Assembly language is a ______ based low level programming language that replaces binary machine code instructions with easier to remember symbolic codes.

Introduction / Context:
Assembly language sits just above raw machine code in the hierarchy of programming languages. It is often called a low level language because it closely reflects the instruction set of the processor. However, instead of writing long sequences of binary digits, programmers use symbolic names called mnemonics. This question tests whether you know that assembly language is mnemonic based rather than high level or memory based in its fundamental design.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is assembly language, described as a low level language.
• The question emphasises that assembly replaces binary machine code instructions with something easier to remember.
• Available options include memory, high level, key, and mnemonic.
• We assume a typical processor architecture where instructions are expressed as opcodes and operands.

Concept / Approach:
In pure machine code, each instruction is represented by numeric opcodes in binary or hexadecimal form. Humans find it difficult to read and remember these sequences. Assembly language introduces symbolic names such as MOV, ADD, and SUB to represent these operations. These symbolic names are called mnemonics because they aid human memory. The assembler program translates these mnemonics back into machine code for the processor. Therefore, assembly is described as a mnemonic based language and is the classic example of a low level language.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that assembly language uses instruction names such as MOV for move and JMP for jump.Step 2: Understand that each mnemonic corresponds directly to a specific machine instruction opcode.Step 3: Note that the word mnemonic refers to a memory aid, something that helps humans remember information more easily.Step 4: Recognise that assembly language was created to make binary instructions easier for programmers to read and remember.Step 5: Conclude that assembly is correctly described as a mnemonic based low level language, so mnemonic is the right word to fill the blank.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on system programming and computer organisation describe assembly language as a symbolic or mnemonic representation of machine instructions. They specifically mention that each instruction in assembly corresponds one to one with an underlying binary instruction. The term mnemonic is used repeatedly to describe the instruction names and the role they play in aiding programmer understanding. This usage confirms that the correct descriptive word is mnemonic rather than any of the other options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Memory based does not capture the idea of symbolic instruction names and usually relates to how data is stored rather than how instructions are written. High level refers to languages like C, Java, or Python that provide complex abstractions and are far removed from machine code, which is not true for assembly. Key based has no standard meaning in this context and does not appear in technical descriptions of assembly language. These options therefore do not describe the core characteristic of assembly.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates assume that any language that interacts with memory must be memory based, which is a vague and inaccurate term. Others may be tempted by the phrase high level because they think it means easier to use. In reality, assembly is still low level but uses mnemonics to improve readability. When you see a question describing a low level language that replaces binary codes with symbols, you should immediately think of mnemonic based assembly language.

Final Answer:
The correct completion is Mnemonic, because assembly language is a mnemonic based low level language that replaces hard to remember binary machine code instructions with symbolic instruction names.