hierarchy and differentiate primary memory (RAM/ROM/cache) from secondary memory. Explain the role of cache
memory (L1, L2) and why RAM is volatile.
Explain the purpose and differences between PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. Why is ROM non-volatile and what kinds of data
typically reside there?
What is booting? Describe Cold Booting vs Warm Booting and the sequence from ROM to BIOS to boot sector to OS.
Explain the purpose of a Page Map Table and virtual memory. How does virtual memory enable running larger programs?
Why do we need secondary memory? Compare fixed vs removable storage, and enumerate common secondary storage devices
(magnetic, optical, solid-state).

Computer fundamentals and architecture

Outline the IPO (Input-Process-Output) cycle. Describe the roles of CPU, ALU, CU, and memory registers.
Describe the function of an operating system (OS). List major OS functions (process scheduling, memory management, file
management, device management) and differentiate among OS types (single-user vs multi-user, time-sharing, multiprocessing, real-
time, distributed, interactive).
Explain the differences between RAM, ROM, and cache. Include mutability, volatility, and typical use cases.

Programming concepts and methodology (descriptive prompts often appear as exam prompts)
Define what constitutes a good program. List properties like flexibility, portability, reliability, and self-documenting code.
Describe the seven-step problem-solving methodology (problem definition, analysis, design, coding, testing/debugging,
documentation, maintenance). Provide a brief example workflow.
Explain modular programming and contrast top-down vs bottom-up design. Give an example scenario where each design approach
is preferable.
Define and differentiate between an algorithm, a flowchart, and a program. Explain how an algorithm is converted into code and
then tested.

Python basics and programming constructs

Explain immutable vs mutable types in Python. Provide examples for strings (immutable) and lists (mutable); explain consequences
of mutation.
Define and differentiate data types: integers, floats, complex numbers, strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries. Mention their mutability and
typical uses.
Explain scope (global vs local) and the concept of self-documenting code with meaningful identifiers.
Discuss common error types: syntax errors, runtime errors, and logical errors. Provide examples and debugging principles.

Data structures and basic Python programming (descriptive prompts)

Describe how to create and manipulate lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets. Include common operations (append, extend, insert, pop,
remove), list comprehensions, and examples of using slicing on strings and lists.
Explain the difference between parameters and arguments in functions. Define the difference between built-in vs user-defined
functions and the concept of modules.
Explain how to read input in Python (interactive vs script mode; raw_input/input handling, type conversion) and the importance of
validation to prevent runtime errors.

Algorithms and problem solving (descriptive prompts)

Provide a high-level description of problem-solving steps for a simple task (e.g., calculating the area of a circle, summing n numbers)
and outline the corresponding algorithm and flowchart considerations.

Objective (MCQ-style) questions to study

Hardware, memory, and storage terminology

Definitions and characteristics: Primary memory, RAM, ROM, Cache; Secondary memory types; what is volatile vs non-volatile
storage.
Memory units and hierarchical relationships (KB, MB, GB, TB, PB, EB, ZB, YB) and conversion factors (1024-based).
Functions of CPUs: ALU, CU, memory registers; role of cache levels (L1, L2).

Software concepts and OS fundamentals

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Types of software (System, Utility, Application) and the roles of language processors (assemblers, compilers, interpreters).
Operating System functions (processor management, memory management, device management, file management); differences
among OS types (single-user vs multiuser, multiprocessing, Time-Sharing, real-time).

Python fundamentals (MCQ-style items frequently seen)

Data types and mutability: which types are immutable (strings, tuples, numbers) vs mutable (lists, dictionaries, sets).
Python syntax and concepts: indentation significance, what constitutes a valid identifier, keyword restrictions, and the use of
indentation as a block delimiter.
Output/input and type conversion: correct use of input vs raw_input in Python 2.x (note: the material seems based on Python 2.7);
understanding type conversion helpers (int, float, str).
Built-in functions and common operations: max, min, abs, cmp (Python 2.x); understanding tuple operations, list methods (pop,
remove, insert, extend), and dictionary methods (keys, values, items, update).

Algorithms, flowcharts, and problem solving (MCQ-style topics)

Correct identification of algorithms, flowcharts, flowchart elements; outcomes of basic control structures (if/else, loops).
Understanding of sequence, selection, and iteration in programming, and the appropriate use of each.

Data formats and conversions

Understanding number base conversions (decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal) and Unicode concepts; ASCII vs ISCII.
Knowledge of data types and how to convert between types (e.g., int, float, str) and the implications of these conversions.

Programming constructs and debugging

Distinguishing between runtime vs syntax vs logical errors; identifying probable error types from code fragments.
Recognizing correct constructs for control flow, including if-elif-else chains, loops (for, while), and iteration behavior (break,
continue).

Topic-specific quick review prompts (to target EMRS Tier 2)

Hardware and memory: Memory hierarchy, RAM vs ROM, cache levels, boot process, virtual memory, and the role of the BIOS/MBR.
OS and software: Types of OS, roles of PMT/PMT mapping, memory management techniques (partitioning, virtual memory, time-
sharing), spooling and buffering in device management.
Python basics: immutability concepts, basic data structures, input/output, type conversions, and common built-in functions.
Algorithms/flowcharts: Distinguishing algorithm, flowchart, and code; steps of problem solving; designing a flowchart for simple
problems (sum of numbers, area of circle).
Data representation: Binary, decimal, hexadecimal conversions; data types and their mutability; compound data structures (lists,
dictionaries, tuples).
Example prompt formats to expect:
Describe or explain the difference between RAM and ROM.
Outline the seven steps of problem-solving methodology with emphasis on problem definition and design.
Given a short Python code snippet, identify the type of error (syntax, runtime, logical) and justify.
Write a small algorithm or flowchart for a task like calculating the sum of first n natural numbers.
Identify the correct MCQ option about a concept like "What is portable software?" or "Which scheduling algorithm is Time Sharing?".

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