IB Computer Science: Computational Thinking Revision

Quick check · one tap

Must an algorithm be written in code?

Computational Thinking is a core part of IB Computer Science. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

AlgorithmA precise step-by-step method for solving a problem.

Pseudocode & flowchartsWays to express an algorithm before coding.

SearchingLinear search (any list) and binary search (sorted list).

SortingOrdering data, e.g. bubble, merge and insertion sort.

DecompositionBreaking a problem into smaller parts.

AbstractionHiding unnecessary detail to focus on what matters.

SchedulerPicks the next process to run on CPU.

FCFSFirst Come First Served, simple queue.

SJFShortest Job First minimises average wait.

Round-robinEach process runs for a fixed quantum.

PreemptionOS pauses a process to run another.

ThroughputJobs completed per unit time.

InterruptHardware signal requesting CPU attention.

PollingCPU repeatedly checks device status.

Learn Computational Thinking step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

Must an algorithm be written in code?✗ Yes, an algorithm has to be program code. ✓ No — it's a step-by-step method (e.g. pseudocode or a flowchart).

What does a binary search need to work?✗ It works on any unsorted list. ✓ A sorted list.

Practise Computational Thinking — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

See all 22 games in the Revision Arcade →

More IB Computer Science topics

← IB Computer Science Next: Modelling & Simulation →

Free · PDF

100 AI Prompts for IB Computer Science

Print-and-paste prompts built around the Velvet Method, so ChatGPT tests your thinking instead of doing it for you.

Download free PDF →All 91 free prompt books

← All revision guides

Want to revise every topic this smart?

The Velvet Method shows you how to use AI to revise any subject, in six steps.

See the Velvet Method →