Which programming language to choose, which tasks to focus on and how to allocate time during the exam
Teaches computer science at Foxford
Different universities require different entrance exams for IT areas. Somewhere you need to take physics, somewhere you need to take computer science. It’s up to you to decide which exam to prepare for, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the competition for specialties where you need to take physics is usually lower than for specialties where the Unified State Exam in computer science is required, i.e. the likelihood of enrolling “through physics” is greater.
Why then take the Unified State Exam in computer science?
- It is faster and easier to prepare for it than for physics.
- You will be able to choose from more specialties.
- It will be easier for you to study in your chosen specialty.
What you need to know about the Unified State Exam in computer science
The Unified State Examination in computer science consists of two parts. The first part contains 23 problems with a short answer, the second - 4 problems with a detailed answer. The first part of the exam contains 12 basic level tasks, 10 advanced level tasks and 1 high level task. In the second part there is 1 task of an advanced level and 3 tasks of a high level.
Solving the problems from the first part allows you to score 23 primary points - one point for each completed task. Solving the problems of the second part adds 12 primary points (3, 2, 3 and 4 points for each problem, respectively). Thus, the maximum primary points that can be obtained for solving all tasks is 35.
Primary scores are converted into test scores, which are the result of the Unified State Examination. 35 raw points = 100 test points for the exam. At the same time, more test points are awarded for solving problems from the second part of the exam than for answering problems in the first part. Each primary score received for the second part of the Unified State Examination will give you 3 or 4 test points, which in total is about 40 final points for the exam.
This means that when completing the Unified State Exam in computer science, it is necessary to pay special attention to solving problems with a detailed answer: No. 24, 25, 26 and 27. Their successful completion will allow you to score more final points. But the cost of a mistake during their implementation is higher - the loss of each initial point is fraught with the fact that you will not pass the competition, because 3-4 final points for the Unified State Exam with high competition in IT specialties can become decisive.
How to prepare to solve problems from the first part
- Pay special attention to tasks No. 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23. These tasks, according to the analysis of the results of past years, are especially difficult. Difficulties in solving these problems are experienced not only by those who have a low overall score for the Unified State Exam in computer science, but also by “good” and “excellent” students.
- Memorize the table of powers of the number 2.
- Remember that KBytes in tasks means kibibytes, not kilobytes. 1 kibibyte = 1024 bytes. This will help avoid errors in calculations.
- Carefully study the Unified State Exam options of previous years. The computer science exam is one of the most stable, which means that you can safely use the Unified State Exam options from the last 3-4 years for preparation.
- Get to know the different options for wording assignments. Remember that minor changes in wording will always lead to worse exam results.
- Read the task conditions carefully. Most errors when completing tasks are due to an incorrect understanding of the condition.
- Learn to independently check completed assignments and find errors in answers.
What you need to know about solving long-answer problems
Task 24 - to find an error
Problem 25 requires writing a simple program
Problem 26 - game theory
Task 27 - you need to program a complex program
The main difficulty in the exam is problem 27. It can only be decided60-70% of those writing the Unified State Examination in computer science. Its peculiarity is that it is impossible to prepare for it in advance. Every year a fundamentally new task is presented for the exam. When solving problem No. 27, not a single semantic error can be made.
How to calculate time in an exam
Refer to the data given in the specification of control measuring materials for the Unified State Exam in computer science. It indicates the approximate time allotted for completing the tasks of the first and second parts of the exam.
The Unified State Examination in computer science lasts 235 minutes.
Of these, 90 minutes are allocated to solving problems from the first part. On average, each task from the first part takes from 3 to 5 minutes. It takes 10 minutes to solve problem No. 23.
There are 145 minutes left to solve the tasks of the second part of the exam, while solving the last problem No. 27 will require at least 55 minutes. These calculations were carried out by specialists from the Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements and are based on the results of previous years' exams, so they should be taken seriously and used as a guide for the exam.
Programming languages - which one to choose
- BASIC. This is an outdated language, and although it is still taught in schools, there is no point in wasting time on mastering it.
- School algorithmic programming language. It is designed specifically for early learning of programming, convenient for mastering initial algorithms, but contains virtually no depth, and there is no room for development.
- Pascal. It is still one of the most common programming languages for teaching in schools and universities, but its capabilities are also very limited. Pascal is quite suitable as a language for writing the Unified State Exam.
- C++. A universal language, one of the fastest programming languages. It is difficult to learn, but in practical application its possibilities are very wide.
- Python. It is easy to learn at a beginner level; the only thing required is knowledge of the English language. At the same time, with in-depth study, Python provides the programmer with no less opportunities than C++. Having started studying Python in school, you will continue to use it in the future; you will not have to relearn another language in order to achieve new horizons in programming. To pass the Unified State Exam, it is enough to know Python at a basic level.
Good to know
- Computer science papers are assessed by two experts. If the experts' assessment results differ by 1 point, the higher of the two points is assigned. If the discrepancy is 2 points or more, the work is rechecked by a third expert.
- A useful site for preparing for the Unified State Exam in computer science -
The author of the article is professional tutor Lada Borisovna Esakova.
The Unified State Examination in computer science is behind us. My students passed the exam well: 79, 81, 88 points. This is a worthy result. At the same time, the strongest could claim 90-100. So what's the deal? Where were the missing points “lost”?
Here is a pattern: all of these students completed ALL long answer assignments (Part C) with a perfect or nearly perfect score. That is, the highest score for the entire C-part and the loss of 20 or more points on nonsense problems. The situation repeats itself from year to year, and therefore I do not consider it accidental. This situation is typical specifically for the Unified State Examination in computer science.
Structure of the Unified State Examination in computer science
Let's look at the structure of the Unified State Examination paper in computer science. There are 27 tasks in total. Of these, 23 are short answer (former part B) and 4 are long answer (former part C).
The exam paper contains tasks that require a good knowledge of mathematics, logic, the ability to analyze and think abstractly. There are also tasks based on careful, monotonous execution of an algorithm or enumeration of options. That is, the student is given the opportunity to work like a computer.
Tasks with a short answer are scored 1 point, tasks with a detailed answer - 3, 2, 3 and 4 points. Thus, for the first part you can get a maximum of 23 points, and for the second 12.
See how heavy the first part is?
The specification of the Unified State Exam in Informatics and ICT indicates the recommended time for completing each task.
It is recommended to spend an hour and a half on the first part of the Unified State Exam in computer science (including checking and rewriting on a form). There are 2.5 hours left for the second part. This is a very correct recommendation. If you plan to do the entire second part, you cannot spend more than an hour solving the first part. Another half hour will be spent checking and rewriting!
But what is an hour for 23 tasks? That's right, that's less than 3 minutes each! I believe that the tasks in the first part are quite simple for most students, but they often require careful sorting and analysis of a large amount of data. Even if you have an excellent understanding of the subject, the requirements are almost impossible to meet! With a full understanding of the progress of solving the problem, there is simply not enough time.
So what does it mean that it is impossible to solve all of Part 1 of the Unified State Exam in computer science quickly and without errors, while leaving sufficient time for the complex tasks of Part 2?
Of course it's possible. Our experience in preparing athletes for competitions will help us. I often tell my students: “If you know well how to score a goal against a goal from any position, have watched many matches and know by heart all the recommendations of the best coaches, this does not mean that you can be sent to the championship!”
Understanding is not enough here. What is important is practice, error-free actions, almost automaticity in solving a specific type of problem. And such practice, as we know, can only be achieved by a large number of repetitions of identical, monotonous actions.
So, there is a recipe for achieving the desired time characteristics. I have enough teaching materials and collections of all types of problems. Let's get down to business. And here is the key point...
Neat people and creative people. Which of them is easier to pass the Unified State Exam in computer science?
Let us remember that people, based on their perception of information, thought process, and method of constructing cause-and-effect relationships, can be classified into different types: introverts - extroverts, rationals - irrationals, sensors - intuitives, etc. I won’t go into the territory of psychologists, I’ll just note in general that strong students who claim 90-100 points on the Unified State Exam in computer science are of two polarly different types in terms of their way of thinking: Neatists and Creatives.
Neatist: Painstaking, efficient, assiduous.
Creative: Fast, original, out-of-the-box thinker.
Neat people have good handwriting, rarely make computational errors, and enjoy perfectly executed and executed work, even from routine work. They are excellent at solving complex problems based on gradual conclusions, calculations and evidence. However, they are perplexed by a task of an unknown type.
Creative people write quickly and illegibly, have developed abstract thinking, a wide range of knowledge in various fields, and the ability to find beautiful and unexpected solutions to the most unusual problems. However, they categorically do not accept routine monotonous work. It is difficult and boring for them to force themselves to perform understandable actions.
In life, these types are not expressed so sharply. A student may have both qualities.
What happens in the computer science exam?
Those students who accurately complete complex tasks in the second part of the Unified State Exam in computer science (especially the 27th task) are closer to Creatives. Therefore, it is very difficult to force them to complete a large homework consisting of simple, similar, but very voluminous tasks. They are annoyed by the need to waste time repeating the same clear actions over and over again.
Strong students, when asked about doing their homework, usually answer: “I did the first 3 tasks, the rest are exactly the same, and it’s so clear how to do them.” That is, I learned the technique of scoring goals instead of running around the stadium for hours.
As a result, after the exam I hear the same phrase again and again: “The tasks were very simple, I just didn’t have enough time.”
The conclusion is obvious. You need to realize that the Unified State Exam in computer science differs from the Unified State Exam in other technical disciplines in the presence of voluminous, uncreative, monotonous tasks that require accuracy and speed of completion. Therefore, when preparing, along with studying new material and solving complex interesting problems, you need to “run around the stadium” more, developing the necessary automatic skills.
And then your brilliant goal, your 100 points for the Unified State Exam in computer science will become a very real goal.
The total number of participants in the main exam period this year is more than 67 thousand people. This number has increased significantly compared to 2017, when 52.8 thousand people took the exam, and compared to 2016 (49.3 thousand people ), which corresponds to the trend towards the development of the digital sector of the economy in the country.
In 2018, compared to 2017, the proportion of unprepared exam participants increased slightly (by 1.54%) (up to 40 test points). The share of participants with a basic level of training (range from 40 to 60 tb) decreased by 2.9%. The group of exam participants who scored 61-80 points increased by 3.71%, partly due to a decrease of 2.57% in the share of the group of participants who scored 81-100 points. Thus, the total share of participants who scored points significant for competitive admission to higher education institutions (61-100 t.b.) increased by 1.05%, despite a decrease in the average test score from 59.2 in 2017 to 58 ,4 this year. Some increase in the proportion of participants who scored high (81-100) test scores is partly due to improved preparation of exam participants, partly to the stability of the examination model
More detailed analytical and methodological materials for the 2018 Unified State Exam are available here.
Our website presents about 3,000 tasks to prepare for the Unified State Exam in computer science in 2018. The general outline of the examination work is presented below.
EXAMINATION PLAN FOR THE USE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE 2019
Designation of the level of difficulty of the task: B - basic, P - advanced, V - high.
Content elements and activities tested |
Task difficulty level |
Maximum score for completing the task |
Estimated task completion time (min.) |
| Exercise 1. Knowledge of number systems and binary representation of information in computer memory | |||
| Task 2. Ability to construct truth tables and logic circuits | |||
| Task 3. | |||
| Task 4. Knowledge of a file system for organizing data or technology for storing, retrieving and sorting information in databases | |||
| Task 5. Ability to encode and decode information | |||
| Task 6. Formal execution of an algorithm written in natural language or the ability to create a linear algorithm for a formal executor with a limited set of instructions | |||
| Task 7. Knowledge of information processing technology in spreadsheets and data visualization methods using charts and graphs | |||
| Task 8. Knowledge of basic programming language constructs, the concept of a variable, an assignment operator | |||
| Task 9. The ability to determine the speed of information transmission for a given channel bandwidth, the amount of memory required to store audio and graphic information | |||
| Task 10. Knowledge of methods for measuring the amount of information | |||
| Task 11. Ability to execute a recursive algorithm | |||
| Task 12. Knowledge of the basic principles of the organization and functioning of computer networks, network addressing | |||
| Task 13. Ability to calculate the information volume of a message | Task 14. The ability to execute an algorithm for a specific performer with a fixed set of commands | ||
| Task 15. Ability to present and read data in different types of information models (charts, maps, tables, graphs and formulas) | |||
| Task 16. Knowledge of positional number systems | |||
| Task 17. Ability to search for information on the Internet | |||
| Task 18. Knowledge of basic concepts and laws of mathematical logic | |||
| Task 19. Working with arrays (filling, reading, searching, sorting, mass operations, etc.) | |||
| Task 20. Analysis of an algorithm containing a loop and branching | |||
| Task 21. Ability to analyze a program using procedures and functions | |||
| Task 22. Ability to analyze the result of algorithm execution | |||
| Task 23. Ability to construct and transform logical expressions | |||
| Task 24 (C1). Ability to read a fragment of a program in a programming language and correct mistakes | |||
| Task 25 (C2). Ability to compose an algorithm and write it in the form of a simple program (10–15 lines) in a programming language | |||
| Task 26 (C3). Ability to build a game tree using a given algorithm and justify a winning strategy | |||
| Task 27 (C4). Ability to create your own programs (30–50 lines) to solve problems of medium complexity |
Correspondence between minimum raw scores and 2019 minimum test scores. Order on amendments to Appendix No. 1 to the order of the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science. .
OFFICIAL SCALE 2019
THRESHOLD SCORE
The order of Rosobrnadzor established a minimum number of points confirming that exam participants have mastered the basic general education programs of secondary (complete) general education in accordance with the requirements of the federal state educational standard of secondary (complete) general education. COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ICT THRESHOLD: 6 primary points (40 test points).
EXAMINATION FORMS
You can download the forms in high quality at
After checking the Unified State Exam tasks in mathematics, a primary score is assigned for their completion:
- For basic level in mathematics – from 0 to 20;
- For a specialized level in mathematics – from 0 to 30.
Each task is worth a certain number of points: the more difficult the task, the more points you can get for it. For correct completion of each task in the Unified State Examination in basic level mathematics, 1 point is given. For correct completion of tasks in the Unified State Examination in mathematics at a specialized level, 1 to 4 points are given depending on the complexity of the task.
After this, the primary score is converted into a test score, which is indicated in the Unified State Examination certificate. This score is used for admission to higher education institutions. Transfer of Unified State Examination points carried out using a special point scale. The Unified State Exam score in basic level mathematics is not needed for admission, so it is not converted into a test score and is not indicated on the Unified State Exam certificate.
Also, based on the Unified State Exam score, you can determine the approximate grade on a five-point scale that a student would receive for completing tasks in the exam.
Below is scale for converting Unified State Exam scores in mathematics for basic and specialized levels: primary scores, test scores and approximate assessment.
Unified State Exam score conversion scale: basic level mathematics
Unified State Exam score conversion scale: mathematics profile level
The minimum test score for admission to higher education institutions is 27.
| Primary score | Test score | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 1 | 5 | |
| 2 | 9 | |
| 3 | 14 | |
| 4 | 18 | |
| 5 | 23 | |
| 6 | 27 | 3 |
| 7 | 33 | |
| 8 | 39 | |
| 9 | 45 | |
| 10 | 50 | 4 |
| 11 | 56 | |
| 12 | 62 | |
| 13 | 68 | 5 |
| 14 | 70 | |
| 15 | 72 | |
| 16 | 74 | |
| 17 | 76 | |
| 18 | 78 | |
| 19 | 80 | |
| 20 | 82 | |
| 21 | 84 | |
| 22 | 86 | |
| 23 | 88 | |
| 24 | 90 | |
| 25 | 92 | |
| 26 | 94 | |
| 27 | 96 | |
| 28 | 98 | |
| 29 | 99 | |
| 30 | 100 |
The transfer of Unified State Examination points is made after the primary result is calculated; based on the approved scale, it is converted into test scores.
They play an important role when entering a university and are recorded in the exam certificate.
Those who are finishing 11th grade and preparing to enter a university are especially interested in learning how the Unified State Exam score is translated.
Hundreds of thousands of students undergo this procedure every year. To obtain a certificate, it is enough to pass only two subjects - mathematics and Russian language.
The remaining subjects - and there are 14 in total - are taken on a voluntary basis, depending on the chosen university.
In order for the results to be displayed in the certificate, the graduate must score more than the established minimum.
How are the Unified State Exam results assessed?
The exam results are assessed by a commission and translated into a 100-point system.
There is an algorithm for converting these amounts into more familiar estimates. This method has not been officially used since 2009.
But if you wish, you can familiarize yourself with the scale for converting Unified State Examination grades.
The results are assessed in two stages:
- Based on the number of tasks completed, the student is given a primary score. It consists of the sum for all tasks completed correctly;
- Next, the primary Unified State Exam scores are converted to test scores. This figure is recorded in the Unified State Examination certificate and plays an important role for admission to a university. Below is a translation table for the math exam.
Important: The scale was developed taking into account the complexity of the tasks.
Up-to-date information on the Unified State Exam can always be obtained on the portal http://ege.edu.ru/ru.
What is the minimum score?
To receive a Unified State Exam certificate, a student must score above the established minimum limit in Russian language and mathematics.
It is determined annually for each individual subject. In fact, the minimum grade is the equivalent of a C.
This result reflects that the student has satisfactorily mastered the curriculum.
Minimum score:
- Determines the issuance of a certificate of passing the Unified State Exam.
- It is established for each subject annually after passing the exam and before the results are published.
At the end of 2016, to obtain a certificate it was necessary to obtain at least 36 test points in the Russian language.
In mathematics this limit is 3, and in the specialized level - 27.
The difference between primary scores and test scores
When assessing the results of passing the exam, the primary amount is first set. Then these USE 2017 scores are converted into test scores.
They are determined on a 100-point scale. This score will appear on the Unified State Examination certificate if it is higher than the minimum.
When calculating points, the algorithm is as follows:
- For each correctly completed task, one or more points are awarded.
- At the end, the amount for all the work is calculated.
- The primary Unified State Exam scores are being transferred.
Regarding test scores, they are calculated on a 100-point system. But the amount of primary may differ for different items.
For example, in mathematics you can get 30 primary points, and for foreign languages this limit is 80.
The assessment of the task depends on its complexity. For tasks in Part B, one primary point is awarded for the correct answer.
For part C, there are several options: for tasks 1 and 2, 2 primary points are awarded; the correct answer to question 3 and 4 immediately gives 3, and tasks 5 and 6 will add 4 points to the student’s result.
Unified State Exam scores and grades
Although there is an approximate scale for converting Unified State Exam scores into grades that are familiar to all students, starting from 2009 this system has not been used.
The refusal to convert to grades is due to the fact that the sum of points does not affect the indicator in the certificate. It is recorded in a separate certificate.
If a student scores less than the minimum in one of the required subjects, he will not be issued a certificate or certificate.
If this is a subject that is taken on a voluntary basis, the result simply will not be counted anywhere.
If the exam results result in an unsatisfactory grade, what should I do? It all depends on what subject.
- If the number of points scored is below the minimum in mathematics or in the Russian language, you can retake the exam in the same year on one of the reserve days.
- When an unsatisfactory grade is received in both subjects at once, a retake is possible only the next year.
- If you fail to score enough points in an optional subject, you can only retake the exam next year. An unsatisfactory result will not be reflected in any document. In fact, everything will look as if the graduate did not take this exam at all.
Depending on the subject, retaking is possible either in the same year on reserve days or in the next year.
Thus, if a student fails Basic Level Mathematics, he or she can take advantage of reserve days.
And if a low grade was obtained based on the results of a profile level, a retake will be possible only after a year.
What to do if a graduate does not agree with the assessment
If a graduate is confident that his work deserves a higher grade, he has the right to appeal.
In such a situation, the work will be reconsidered by the conflict commission.
There are two possible outcomes. When a grade appears to be too low, the student can either have points added or deducted.
Important: According to the results of the Unified State Examination in 2010, of all the appeals filed, the third part was satisfied.
The first two parts of the exam are tested without human intervention. The possibility of errors cannot be ruled out.
This may be due to illegible handwriting and similar circumstances.
If it appears that the grade is too low, students will appeal.
What does the exam consist of?
The general text of the task consists of three parts.
- Part A is designed as a test. Of the four proposed answer options, the graduate must choose one correct one.
- In Part B, the following types of tasks are possible: writing a one-word answer, choosing several correct options, or establishing correspondences.
- In Part C, the student is asked to give a detailed answer to the question.
Depending on the type of task, the verification process differs. The first two parts are checked automatically. Answers are scanned by the system and scored.
This process takes place without human intervention. Upon completion of the test, the results are sent to the testing center located in Moscow.
Part C is assessed by two independent experts. If the results coincide, this total is displayed.
If a minor discrepancy is found after evaluation, the average result is displayed.
If there is noticeable inconsistency, a third specialist is appointed.
After the verification is completed, all data is sent to a single testing center. There they are processed and recorded in the database.
From there they are sent to schools where the exam was held.
How Unified State Exam results affect university admission
In order to apply for admission to a university, graduates need to pass the Unified State Exam.
In total, you can apply to 5 universities, in each of them no more than three specialties.
The application is prepared in writing and delivered in person or sent by mail.
If the second option is chosen, you will need to issue a registered letter with a list of the attachments, as well as a receipt.
To find out whether the application was approved, you need to go to the official website of the university.
When the acceptance of documents is completed, a list of those applying for enrollment is posted there. Their results of passing the Unified State Exam are also given there.
Enrollment takes place in two waves.
- When the first list is published, several days are allotted for applicants to provide the originals of their documents (in most cases they send copies).
- If the deadline for submitting documents has expired, but there are still free places, a second list is prepared.
To enroll in a university, you will need the following package of documents:
- application requesting admission;
- certified copies of the certificate and identity document;
- a form with a list of points scored based on the Unified State Examination results;
- photographs (their size and number are established by the university rules).
Other documents may also be required from the applicant. For detailed information, please contact the university of interest.
The transfer of Unified State Exam points in 2017 is carried out according to the same system as in previous years.
To pass the exam, you must score at least the minimum number of points, which is established for each subject annually.
To receive a certificate and a certificate with the results of the Unified State Exam, you need to exceed this limit in compulsory subjects.
How to convert primary scores into test USE 2015 in Russian language