Scope Basics
Define the scope of a variable in one sentence.
The scope of a variable defines where it can be accessed and how long it exists
True or False: A local variable defined inside a function can be accessed directly by other functions. Explain your answer in one sentence.
False
What does the LEGB rule stand for in Python? Choose the correct expansion:
A. Local → Environment → Global → Built-in
B. Local → Enclosing → Global → Built-in
C. Local → Enclosing → Global → Base
D. Local → External → Global → Built-in
B
List the two typical kinds of scope mentioned in the lesson
Local and global
What Python keyword allows a function to modify a global variable declared outside the function?
global
Name the three main categories of namespaces described in the lesson
Built-in, global, local
Explain why understanding variable scope helps prevent program errors (one short paragraph)
Prevents unintended changes and accessing undefined variables; ensures correct data interactions
Consider a global variable named countcount and a function that defines a local variable also named countcount. Which variable will be used inside the function by default? Explain briefly.
The local variable shadows the global variable inside the function.
In which namespace does Python search first when resolving a variable name? What comes next, and then last?
Local, then global, then built-in
Describe what happens to a variable in a function when the function finishes execution
Local variables are destroyed (their local namespace is deleted) when the function returns
Rewrite the behavior: If you want a function to update the global yearyear variable by adding 1, which statement must you include inside the function? (Answer with the exact keyword and a short explanation.)
include the line: global year — this tells Python you mean the global variable.
Identify built-in names from this short list: print, school_name, input, student_nameprint, school_name, input, student_name — which are built-in?
Built-in names: print, input
Give one real-world analogy (2–3 sentences) that explains the difference between local and global variables
Local variables are like a backpack you carry into a room — only items inside the backpack are available while you're inside; global variables are like items on a shared table available to everyone
Provide a short code snippet (3–6 lines) that demonstrates creating a global variable and modifying it inside a function using the correct keyword. (Students should be able to write this in class.)
def add_one():
global global_var
global_var = global_var + 1
Explain what a namespace is and why it avoids naming conflicts (2–3 sentences).
A namespace maps names to objects; it separates name contexts so the same name can exist in different namespaces without conflict.