A computer uses a character set to represent text.
Define the term character set.
Mark scheme
Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:
- A set/collection of characters (1)
- (Characters such as) letters, digits and symbols/punctuation (1)
- Each character is represented by a unique code/binary value (1)
- A standard set of characters so that text can be exchanged between computer systems (1)
Allow 'a list of characters that a computer can represent' for the first mark.
Do not accept a program/software that converts text into binary.
Do not accept 'a set of binary codes' on its own.
Example answers and how they were marked
A set of characters, such as letters, digits and punctuation, where each character is represented by a unique binary code.
Why: Set/collection of characters with examples (1) and each character has a unique code (1).
A set of letters and symbols that a computer can use to represent text.
Why: Awarded for the set/collection of characters (1); no creditworthy point saying each character has its own unique code (0).
A program that converts the keys pressed on a keyboard into binary.
Why: Describes software that converts text, not a set of characters; the Do not accept line applies.