ENG 101

LESSON 20
Steps in Problem Solving
Can a computer solve problems? Definitely not. It is a machine that carries out the
procedures which the programmer gives it. It is the programmer then who solves the
problems. There are a few steps that one has to follow in problem solving:
Step 1. The programmer must define the problem clearly. This means that he or she ha
to determine, in a general way, how to solve the problem. Some problems are easy,
while others take months of study. The programmer should always start by asking: ‘Do I
understand the problem’.
Step 2. The programmer must formulate on algorithm, which is a straightforward
sequence of steps of instructions used to solve the problem. Constructing an algorithm is
the most important part of problem solving and is usually time-consuming. An algorithm
can be described by a flowchart, which may be stated in terms of a sequence of precise
sentences, or a block diagram. The latter is a diagrammatic representation of the
sequence of events to be followed in solving the problem. The relationship between the
events is shown by means of a connecting arrow. A block diagram can show if a process
has to be repeated or if there are alternative routes to be taken.
Step 3. The programmer must translate the algorithm or flowchart into a computer
program. To do so, he or she writes detailed instructions for the computer, using one of
the many computer languages available following the exact sequence of the flowchart
algorithm. The program is usually written on coding sheets which have a specific format
drawn on them.
Step 4. The programmer must then keypunch the program, or give the coding sheets to
the keypunch Operator to do it. The program is either punched on cards or entered into
the computer at a terminal with a visual display unit.
Step 5. The program must then be tested. To do so, the computer operator puts the
deck of cards in the card reader and presses the ‘read’ button. This transfers the
information to the memory of the computer. Next, a printout shows if the program works
or if it has errors (called bugs). If the programmer is using a terminal instead of cards to
enter the instructions it is possible, with the aid of a few commands, to store the program
in the memory of the computer and get a printout.
Step 6. The last step is to add the data to the program and run the job completely. The
computer will then perform the calculations necessary to solve the problem. It will follow
the instructions in the program to the minutest details. Therefore, one can say that the
computer is a robot. It doesn’t think, but simply does what it is told.
Exercises
1. Main idea
Which statement best express the main idea of the text? Why did you eliminate the other
choices?
1. Constructing an algorithm is the basic step in solving a problem.

2. Solving problems becomes easier if certain steps are followed.

3. The computer does what the programmer tells it to do.

2. Understanding the passage

Decide whether the following statements are true or false (T/F) by referring to the
information in the text. Then make the necessary changes so that the false statements
become true.
1. The computer is a great help to people because it solves there problems.
2. All problems are equally difficult to solve.
3. An algorithm is a sequences of instructions used to solve a problem.
4. The most important part of problem-solving is defining the problem clearly.
5. Block diagrams cannot show relationships.
6. Coding sheets are used for writing programs.
7. Punched cards are the only way of transferring the program to the computer memory.
8. If the data is not added to the program, the computer cannot perform calculations.
9. It is a good idea to test the program before adding the data.
10. A computer is very intelligent. It is capable of thinking.
3. Locating Information
Find the passages in the text where the following ideas are expressed. Give the
paragraph references.
…….. 1. Programs are usually written on certain lined forms.
………2. A block diagram can show a decisions with two different outcomes.
………3. The programmer is the one who solves the problems.
………4. Even if the programmer is using a terminal instead of cards, it is possible
to get permanent copy of his program.
………5. Not all problems are of the same level of difficulty.
4. Contextual Reference
Look back at the text and find out what the words in bold typeface refer to.
1. It is a machine (l.1)……………..
2. which the programmer give it (l.2)…………..….
3. who solves the problems (l.3)………….…..
4. which may be stated (l.14)…………….
5. The latter is a diagrammatic representation (l.15)………….…
6. operate to do it (l.27)…………….
7. This transfers the information (l.32)…………….
8. or if it has errors (l.33)…………….
9. It will follow the instructions (l.40)…………….
10. does what it is told (l.42)…………….
5.Understanding Words
Refer back to the text and find synonyms for the following words.
1. construct (l.10)……………………
2. takes a lot of time (l.13)……………………
3. exact (1.15)……………………
4. mistakes (l.34) ……………………
5. help (l.35)…………………….
Now refer back to the text and find antonyms for the following words.
6. ambiguously (l.5)…………………..
7. specific (l.6)…………………..
8. partially (l.39)…………………
6.Word forms
First choose the appropriate form of the words to complete the sentences. Then check
the differences of meaning in your dictionary.
Procedure, proceed, proceeding
a) The machine carries out the………………………. which the programmer gives it.
b) You should ………………………………. with care when using a calculator.
2. program, programmer, programmed, programming
a) I would like to …………………in COBOL.
b) There were quite a few errors in my………………………..
c) My calculator is ……………………. it plays a tune on the hour.
d) Fortran is one of the many ……………………… languages available on the market.
e) Computer………………… is a new field of study at the university.
f) He is a good ……………………… because he always constructs algorithm for his
problems.
3. relationships, relate, related
a. The first two steps in your program are not ………………………. they are basically
different.
b. In a flowchart the…………………………between events is shown by means of
connecting arrows.
c. Assembler is one example of a machine……………………………….
4. code, coding
a. Do you have any ………………………….. sheet left.
b. I have to …………………………. my program.
c. Assembler is one example of a machine………………………………..
5. printer, printing, print, printed
a. ………………………… your name and address in block letters.
b. …………………………. was introduced by Gutenberg in Germany.
c. The quality of the ……………………….. output from a daisy wheel printer is superior
to that from a dot matrix.
d. …………………………provided a hard copy of the results of data processing
operations.
1. Special forms which are usually used for writing programs are called ……………….
2. Another word for program errors is……………..
3. A number of steps used in solving a program is called an …………………..
4. A machine which is incapable of thinking but follows instructions is called a
……………..
5. A ………………………… is either a group of exact sentences to solve a problem or a
block diagram.
7a. Content Review
Try to think of a definition for each of these items before checking them in the Glossary.
Then complete the following statements with the appropriate words. Make sure you use
the correct form, i.e. singular or plural.

algorithm coding sheets flowchart

robot printout bugs

7b. Control review

Solving a problem is a process involving various steps. Complete the following diagram
to show the sequence of these steps.

Define the Define the Define the

Problem Problem Problem
clearly clearly clearly

Define the Define the Define the

Problem Problem Problem
8.Focus Review
Focus On: Cause and effect/result
The following sentences were taken from the text on ‘Steps in Problem Solving’. While
reading these sentences, underline the cause once, the effect/result twice, then circle
the causal-effect/result marker.
1. If the programmer is using a terminal instead of cards to enter his instructions, he
can, with the aid of a few commands, store the program in the memory of the computer
and get a printout.
2. The computer will follow the instructions in the program to the minutest details.
Therefore, one can say that the computer is a robot.
A computer has four basic components: input, processor, memory, and output. The CPU
consists of two parts: the ……………………. which directs and controls the signals and
commands inside the processor, and the …………………... unit which does the
arithmetic operations and the decision-making operations. While the
…………….….……is made up of a …………….……., a ………………….,
a……………………. and a………………………, the …………………….. is composed of
……………….., a…………………. and ………………..,
which compares information and makes decision based on the results of the
comparisons.
In a computer, internal memory or …………………… refers to the storage location inside
the computer, whereas……………………. refers to the storage embodied in the
peripherals………………….. can be divided into three types:………………………….,
………………… and ………………… on the other hand may be grouped as
……………… (………………) or ………………….. (…………….).
The ………………………. devices can be either a ………………., a …………………,
a……………. or a …………………..These devices enter the information into the
computer. After the processor has operated on it, the ……………………. devices display
the results of the computations on either a …………………… or a …………………….., or
store them on tape or disk for future use.
Exercise 2
Using the diagram below, complete the paragraph that follows.
A computer system
CPU

Core Chi Bubbl

e
p

Primary Processor
Memory
CPU

Control
 Input Output

Card Tape Disk Terminal Printe Terminal

reader driver drive r

Secondary
memory
A computer has four basic Components: input, processor, memory, and output. The
CPU consists of two parts: the _____________which directs and controls the signals
and commands inside the processor, and the________ unit which does the arithmetic
operations and the decision making operations. While the _____is made up of a _____
a_________, a ________, and a ____________,the__________ is composed of
__________, a _______and________, which compares information and makes
decisions based on the results of the comparisons.
In a Computer internal memory or _______ refers to the storage locations inside the
computer, whereas ______refers to the storage embodied in the peripherals
__________ can be divided into three types: ____________ , ______________
and_______________ .
_______ on the other hand may be grouped as _____________ ( _______) or
_______ ( ________ ).
The __________ devices can be either a _________, a ______, a _______ or a
______________.
These Devices enter in information into the computer. After the processor has operated
on it, the ______ devices display the results of the computations on either a ______ or a
__________, or store them on tape or disk for future use.