ISTQB-CTFL Exam Dumps Pass with Updated 2024 Certified Exam Questions [Q47-Q71]

State transition testing is a black-box testing technique where test cases are designed to cover states and transitions of a state machine.
Given the state model with the following transitions:
* PLACED -> IN PRODUCTION
* IN PRODUCTION -> CANCELLED
* IN PRODUCTION -> SHIPPED
* SHIPPED -> INVOICED
* INVOICED -> CANCELLED
* CANCELLED -> PLACED
To cover all transitions at least once, we need to create a sequence that covers all six transitions.
Option A: IN PRODUCTION -> CANCELLED -> PLACED -> IN PRODUCTION -> CANCELLED -> PLACED- Misses SHIPPED -> INVOICED and INVOICED -> CANCELLED transitions.
Option B: IN PRODUCTION -> SHIPPED -> INVOICED -> CANCELLED -> PLACED -> IN PRODUCTION- Covers all transitions.
Option C: PLACED -> IN PRODUCTION -> SHIPPED -> CANCELLED (ISTQB not-for-profit association) (Udemy)sses INVOICED -> CANCELLED transition.
Option D: PLACED -> CANCELLED -> PLACED -> CANCELLED -> PLACED -> IN PRODUCTION -> CANCELLED- Misses SHIPPED -> INVOICED and INVOICED -> CANCELLED transitions.
Given these, Option B covers all the transitions6†source9†source.
References:
* Certified Tester Foundation Level v4.0
* 10 Sample Exams ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0

You should choose a test technique because you need to match the way you test to the content of the product under test. A test technique is a method or process for deriving and selecting test cases based on some criteria or rules. Different test techniques are suitable for different types of software products, depending on their characteristics, functionalities, requirements, specifications, risks, etc. Choosing a test technique helps to ensure that the test cases are relevant, effective, and efficient for the product under test. The other options are not correct reasons to choose a test technique. Time constraints are not a factor for choosing a test technique, but rather for prioritizing or optimizing testing activities. Covering the full scope of the product’s functionality is not a guarantee of choosing a test technique, but rather a goal of testing. Choosing a test technique is not a common practice in software testing, but rather a professional skill and responsibility. Verified References: A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer, page 31.

Component testing is a test level. A test level is a group of test activities that are organized and managed together based on some common characteristics or objectives. A test level can be defined based on various factors, such as the scope and target of testing, the phase and model of development, the stakeholders and roles involved in testing, etc. Component testing (also known as unit testing or module testing) is a test level that focuses on verifying the functionality and quality of individual software components (such as modules, classes, functions, methods, etc.). Component testing can be performed by developers or testers using various techniques and tools depending on the type and complexity of the components. The other options are not test levels. Integration testing is another test level that focuses on verifying the functionality and quality of groups of software components that interact with each other or with external systems. Functional testing is a type of black-box dynamic testing that verifies that the system under test performs its intended functions according to its requirements or specifications. Experience-based testing is a category of test design techniques that rely on the tester’s knowledge and intuition to derive and select test cases based on their experience with similar systems, technologies, domains, risks, etc. Verified Reference: A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer, page 19.

To achieve 100% statement coverage, we need to design test cases that ensure every statement in the given pseudo-code is executed at least once. Analyzing the pseudo-code, we notice that there are conditions based on two variables: Gender and Age. To cover all statements, we need to consider the paths that lead to each assignment of the Shoe Size variable.
* Gender = Boy, Age <= 3 (Shoe Size assignment is not reached, but the condition is evaluated)
* Gender = Boy, Age > 3 AND Age < 5 (Shoe Size = 1)
* Gender = Boy, Age >= 5 AND Age < 7 (Shoe Size = 2)
* Gender != Boy, Age <= 3 (Again, Shoe Size assignment is not reached, but the condition is evaluated)
* Gender != Boy, Age > 3 AND Age < 5 (Shoe Size = 0)
* Gender != Boy, Age >= 5 AND Age < 7 (Shoe Size = 1)
However, upon closer inspection, we see that tests 1 and 4 do not contribute to statement coverage as they do not lead to a Shoe Size assignment. Therefore, we only need 4 test cases to achieve 100% statement coverage, making option B the correct answer.

A new navigation system compared with a previous system is the most suitable application for testing by use cases, because it involves a high level of interaction between the user and the system, and the expected behavior and outcomes of the system are based on the user’s needs and goals. Use cases can help to specify the functional requirements of the new navigation system, such as the ability to enter a destination, select a route, follow the directions, receive alerts, etc. Use cases can also help to compare the accuracy and usability of the new system with the previous system, by defining the success and failure scenarios, the preconditions and postconditions, and the alternative flows of each use case. Use cases can also help to design and execute test cases that cover the main and exceptional paths of each use case, and to verify the satisfaction of the user’s expectations.
The other options are not the most suitable applications for testing by use cases, because they do not involve a high level of interaction between the user and the system, or the expected behavior and outcomes of the system are not based on the user’s needs and goals. A billing system used to calculate monthly charge based on a large number of subscriber parameters is more suitable for testing by data-driven testing, which is a technique for testing the functionality and performance of a system or component by using a large set of input and output data. The ability of an antivirus package to detect and quarantine a new threat is more suitable for testing by exploratory testing, which is a technique for testing the functionality and security of a system or component by using an informal and flexible approach, based on the tester’s experience and intuition. The suitability and performance of a multimedia (audio video based) system to a new operating system is more suitable for testing by compatibility testing, which is a technique for testing the functionality and performance of a system or component by using different hardware, software, or network environments. Reference = CTFL 4.0 Syllabus, Section 3.1.1, page 28-29; Section 4.1.1, page 44-45; Section 4.2.1, page 47-48.

According to the decision table in the image, a Preferred Guest Card holder with a Silver room is eligible for an upgrade to Gold Luxury (YES), while a non-Preferred Guest Card holder, regardless of room type, is not eligible for any upgrade (NO). Therefore, Customer A (a Preferred Guest Card holder with a Silver room) would be offered an upgrade to Gold Luxury, and Customer B (a non-Preferred Guest Card holder with a Platinum room) would not be offered any upgrade. References = The answer is derived directly from the decision table provided in the image; specific ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 documents are not referenced.

Regression testing is a type of testing that verifies that previously tested software still performs correctly after changes. Regression testing can help prevent re-opening of defects fixed earlier by ensuring that they do not cause any new failures or side effects. The first recommendation to the company is to verify existing regression test suite are adequate, and augment it, if required, in order to ensure that defects fixed earlier get re-tested in each subsequent build. This can help improve the coverage and effectiveness of regression testing and detect any regression defects as soon as possible. Automating existing test suites may also help reduce the time and effort required for regression testing, but this is not the first recommendation, as automation may not be feasible or cost-effective for all test cases. Analyzing the product modules containing maximum defects and getting them thoroughly tested and defects fixed as a one-time activity may also help reduce the defect density and improve the quality of those modules, but this is not the first recommendation, as it does not address the root cause of re-opening defects fixed earlier. Training or replacing the teams responsible for development and testing of the modules containing maximum number of defects may also help improve their skills or performance, but this is not the first recommendation, as it may not be necessary or appropriate for all teams.
Verified References: [A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer], Chapter 2, page 19; Chapter 4, page 45.

The correct answer can be derived by applying the given rules to each case:
* A is ST certified and has 12 years of testing experience, which is more than 10 years. Therefore, A does not match any of the rules and the result is unknown.
* B is not ST certified and has 7 years of testing experience, which is between 5 and 10 years. Therefore, B matches rule 3 and the result is limited access.
* C is not ST certified and has 3 years of testing experience, which is less than 5 years. Therefore, C does not match any of the rules and the result is unknown.Verified References: This question does not require any external references, as it is based on logical reasoning.

Communication from testers about defects, test results, and other test information should emphasize the benefits of testing such as increased quality and reduced risk. This positive framing helps in reinforcing the value of testing and ensuring stakeholders understand the contribution of testing to the overall project success (ISTQB not-for-profit association).References:
* ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0:
https://istqb-main-web-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/documents/ISTQB_CTFL_Syllabus-v4.0.pdf

Looking for defects in a system does not require ignoring system details, but rather paying attention to them and understanding how they affect the system’s quality, functionality, and usability. Ignoring system details could lead to missing important defects or testing irrelevant aspects of the system.
Identifying defects may be perceived as criticism against product, especially by the developers or stakeholders who are invested in the product’s success. However, identifying defects is not meant to be a personal attack, but rather a constructive feedback that helps to improve the product and ensure its alignment with the requirements and expectations of the users and clients.
Looking for defects in system requires professional pessimism and curiosity, as testers need to anticipate and explore the possible ways that the system could fail, malfunction, or behave unexpectedly. Professional pessimism means being skeptical and critical of the system’s quality and reliability, while curiosity means being eager and interested in finding out the root causes and consequences of the defects.
Testing is often seen as a destructive activity instead of constructive activity, as it involves finding and reporting the flaws and weaknesses of the system, rather than creating or enhancing it. However, testing is actually a constructive activity, as it contributes to the system’s improvement, verification, validation, and optimization, and ultimately to the delivery of a high-quality product that meets the needs and expectations of the users and clients.

The statement “Traceability may make it harder to understand the impact of changes” is incorrect. Traceability in testing actually facilitates understanding the impact of changes by linking test cases to requirements. This linkage helps ensure that any changes in the requirements are adequately reflected and verified in the test cases, thus supporting effective management of changes and maintaining the integrity of the system or product being developed (ISTQB not-for-profit association) (ISTQB Main Web).References:
* ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0:
https://istqb-main-web-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/documents/ISTQB_CTFL_Syllabus-v4.0.pdf
* ISTQB Official Website – CTFL Certification:
https://www.istqb.org/certifications/certified-tester-foundation-level/

According to the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0, the life cycle of a defect typically follows a sequence from its discovery to its closure. In the provided figure, it starts with S0 (New), moves to S1 (Assigned), then to S2 (Resolved), followed by S3 (Verified). If the defect is not fixed, it can be Re-opened (S5) and goes back for verification (S3). Once verified, it is Closed (S4). References: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 Syllabus, Section 1.4.3, Page 17.

Test Management tools are designed to support the planning, execution, and monitoring of the testing process.
They provide features for managing test cases, test runs, tracking defects, and reporting on testing activities.
However, the statement in option C describes Test Management tools as monitoring and reporting on the system’s behavior during testing activities, which is not accurate. Test Management tools focus on the testing process itself rather than on the behavior of the system under test.
* Test data preparation tools (A) indeed create and manage test data for use during test execution.
* Test execution tools (B) automate the execution of test cases and the comparison of actual outcomes against expected results.
* Test comparators (D) are tools that compare actual outcomes with expected outcomes, highlighting discrepancies.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it inaccurately describes the function of Test Management tools.

Maintenance testing is testing performed on a software product after delivery to correct defects or improve performance or other attributes. Maintenance testing can be triggered by various situations, such as modifications to a released software or system, migration of the system data to a replacement system, or retirement of the software or system. Maintenance testing is not executed when there is an update to the maintainability requirements during the development phase, as this is not a maintenance situation but rather a change request that should be handled by the development process. Verified References: [A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer], Chapter 2, page 18-19.

Static analysis tools are software tools that examine the source code of a program without executing it. They can detect various types of issues, such as syntax errors, coding standards violations, security vulnerabilities, and potential bugs12. However, static analysis tools cannot identify issues that depend on the runtime behavior or performance of the program, such as very low MTBF (Mean Time Between failure)3. MTBF is a measure of the reliability of a system or component. It is calculated by dividing the total operating time by the number of failures. MTBF reflects how often a system or component fails during its expected lifetime. Static analysis tools cannot measure MTBF because they do not run the program or observe its failures. MTBF can only be estimated by dynamic testing, which involves executing the program under various conditions and collecting data on its failures4. Therefore, very low MTBF is anissue that cannot be identified by static analysis tools.
The other options, such as potentially endless loops, referencing a variable with an undefined value, and security vulnerabilities, are issues that can be identified by static analysis tools. Static analysis tools can detect potentially endless loops by analyzing the control flow and data flow of the program and checking for conditions that may never become false5. Static analysis tools can detect referencing a variable with an undefined value by checking the scope and initialization of variables and reporting any use of uninitialized variables6. Static analysis tools can detect security vulnerabilities by checking for common patterns of insecure code, such as buffer overflows, SQL injections, cross-site scripting, and weak encryption. References = What Is Static Analysis? Static Code Analysis Tools – Perforce Software, How Static Code Analysis Works | Perforce, Static Code Analysis: Techniques, Top 5 Benefits & 3 Challenges, What is MTBF? Mean Time Between Failures Explained | Perforce, Static analysis tools – Software Testing MCQs – CareerRide, ISTQB_Chapter3 | Quizizz, [Static Code Analysis for Security Vulnerabilities | Perforce].

Regression testing is a type of testing that verifies that previously tested software still performs correctly after changes. Regression testing can help prevent re-opening of defects fixed earlier by ensuring that they do not cause any new failures or side effects. The first recommendation to the company is to verify existing regression test suite are adequate, and augment it, if required, in order to ensure that defects fixed earlier get re-tested in each subsequent build. This can help improve the coverage and effectiveness of regression testing and detect any regression defects as soon as possible. Automating existing test suites may also help reduce the time and effort required for regression testing, but this is not the first recommendation, as automation may not be feasible or cost-effective for all test cases. Analyzing the product modules containing maximum defects and getting them thoroughly tested and defects fixed as a one-time activity may also help reduce the defect density and improve the quality of those modules, but this is not the first recommendation, as it does not address the root cause of re-opening defects fixed earlier. Training or replacing the teams responsible for development and testing of the modules containing maximum number of defects may also help improve their skills or performance, but this is not the first recommendation, as it may not be necessary or appropriate for all teams. Verified Reference: [A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer], Chapter 2, page 19; Chapter 4, page 45.

An inspection is a type of review that follows a defined process with formal entry and exit criteria and roles and responsibilities for participants. An inspection can be performed by peers with different roles, such as moderator, author, reviewer and scribe. The following statement about inspection is not true:
* B) The main purpose of an inspection is to find solutions to the problems. This statement is not true, as the main purpose of an inspection is to find defects or issues in a work product, not to find solutions to the problems. Finding solutions to the problems is a debugging or problem-solving activity that is usually performed by the author or developer after receiving the inspection report. The following statements about inspection are true:
* A) An inspection may be led by a trained moderator who shall not be the author. This statement is true, as an inspection requires a moderator role who leads the inspection process and ensures that it follows the rules and standards. The moderator should be trained in inspection techniques and should not be the author of the work product under inspection, in order to avoid bias or conflict of interest.
* C) An inspection can be performed by peers. This statement is true, as an inspection involves peer review, which means that the work product under inspection is evaluated by people who have similar roles or expertise as the author, but who are not directly involved in creating or modifying the work product.
* D) An inspection shall follow a formal process based on rules and checklists with entry and exit criteria.
This statement is true, as an inspection follows a formal process that consists of six main steps:
planning, kick-off meeting, individual preparation, review meeting, rework and follow-up. Each step has defined rules and checklists to guide the participants and ensure consistency and quality. Each step also has entry and exit criteria to ensure that the prerequisites and objectives are met before moving to the next step. Verified References: A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer, Chapter 3, page 28-29.

* Effort estimate does not depend on the budget of the project, but rather on the scope, complexity, and quality of the software product and the testing activities1. Budget is a constraint that may affect the feasibility and accuracy of the effort estimate, but it is not a factor that determines the effort estimate. Effort estimate is the amount of work required to complete the testing activities, measured in terms of person-hours, person-days, or person-months2.
* The other options are correct because:
* A. Once the test effort is estimated, resources can be identified and a schedule can be drawn up, as they are interrelated aspects of the test planning process3. Resources are the people, tools, equipment, and facilities needed to perform the testing activities4. Schedule is the time frame and sequence of the testing activities, aligned with the project milestones and deadlines5.
* B. Effort estimate can be inaccurate because the quality of the product under tests is not known, as it affects the number and severity of the defects that may be found and the rework that may be needed to fix them6. Quality is the degree to which the software product satisfies the specified requirements and meets the needs and expectations of the users and clients7.
* D. Experience based estimation is one of the estimation techniques, which relies on the judgment and expertise of the testers and other project stakeholders to estimate the test effort based on similar projects or tasks done in the past. Experience based estimation can be useful when there is a lack of historical data, formal methods, or detailed information about the software product and the testing activities.
References =
* 1 ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 154
* 2 ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 155
* 3 ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 156
* 4 ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 157
* 5 ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 158
* 6 ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 159
* 7 ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 16
* [8] ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 160
* [9] ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, 2023, p. 161

A test case is a set of input values, execution preconditions, expected results and execution postconditions, developed for a particular objective or test condition. A test case is a sequence of actions for test execution that can be followed by a tester or a test automation tool. A test case is specified during the test implementation activity, which is the activity that prepares the testware needed for test execution. A test case does not include actual results, as these are obtained during test execution and compared with the expected results. A test case does not describe items or events to test, as these are derived from the test basis during the test analysis activity. A test case is not derived during the test design activity, as this is the activity that specifies the test conditions or objectives that need to be tested. Verified Reference: [A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer], Chapter 3, page 23-24; Chapter 4, page 34.

System testing is a level of testing performed to evaluate the behavior and quality of a whole software product or system. System testing can include various types of testing, such as:
* I) Usability testing: A type of testing that evaluates how easy, efficient and satisfying it is to use the software product or system from the user’s perspective.
* II) Requirements based scenarios testing: A type of testing that verifies that the software product or system meets its specified requirements or user stories by executing realistic scenarios or workflows.
System testing does not include the following types of testing, as they are more suitable for lower levels of testing, such as unit testing or integration testing:
* III) Testing parts of the code in isolation: A type of testing that verifies the functionality and quality of individual software components or units by isolating them from other components or units.
* IV) Correct order of parameters in API calls: A type of testing that verifies the functionality and quality of software components or units that communicate with each other through application programming interfaces (APIs) by checking the correct order and format of parameters in API calls. Verified References: [A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer], Chapter 2, page 20-21; Chapter 4, page 34-35.

Experience based techniques (EBT) are techniques that use the knowledge, intuition and skills of the test engineers to design and execute tests. EBT use tests derived from the test engineers’ previous experience with similar technologies, domains, applications or systems. EBT are not based on the ability of the test engineer to implement various testing techniques, but rather on their personal judgment and creativity. EBT are not done as a second stage of testing, after non-experience-based testing took place, but rather as a complementary or alternative approach to other techniques. EBT require broad and deep knowledge in both testing and the application or technological domain, as this can help the test engineer identify potential risks, scenarios or defects. Verified References: [A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level 2018 Syllabus – Springer], Chapter 5, page 48-49.

The following should be included in a test status report: total number of open and closed defects, actual effort spent, and number of executed, failed, and blocked tests. A test status report is a document that provides information on the results and status of testing activities for a given period or phase. A test status report should include information that is relevant, accurate, and timely for the intended audience and purpose. Some of the information that should be included in a test status report are: total number of open and closed defects, which can indicate the defect trend and defect density of the software product; actual effort spent, which can indicate the productivity and efficiency of the testing process; number of executed, failed, and blocked tests, which can indicate the test progress and test coverage of the software product. The following should not be included in a test status report: estimation details, defect reports, and impact analysis. Estimation details are not part of a test status report, but rather part of a test plan or a test estimation document. Estimation details provide information on the expected time, resources, and costs for testing activities, not on the actual results or status of testing activities. Defect reports are not part of a test status report, but rather separate documents that provide detailed information on individual defects found during testing. Defect reports include information such as defect description, defect severity, defect priority, defectstatus, defect resolution, etc. Defect reports can be referenced or summarized in a test status report, but not included in full. Impact analysis is not part of a test status report, but rather part of a risk assessment or prioritization process. Impact analysis provides information on the potential effects or consequences of a change or a defect on the software product or project.
Impact analysis can be used to evaluate the amount or scope of testing to be performed, but not to report the results or status of testing activities. Verified References: A Study Guide to the ISTQB Foundation Level
2018 Syllabus – Springer, page 141.

The ISTQB fundamental test process consists of five main phases, as described in the ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus, Version 4.0, 2018, Section 2.2, page 15:
* Test planning and control: This phase involves defining the test objectives, scope, strategy, resources, schedule, risks, and metrics, as well as monitoring and controlling the test activities and results throughout the test process.
* Test analysis and design: This phase involves analyzing the test basis (such as requirements, specifications, or user stories) to identify test conditions (such as features, functions, or scenarios) that need to be tested, and designing test cases and test procedures (such as inputs, expected outcomes, and execution steps) to cover the test conditions. This phase also involves evaluating the testability of the test basis and the test items (such as software or system components), and selecting and implementing test techniques (such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, or state transition testing) to achieve the test objectives and optimize the test coverage and efficiency.
* Test implementation and execution: This phase involves preparing the test environment (such as hardware, software, data, or tools) and testware (such as test cases, test procedures, test data, or test scripts) for test execution, and executing the test procedures or scripts according to the test plan and schedule. This phase also involves logging the outcome of test execution, comparing the actual results with the expected results, and reporting any discrepancies as incidents (such as defects, errors, or failures).
* Evaluating exit criteria and reporting: This phase involves checking if the planned test activities have been completed and the exit criteria (such as quality, coverage, or risk levels) have been met, and reporting the test results and outcomes to the stakeholders. This phase also involves making recommendations for the release or acceptance decision based on the test results and outcomes, and identifying any residual risks (such as known defects or untested areas) that need to be addressed or mitigated.
* Test closure activities: This phase involves finalizing and archiving the testware and test environment for future reuse, and evaluating the test process and the test project against the test objectives and the test plan. This phase also involves identifying any lessons learned and best practices, and communicating the findings and suggestions for improvement to the relevant parties.
References = ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus, Version 4.0, 2018, Section 2.2, page 15; ISTQB Glossary of Testing Terms, Version 4.0, 2018, pages 37-38; ISTQB CTFL 4.0 – Sample Exam – Answers, Version 1.1, 2023, Question 88, page 32.

The question is about identifying an example of testing contributing to higher quality. Quality is the degree to which a component, system or process meets specified requirements and/or user/customer needs and expectations1. Testing is the process consisting of all lifecycle activities, both static and dynamic, concerned with planning, preparation and evaluation of software products and related work products to determine that they satisfy specified requirements, to demonstrate that they are fit for purpose and to detect defects2.
Therefore, testing contributes to higher quality by verifying and validating that the software products and related work products meet the specified requirements, are fit for purpose and have no defects, or at least have a reduced number of defects. Testing also provides information about the quality of the software products and related work products to the stakeholders, who can make informed decisions based on the test results3.
Out of the four given statements, only option D is an example of testing contributing to higher quality, as it shows that testing has detected a defect (a flaw in a component or system that can cause the component or system to fail to perform its required function4) and that the defect has been resolved (fixed and confirmed) prior to release (delivery of the software product to the customer or end user). This means that testing has prevented a potential failure (an event in which a component or system does not perform a required function within specified limits) from occurring in the operational environment, and thus has improved the quality of the software product.
Option A is not an example of testing contributing to higher quality, as it is a reporting activity that summarizes the test results and evaluates the test objectives, but does not directly affect the quality of the software product or related work products. A test summary report is a document that records and communicates the outcomes of testing activities, including test completion criteria, test results, incident reports, test summary and evaluation, and lessons learned.
Option B is not an example of testing contributing to higher quality, as it is a planning activity that estimates the resources and time needed for testing activities, but does not directly affect the quality of the software product or related work products. A test effort estimate is an approximation of the amount of work and/or the duration of time required to perform testing activities.
Option C is not an example of testing contributing to higher quality, as it is a preparation activity that sets up the test environment (an environment containing hardware, instrumentation, simulators, software tools, and other support elements needed to conduct a test), but does not directly affect the quality of the software product or related work products. A test environment installation is a process of installing and configuring the test environment according to the test environment specification.
Reference:
1: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 10
2: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 11
3: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 12
4: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 13
5: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 13
6: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 77
7: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 78
8: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 79
9: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 80
10: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 81
11: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 82
12: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 83
13: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 84
14: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 85
15: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 86
16: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 87
17: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 88
18: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 89
19: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 90
20: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 91
21: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 92
22: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 93
23: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 94
24: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 95
25: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 96
26: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 97
27: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 98
28: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 99
29: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 100
30: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 101
31: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 102
32: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 103
33: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 104
34: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 105
35: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 106
36: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 107

* The question is about selecting the correct test values for x based on equivalence partitioning.
Equivalence partitioning is a software test design technique that divides the input data of a software unit into partitions of equivalent data from which test cases can be derived. In this case, the given equivalence classes are:
* (x \leq -100)
* (-100 < x < 100)
* (100 \leq x < 1000)
* (x \geq 1000)
Option D provides a value from each of these partitions:
* For (x \leq -100), it gives -1000.
* For (-100 < x < 100), it gives -100 and 100.
* For (100 \leq x < 1000), it gives 500.
* For (x \geq 1000), it gives 1500.
So, option D covers all four given equivalence classes with appropriate values.
References: ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 documents available at ISTQB and ASTQB.
* 1: ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 38
* 2: ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 39
* : ISTQB Foundation Level Syllabus 2018, Version 4.0, p. 40