Detailed Notes: Condi!

onal Statements in Python

For Grade 6 IGCSE Students

What Are Condi!onal Statements?

Condi!onal statements let your program make decisions based on certain

condi!ons. Think of it like this:

Example: If it’s raining, bring an umbrella; else, wear sunglasses.

In Python, we use if , elif (short for “else if”), and else keywords to
create these decision-making rules.

Parts of a Condi!onal Statement

1. The if Statement

Checks a condi!on. If the condi!on is True, the code inside the if

block runs.
Syntax:

if condition:
# code to run if condition is True

Example:

age = 12
if age >= 10:
print("You can join the science club!")

Output: You can join the science club!

Explana!on: Since age is 12 (which is ≥ 10), the condi!on is True, so

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 the message prints.

2. The else Statement

Runs code only if the if condi!on is False.

Syntax:

if condition:
# code for True
else:
# code for False

Example:

weather = "sunny"
if weather == "rainy":
print("Take an umbrella!")
else:
print("Wear sunglasses! ")

Output: Wear sunglasses!

Explana!on: Since weather is sunny, the if condi!on fails, so the
else code runs.

3. The elif Statement

Checks mul!ple condi!ons in order. Python will test each elif un!l it
finds one that’s True.
Syntax:

if condition1:
# code 1
elif condition2:

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 # code 2
else:
# code for all other cases

Example (Grading System):

marks = 75
if marks >= 90:
print("Grade A")
elif marks >= 70:
print("Grade B") # This runs!
elif marks >= 50:
print("Grade C")
else:
print("Try harder!")

Output: Grade B

Using Condi!ons with Operators

You can use comparison operators ( > , < , == , != , >= , <= ) and logical
operators ( and , or , not ) to build condi!ons.

Example 1: Logical Operator and

num = 15
if num > 10 and num < 20:
print("Number is between 10 and 20!")

Output: Number is between 10 and 20!

Example 2: Logical Operator or

fruit = "apple"

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 if fruit == "apple" or fruit == "banana":
print("This is a common fruit!")

Output: This is a common fruit!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing Colon : : Always add a colon a#er if , elif , and else .

Wrong: if x == 5
Correct: if x == 5:

2. Incorrect Indenta!on: Python uses indents (4 spaces) to define code

blocks.
Wrong:

if x > 0:
print("Positive") # Not indented!

Correct:

if x > 0:
print("Positive")

3. Unreachable Code: Ensure elif / else are not placed before if .

Real-Life Example: Game Logic

Imagine coding a game where a player earns points:

score = 1200
if score >= 1500:

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 print("Level 3 Unlocked! ")
elif score >= 1000:
print("Level 2 Unlocked! ") # This runs!
else:
print("Keep playing! ")

Key Takeaways

1. if checks the first condi!on.

2. elif checks addi!onal condi!ons if the first is False.
3. else handles all other cases.
4. Use operators to build complex condi!ons.

Prac!ce Time!

1. Write a program to check if a number is even or odd.

2. Create a quiz ques!on: If the user types “Python”, print “Correct!”, else
print “Try again”.

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