Read SELECT and FROM queries
Select one or more fields from a named single table using the required SQL clause order.
Exam scope and assessment notes
This sequence follows Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0984, 2026–2028 syllabus Version 4, Topic 9. It covers single-table databases only and the specified SELECT, FROM, WHERE, ORDER BY, SUM, COUNT, AND and OR content. The official specimen also demonstrates NOT in a filter. Multi-table joins, GROUP BY, database implementation and the separate 2029–2031 syllabus are not mapped here. Practice is original, self-checked and does not award an official Cambridge grade. Full timed papers and human subject-teacher review remain outstanding. Cambridge states that 0984 has the same 2026–2028 subject content as 0478, with 9–1 grading. In June and November, Cambridge lists 0984 in Administrative zone 3 and for centres in Oman and the UAE. Confirm availability for your centre and exam series with Cambridge International. The separately published 2029–2031 syllabus changes to Python 3 only and removes pseudocode; this 2026–2028 route does not cover those changes.
Before you begin
- Be able to read a small table and compare values. Each lesson introduces the database and SQL terms it uses.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What does SELECT Topic request?
What you will learn
- Identify the fields returned by SELECT
- Identify the source table in FROM
- Predict one result row for each matching record
SELECT names the returned fields
A SELECT statement asks the database to return chosen fields. Write the field names after SELECT, separated by commas when more than one is needed.
FROM names the single table that contains those fields. Check that each selected field exists in that table.
The result is a new view of stored data
Selecting fields does not change the table. It returns the requested columns from its records.
With no WHERE condition, every record in the table contributes to the result. The order is not guaranteed unless ORDER BY is included.
Pause and explain
In SELECT Date, Title FROM SHOWS;, which values name the returned columns?
Worked example
A table WORKSHOP has SessionID, Topic and Seats. What fields are returned by SELECT Topic, Seats FROM WORKSHOP;?
Show the worked solution
- Read the field list after SELECT.
- Read the table name after FROM.
- There is no WHERE clause, so all records are included.
Answer The result contains Topic and Seats for every record in WORKSHOP.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Write a query to return SessionID and Topic from a table named WORKSHOP.
Give me a hint
List fields after SELECT and the table after FROM.
Compare my reasoning
- Choose the two required fields.
- Name WORKSHOP as the source table.
- End the statement with a semicolon.
SELECT SessionID, Topic FROM WORKSHOP;
Look for these in your work
- Selected fields
- Source table
A table has 7 records. What happens when a query selects Topic from the table without WHERE?
Give me a hint
There is no filter to exclude records.
Compare my reasoning
- All seven records are considered.
- The result has a Topic value for each record.
- Repeated Topic values may appear more than once.
It returns Topic for all 7 records, including repeated values.
Look for these in your work
- No filter applied
- Rows included
A query asks for SELECT Price FROM BOOKINGS, but Price is not one of the table's fields. Explain the issue and how to correct it.
Give me a hint
Check the field list against the named table schema.
Compare my reasoning
- SELECT can only return fields present in the source table.
- Find the correct field name in BOOKINGS.
- Use the exact matching name or select the intended source table.
The query names a nonexistent field for that table; correct the field name or source table.
Look for these in your work
- Schema mismatch
- Correction grounded in table
Common mistakes
- Putting the table name after SELECT
- Selecting a field that is not in the named table
- Assuming row order without ORDER BY
What can you explain now?
Which SQL clause names the table being queried?
Compare with the explanation
FROM
FROM identifies the source table.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
What does FROM contribute to a SELECT query?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.