Viva Questions - Class 8 - Algorithm & Flowchart
Viva Questions — Algorithm & Flowchart
Be Confident, Be Prepared, Shine in Your Viva! This complete guide contains 20 essential Viva Questions and Answers for your Algorithm and Flowchart oral exam. Read carefully, practice speaking aloud, and give examples to ace your viva!
Introduction
A Viva Voce is an oral examination where your teacher tests your understanding through spoken questions. Algorithm and Flowchart viva covers basic concepts, flowchart symbols, structures, and real-world applications.
Motivational Tip
Algorithms and flowcharts are like maps and directions. You know how to solve problems step-by-step — now just explain them clearly! Take a deep breath, smile, and show what you've learned.
What is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem in a finite number of steps.
Key Points to Remember
Essentials
- ✅ Algorithms solve problems step-by-step.
- ✅ Flowcharts are visual algorithms.
- ✅ Every algorithm has Start and Stop.
- ✅ Use standard flowchart symbols.
- ✅ Two structures: Sequence and Selection.
- ✅ Al-Khwarizmi is the Father of Algorithm.
20 Viva Questions and Answers
Question 1
What is an algorithm?
Answer: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem in a finite number of well-defined steps.
Question 2
What is a flowchart?
Answer: A flowchart is a graphical representation of an algorithm using standard symbols and arrows to show the flow of steps.
Question 3
Name any 3 characteristics of algorithm.
Answer:
- Finiteness — Must end in finite steps.
- Definiteness — Each step must be clear.
- Input — Should have zero or more inputs.
- Output — Should produce at least one output.
- Effectiveness — Steps should be simple and doable.
Question 4
Which symbol is used for Start/Stop?
Answer: The Oval symbol (also called Terminator) is used for Start and Stop in a flowchart.
Question 5
Which symbol represents Input/Output?
Answer: The Parallelogram symbol is used to represent Input (reading data) and Output (displaying results).
Question 6
Which symbol represents Process?
Answer: The Rectangle symbol represents a process step — such as calculations, assignments, or actions.
Question 7
Which symbol represents Decision?
Answer: The Diamond symbol represents a decision point — used for Yes/No questions or if-else conditions.
Question 8
What does an arrow indicate?
Answer: An arrow indicates the direction of flow in the flowchart — showing which step comes next.
Question 9
What is sequence structure?
Answer: In sequence structure,
statements are executed one after another
in the order they are written. No decisions or loops.
Example: Adding two numbers step by
step (Start → Read → Calculate → Print → Stop).
Question 10
What is selection structure?
Answer: In selection structure, the
program chooses one path based on a condition
(like if-else).
Example: Checking if a number is even
or odd.
Question 11
Who is called Father of Algorithm?
Answer: Al-Khwarizmi, a Persian mathematician from the 9th century, is called the Father of Algorithm.
Question 12
Where did the word "Algorithm" come from?
Answer: The word "Algorithm" comes from the name Al-Khwarizmi — the Persian mathematician. His name was Latinized to "Algorithmi", which gave us the modern word.
Question 13
What is the first step in every algorithm?
Answer: The first step in every algorithm is Start.
Question 14
What is the last step in every algorithm?
Answer: The last step in every algorithm is Stop.
Question 15
How are algorithms written?
Answer: Algorithms can be written in:
- Natural language (English, Hindi, etc.)
- Pseudocode
- Programming language (Java, Python, etc.)
Question 16
Why do we use flowcharts?
Answer: Flowcharts help us visualize algorithms easily. They make complex logic simple to understand for anyone — even non-programmers.
Question 17
Give one example of sequence structure.
Answer: Adding two numbers step by step:
- Start
- Read two numbers A and B
- SUM = A + B
- Print SUM
- Stop
Question 18
Give one example of selection structure.
Answer: Checking if a number is even or odd:
- Start
- Read number N
- If N % 2 == 0, print "Even"
- Else print "Odd"
- Stop
Question 19
What is the difference between algorithm and flowchart?
Answer:
- Algorithm is text-based — written as steps in words.
- Flowchart is graphical — drawn using symbols and arrows.
Question 20
Where are algorithms used in real life?
Answer: Algorithms are used everywhere in daily life:
- Cooking recipes
- ATM operations
- Games and apps
- Google Search
- GPS navigation
- Social media feeds
Flowchart Symbols Quick Reference
| Symbol | Name | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Oval | Terminator | Start / Stop |
| 🔵 Parallelogram | Input/Output | Read data / Display result |
| 🟡 Rectangle | Process | Calculations, assignments |
| 🔴 Diamond | Decision | Yes/No, if-else |
| ➡️ Arrow | Flow Line | Direction of flow |
| 🟣 Circle | Connector | Connect flowchart parts |
Sample Algorithm — Sum of Two Numbers
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Read two numbers A and B
Step 3: Calculate SUM = A + B
Step 4: Print SUM
Step 5: StopViva Preparation Tips
Before the Viva
- 📖 Understand concepts, don't just memorize.
- 🎤 Practice speaking answers aloud.
- 💬 Give examples for each concept.
- 📊 Draw sample flowcharts.
- 😊 Be confident and smile.
- 🙋 Ask if you don't understand.
- 🙏 Thank the teacher after viva.
- 📚 Review flowchart symbols.
- 💡 Learn one real-life example.
- 💪 Believe in yourself!
During the Viva
Confidence Tips
- 😊 Smile and greet politely.
- 👂 Listen to the full question.
- 💭 Take a moment to think.
- 🎤 Speak clearly and confidently.
- 👀 Maintain eye contact.
- 🎯 Give short, focused answers.
- 📊 Draw quick examples if paper is given.
- 🙏 Say "I'm not sure" if unsure — don't guess wildly.
- 💪 Stay calm if you make a mistake.
- 🙌 Thank the teacher at the end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Do These!
- ❌ Skipping Start/Stop in algorithms.
- ❌ Wrong symbol usage in flowcharts.
- ❌ Missing arrows in flowcharts.
- ❌ Vague answers without examples.
- ❌ Not giving examples when asked.
- ❌ Being too nervous.
- ❌ Confusing sequence with selection.
- ❌ Forgetting characteristics.
Bonus Viva Questions
Extra Practice
- Q. What is pseudocode? → English-like description of algorithm using programming terms.
- Q. What is a variable? → A named storage for values.
- Q. What are the two main flowchart structures? → Sequence and Selection.
- Q. Can algorithms be pictorial? → Yes, in the form of flowcharts.
- Q. What is a loop? → Repetition structure that repeats steps.
- Q. Why do we need flowcharts before coding? → To plan the logic clearly.
- Q. What is finiteness? → Algorithm must end in a limited number of steps.
- Q. What is effectiveness? → Each step must be simple and executable.
- Q. Are algorithms language-independent? → Yes, they work in any language.
- Q. What is a subroutine? → A reusable block of steps.
Did You Know?
Fun Fact
Al-Khwarizmi was a Persian mathematician from the 9th century! The word "Algorithm" comes from his name (Latinized as "Algorithmi"). He is also called the Father of Algebra — his book "Kitab al-Jabr" gave us the word "Algebra"!
Sample Viva Conversation
Teacher: "Good morning! What is an
algorithm?"
You: "Good morning, ma'am. An
algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a
problem in a finite number of steps."
Teacher: "Give me an example."
You: "Yes, ma'am. Adding two numbers:
Step 1 Start, Step 2 Read A and B, Step 3 SUM = A + B,
Step 4 Print SUM, Step 5 Stop."
Teacher: "What is a flowchart?"
You: "A flowchart is a graphical
representation of an algorithm using standard symbols
and arrows."
Teacher: "Name the flowchart symbols."
You: "Oval for Start/Stop,
Parallelogram for Input/Output, Rectangle for Process,
Diamond for Decision, and Arrow for flow direction."
Teacher: "Excellent!"
FAQs About Viva
Q1. How long is the viva?
Usually 5-15 minutes per student, covering key concepts.
Q2. What if I don't know an answer?
Say politely: "I'm not sure, ma'am/sir" — never guess wildly. Honesty is better than wrong answers.
Q3. Should I memorize characteristics?
Know at least 4-5 (Finiteness, Definiteness, Input, Output, Effectiveness). Understand what each means.
Q4. Do I need to draw flowcharts on paper?
Sometimes teachers give paper. Practice drawing basic flowcharts before viva.
Q5. What if I mix up symbols?
Try to remember: Oval = Start/Stop (rounded), Diamond = Decision (choice). Practice makes perfect!
Q6. Can I give real-life examples?
Absolutely! Real-life examples like recipes, ATM, or games make your answer stronger.
Q7. What if teacher asks follow-up questions?
Listen carefully and answer as best you can. Show your thinking process.
Q8. How do I overcome nervousness?
Deep breaths, positive thinking, and remembering that your teacher wants you to succeed!
Key Takeaways
- Algorithm = step-by-step procedure.
- Flowchart = graphical representation.
- 5 main symbols: Oval, Parallelogram, Rectangle, Diamond, Arrow.
- Two structures: Sequence and Selection.
- Every algorithm starts with Start, ends with Stop.
- Al-Khwarizmi is Father of Algorithm.
- Understand concepts, don't just memorize.
- Practice speaking answers aloud.
- Give examples for each concept.
- Be confident, smile, and speak clearly!
Key Takeaway
Prepare well, be confident, and speak clearly!
You will shine in your viva!
Algorithms and flowcharts are the foundation of
programming. Master them and you'll find it easier to
solve any programming problem!
Remember: Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow!
Practice Makes Perfect! 🌟
⭐ THINK SMART, PLAN CLEAR, SOLVE BETTER! ⭐
Best of Luck! Take a deep breath.
Smile. Answer confidently. You will do great! 👍😊
Flowchart → Visual Thinking → Smart Solutions → Better
Results! 🚀
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