Which statement about access modifiers is correct?

Question

Options

• AAn instance variable can be declared with the static modifier.
• BA local variable can be declared with the final modifier.
• CAn abstract method can be declared with the private modifier.
• DAn inner class cannot be declared with the public modifier.
• EAn interface can be declared with the protected modifier

• A
  10% (3)
• B
  79% (23)
• C
  7% (2)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

Option B is correct because final is a valid modifier for local variables in Java - it simply prevents the variable from being reassigned after its initial value is set, which is commonly used to enforce immutability within a method or to allow a variable to be used inside a lambda.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A is a category error: a static variable belongs to the class, not to an instance - calling it an "instance variable" with static is a contradiction in terms.
• C is illegal: abstract means "must be overridden," but private means "not visible to subclasses," making the combination a compile-time error.
• D is false: inner classes can carry any access modifier - public, protected, private, or package-private.
• E is false for top-level interfaces: only public or package-private (no keyword) are allowed; protected is not a valid modifier for a top-level type.

Memory tip: Think "final is about reassignment, not scope" - it works on fields, parameters, and local variables. For the distractors, remember the rule: modifiers that conflict in meaning (abstract+private, static+instance) are always illegal, and top-level types can never be protected.

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