Computer Science (UIL test)
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Computer Science is a timed computer science test given at UIL and TMSCA academic competitions. For UIL competitions, the test consists of two parts: an individually taken multiple-choice test and a team hands-on programming test. At the district level, only the multiple-choice test is administered.
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[edit] Multiple choice test
[edit] Test format
The multiple choice test is administered individually to students at all three levels of UIL competition (district, regional, state). The test is forty-five minutes long and consists of forty multiple choice problems given in Java. Scratch work is permitted, but calculators are not. Problems cover a variety of topics from basic computer science, including Java syntax, arrays, matrices, trees, linked lists, classes, and many others.
[edit] Scoring
Each problem answered correctly is six points. Each problem answered incorrectly takes away two points. Unanswered problems do not affect scores, and skipping is permitted. Scores can range from -80 to 240 points.
[edit] Programming test
[edit] Test format
Three team members cooperatively take the hands-on programming test at the regional and state levels of UIL competition. The test is two hours long and consists of twelve programming problems. Each team may only use one computer, which can't contain any pre-written source code, to solve the problems by writing computer programs in the Java programming language. Input and output data are provided in the problem packet given to contestants, and a copy of the input data is also provided on a floppy disk. Teams also submit their solutions for grading on floppy disks. Certain reference materials are allowed: the Java API Specification, which is an official reference for the Java programming language, and two published books.
[edit] Scoring
Teams receive a certain number of points when they submit a correct solution, which is a solution that produces correct output with more comprehensive input data. At first, each problem is worth 60 points, but 5 points are deducted from each solution's point value each time a team submits a wrong answer for that problem. A team could thus earn as few as 5 points for a correct answer. Negative points can't be earned in this way, and a team earns no points for an answer until it submits a correct answer. Scores in this section can range from 0 to 720 points.
[edit] Total team scores
Total team scores are used to determine team placement for awards. At the district and regional levels, total team scores are also used to determine team advancement to the next highest level of competition. At the UIL district level, a team's total score is simply the sum of the team's three highest scores (out of four) on the individual multiple choice test. At the regional and state levels, a team's total score is the team's total score on the individual test, calculated the same as at the district level, added to the team's programming test score. At district, the total score can range from -240 to 720 points, while at regional and state, the total score can range from -240 to 1440 points.
[edit] References
- Academics - Computer Science Introduction. University Interscholastic League. Retrieved on July 10, 2006.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
| UIL/TMSCA academic tests |
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Number Sense • Calculator Applications • General Math • Science • Computer Science |
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Non-TMSCA tests: Spelling and Vocabulary • Social Studies |
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Past tests: Slide Rule |
