Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) GCSE Computer Science Practice Exam

In flow diagrams, the shape that represents the start and stop points is a box with rounded corners, often referred to as an ellipse. This specific shape is used because it visually signifies the initiation and termination of a process. It is distinct from other shapes used within the flowchart, which serve different functions such as processes, inputs/outputs, or decision points.

The rounded corners make it immediately recognizable as an entry or exit point in the workflow, helping to provide clarity and enhance the overall readability of the flowchart. This is crucial in communicating the structure of a process effectively to anyone who views the diagram.

The other shapes in the options have specific roles: rectangles typically represent processes or instructions, while parallelograms indicate input or output operations. Circles can sometimes denote connectors or points of linkage in larger diagrams, but they are not standard for start and stop points like the box with rounded corners.