Trace the loop: what is printed? (practice): coding worksheet for Grades 6–8, page 1 preview

Coding worksheet · Coding

Trace the loop: what is printed? (practice) · Grades 6–8

Read 6 short Python programs about for and while loops and work out by hand what each one prints or the final value of a variable. Builds careful code tracing.

Grades 6–8 · ages 11 to 14
Medium
30 to 40 minutes
1 page
Free

The answer key is a separate page for grown-ups. Sign in to download it.

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The programs to trace

Directions: Trace each program line by line without a computer. Keep a note of every variable as it changes, then write exactly what the program prints or the final value.

1 What is printed? Write each line.
1 for i in range(3, 6):
2 What is printed?
1 nums = [40, 23, 21, 32, 3]
2 best = nums[0]
3 for n in nums:
4 if n > best:
5 best = n
6 print(best)
3 What is printed?
1 nums = [5, 8, 7]
2 for i in range(len(nums)):
4 print(nums)
4 What is printed?
1 def triple(n):
2 return n * 3
3 total = 0
4 for i in range(1, 4):
5 total += triple(i)
6 print(total)
5 What is printed?
1 total = 0
2 for i in range(1, 6):
3 if i % 2 == 1:
4 total += i
5 print(total)
6 What is printed?
1 n = 42
2 steps = 0
3 while n > 1:
5 steps += 1
6 print(steps)

What your child practices

Your child builds careful code tracing. The skill is “Loops”: use repetition to shorten programs.

Grades and ages: Grades 6–8, ages 11 to 14
Time: About 30 to 40 minutes
Subject: Coding
Level: Medium for Grades 6–8
Answer key: Yes, for grown-ups who sign in
Printing: 1 page, US Letter or A4, low-ink option
Updated: October 15, 2026

How to use it

Work through the first program together, one line or arrow at a time. Then let your child work through the rest, showing their thinking on the page. It is pitched at the expected level for Grades 6–8, for practice after the skill has been taught.

An answer key comes with it as a separate page that grown-ups download after signing in.

Tip for grown-ups: Have your child write each variable's value beside its line as they trace.

Done on paper? A grown-up can record it on the child's page in PlayOwl; downloading alone doesn't count as finished.