KS4 - Programming Learner worksheet
Lesson 1 - Translators
Programming languages
Introduction
These questions have been designed to check your understanding of high-level and low-
level languages, with attention to translators.
You will need:
● Activity 2 ‘Lost in translation’ handout
Q1 Match the definition to the description:
High-level language Represented by 0s and 1s. This is the
only language that a computer can
execute.
Low-level language Executes the programs that
programmers write in high-level
languages.
Interpreter Translates a program into an
executable file that will work
independently from the source code.
Compiler Written in machine code or assembly
language, this can be quickly executed
by a computer.
Translator Translates and executes a program
one line at a time.Like the source code,
it is always required for the code to
execute.
Machine code Written in formal, structured English;
this type of programming language is
easier for humans to read, maintain,
and debug.
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Q2 Write example code for each language listed below:
(Note for the assessor: A learner could write many variations here, but there should
be key characteristics for each example given)
Machine code
Assembly language
Any high-level
language
Q3 If a program written in assembly language uses 400 lines of code, how many lines of
machine code will there be?
Answer:
Q4 What is needed in order to translate assembly language to machine code?
Answer:
Q5 Machine code is specific to the (fill in the blank)
Q6 Who first conceived the idea of a compiler?
Answer:
Q7 List three reasons why high-level languages are more suitable for programmers than
low-level languages?
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
Q8 Why are translators necessary?
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Q9 Compare and contrast compilers to interpreters.
Explorer task
Create a mind map of all the key terms listed on the ‘Lost in translation’ handout.
Resources are updated regularly — the latest version is available at: ncce.io/tcc.
This resource is licensed under the Open Government Licence, version 3. For more information on this
licence, see ncce.io/ogl.
Page 3 Last updated: 14-05-21
