The Life Starter
Sign up
Grade 6 · lesson 1 of 4

Index Characters without Losing the First One

Label characters from index 0 and select the stated position.

About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice

Download the grade pack

Supplied materials

  • Paper and pencil; answers may also be spoken or typed.
  • All cases, labels, numbers and rules are supplied on this page. No real account, private information or purchase is needed.

Learn the idea

Python sequences use zero-based positions: the first character is index 0. An index selects one character, while a value such as a word contains several. Our cases use nonempty ASCII text and valid indices. Drawing numbered boxes helps trace the selection without installing software.

Label characters from index 0 and select the stated position. Index 1 selects the second character, not the first.

Use this supplied case: Paper Python 3 expression: "boat"[0]. What value results? The task is to connect the given information to the computing idea. Write a short evidence trail so another learner can reproduce your choice. The simplified case describes the stated model, not every real system.

  1. Represent the supplied worked case with a labeled drawing, table or short trace.
  2. Label characters from index 0 and select the stated position.
  3. Explain why the worked answer fits and why one alternative does not.
  4. Try the new check and practice cases; revisit the stated rule if your evidence does not match.
Worked example

See the method in action

For "boat", label 0:b, 1:o, 2:a, 3:t; index 0 selects "b". For the distinct text "peach", label 0:p, 1:e, 2:a, 3:c, 4:h; index 2 selects "a". Read the original sequence without sorting and distinguish an index from its character value. Both supplied indices exist. An out-of-range request would need a separately specified error response rather than an invented character.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Helpful tips
  • Label characters from index 0 and select the stated position.
  • Index 1 selects the second character, not the first.
Paper Python 3 expression: "plant"[1]. What value results?

Feedback appears here after you check. This is practice, not a graded school assessment.

See the answer and explanation

'l'

The sequence has positions 0→'p', 1→'l', 2→'a', 3→'n', 4→'t'. Select position 1, whose value is 'l'. Label characters from index 0 and select the stated position.

Take it further

For text="cabin", expected text[0]="c"and text[3]="i". Draw indices 0–4 before selection; position names are not letter values.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.

More practice: try new cases

Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.

More practice: try new cases
1. Paper Python 3 expression: "stone"[2]. What value results?
Need a hint?
  • Label characters from index 0 and select the stated position.
  • Index 1 selects the second character, not the first.
2. Paper Python 3 expression: "cloud"[3]. What value results?
Need a hint?
  • Label characters from index 0 and select the stated position.
  • Index 1 selects the second character, not the first.
3. Paper Python 3 expression: "river"[4]. What value results?
Need a hint?
  • Label characters from index 0 and select the stated position.
  • Index 1 selects the second character, not the first.

Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.

Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.