Mixed code tracing: what does it print?: coding worksheet for Grades 9–12, page 1 preview

Coding worksheet · Computers & Digital Literacy

Mixed code tracing: what does it print? · Grades 9–12

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

Grades 9–12 · ages 14 to 18
Easy
25 to 35 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?
1 nums = [7, 18, 7, 9, 3, 9]
2 total = 0
3 for n in nums:
4 if n < 12:
5 total += n
6 print(total)
2 What is printed?
1 nums = [28, 38, 20, 18, 38]
2 least = nums[0]
4 if n < least:
5 least = n
6 print(least)
3 What is printed? Write each line.
1 for i in range(2, 6):
4 What is printed?
1 def perimeter(w, h):
2 return 2 * (w + h)
3 print(perimeter(3, 4) + perimeter(4, 5))
5 What is printed?
1 word = "violin"
2 print(len(word), word[2])
6 What is energy at the end?
1 a = 2
2 b = 3

What your child practices

Your child builds careful code tracing.

Grades and ages: Grades 9–12, ages 14 to 18
Time: About 25 to 35 minutes
Subject: Computers & Digital Literacy
Level: Easy for Grades 9–12
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 one of the easier sheets for Grades 9–12, good as a warm-up or a first look at the topic.

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.