Exam-style question
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A program has meaningful identifier names, appropriate indentation and effective annotation. It also uses modules, but some modules perform several unrelated tasks, use many global variables and contain fixed file paths. Evaluate whether this program should be classified as excellent, good or basic, using the cumulative nature of the criteria.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The program demonstrates basic characteristics through meaningful identifier names, appropriate indentation and effective annotation.
- However, it does not clearly demonstrate the good characteristics of modularisation of code, minimal use of global variables and file path parameterisation, because its modules perform several unrelated tasks, it uses many global variables and its file paths are fixed.
- It also does not meet the excellent characteristics, such as cohesive modules, defensive programming, good exception handling and modules with appropriate interfaces.
- Therefore, based only on the evidence given, it should not be classified as excellent or good; it most closely fits the basic classification.
Explanation
Why this works
The classifications are cumulative. Excellent requires the excellent, good and basic characteristics, while good requires the good and basic characteristics.
The described program shows some basic characteristics but lacks important good and excellent characteristics. The conclusion should be based on the evidence provided rather than on the presence of modules alone.
Common mistake
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