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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 693 exam-style questions, each with its mark scheme and example answers. Print it, or answer it on paper and then open the mark schemes. Or browse the questions by topic.

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3 questions · 5 marks

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1Short recall1 markEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

A ticket machine only performs the tasks needed to sell tickets.

State the name of this type of computer system.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • Embedded (computer) system (1)

Allow embedded computer/embedded device.

Allow dedicated (computer) system.

Do not accept microcontroller/microprocessor controlled system.

Do not accept general purpose computer/PC/laptop.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

An embedded system.

Why: Correct name of the type of computer system (1).

No marks0/1

A microcontroller.

Why: Near miss: a microcontroller is a component inside an embedded system, not the name of the type of system, so the 'Do not accept' line applies and it scores nothing.

No marks0/1

A general purpose computer.

Why: Misconception: the stem states the system only performs the tasks needed to sell tickets, so 'Do not accept general purpose computer' applies and it scores nothing.

2Short recall2 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

An embedded system is a computer system built into another device to perform a specific function.

Give two examples of devices that contain an embedded system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Microwave (oven) (1)
  • Washing machine (1)
  • Dishwasher (1)
  • Digital camera (1)
  • Satellite navigation/satnav system (1)
  • Traffic light(s) (1)
  • Central heating controller/thermostat (1)
  • Digital watch/fitness tracker (1)
  • Vending machine (1)
  • Car (as it contains embedded systems) (1)

Allow any other device that contains an embedded system.

Do not accept general purpose devices such as a laptop, desktop computer, tablet or smartphone (these can run many different programs).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A microwave oven and a washing machine.

Why: Two creditworthy devices, a microwave oven (1) and a washing machine (1).

Some marks1/2

A dishwasher and a laptop computer.

Why: Dishwasher credited (1); laptop is a general purpose device, so not accepted.

No marks0/2

A desktop computer and a smartphone.

Why: Both are general purpose devices, so neither earns a mark.

3Describe2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

Describe the purpose of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

  • Carries out arithmetic operations/calculations, such as addition or subtraction (1) so that the result can be stored in a register (1)
  • Carries out logical operations, such as comparing two data items (1) to see which one is greater/larger (1)
  • Compares two data items (1) to decide whether a condition is true / which path a program takes next (1)

Allow the result of an arithmetic or logical operation being held/stored in a register, but only where the operation is named.

Do not accept answers that say the ALU stores data or results without naming an operation (registers/main memory store data).

Do not accept answers about controlling components, decoding instructions or timing (that is the control unit or the clock).

Do not award credit for 'it processes data' on its own; an arithmetic or a logical operation must be named.

An example on its own, e.g. 'it adds two numbers', does not earn a second mark; the second mark needs a linked development.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The ALU carries out arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction, and the result of the calculation is stored in a register.

Why: Linked point (1) for arithmetic operations with an example, and development (1) for the result being stored in a register.

Some marks1/2

It does all the calculations in the CPU, for example adding two numbers together.

Why: Point (1) for arithmetic operations/calculations named with an example; no linked development, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

It stores the results of calculations so that they can be used by the CPU later.

Why: Storing results with no arithmetic or logical operation named, which the 'Do not accept' line rules out, so no mark is earned.

Questions by topic

2.1 Binary

Build a paper on this topic 58
Adding Binary Numbers 6 questions Binary and Hexadecimal Basics 10 questions Binary Shifts 6 questions Binary to Denary Conversion 6 questions Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Binary Conversion 6 questions Denary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Negative Binary Conversion 6 questions Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion 6 questions

2.2 Data representation

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Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

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Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

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Embedded Systems 17 questions Fetch Decode Execute Cycle 15 questions Primary Memory 15 questions Secondary Memory 15 questions Stored Program Computers 15 questions

3.2 Software

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File Management 18 questions Memory Management 16 questions Peripheral Management 11 questions Process Management 12 questions Purpose & Function of Operating Systems 17 questions Software Basics 13 questions User Management 18 questions Utility Software 19 questions

3.3 Programming languages

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Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

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Addressing 16 questions LANs & WANs 16 questions Network Speed 5 questions Packet Switching 16 questions Protocols & Layers 17 questions The Internet 16 questions Topologies 17 questions Wired Connections 17 questions Wireless Connections 18 questions

4.2 Network security

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Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

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E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

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Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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