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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 604 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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1Multiple choice1 markImages Swap Remove

Identify the smallest identifiable area of a bitmap image.

[1 mark]
  • AColour depth
  • BFile size
  • CPixel
  • DResolution
Mark scheme
  • C Pixel (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is pixel.
  • A is not correct because colour depth is the number of bits used to store the colour of each pixel
  • B is not correct because file size is the amount of storage an image takes up, not an area of the image
  • D is not correct because resolution is a measure of the number of pixels in an image (such as its width × height), not the smallest identifiable area
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C Pixel

Why: Correct option; a pixel is the smallest identifiable area of a bitmap image (1).

No marks0/1

D Resolution

Why: Resolution is a measure of the number of pixels in an image, not the smallest identifiable area; no mark.

No marks0/1

A Colour depth

Why: Colour depth is the number of bits used to store each pixel's colour, not the smallest identifiable area; no mark.

2Describe2 marksFile Management Swap Remove

A user deletes an unwanted file from their computer.

Describe what happens when the file is deleted.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The file's entry is removed from the folder/directory (1) so the file no longer appears in the list of files/is no longer listed (1)
  • The (disk) space used by the file is marked as free/available/unused (1) so another file can be saved/stored in that space (1)
  • The file's data/contents are not erased/removed (1) so the file may still be recovered until the space is overwritten (1)

A point stated without development, e.g. 'the file is removed from the folder', earns one mark only.

For the first mark, accept that the file's entry is removed from the folder/directory; the second mark must state that the file no longer appears/is listed.

Do not accept 'stays on disk' alone for the third point; accept 'data is not erased' or 'contents remain'.

Do not accept 'the file is wiped from the disk straight away' or 'the data is destroyed and can never be recovered'.

Do not accept 'the file is moved to the recycle bin/bin' or 'the file is deleted from the hard drive' on its own, as this does not describe what happens to the file or the disk space.

Do not accept responses about moving the file to another folder.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The space the file used is marked as free so another file can be saved in that space.

Why: Linked point (1) and development (1): space marked free and another file can be saved.

Some marks1/2

The file is removed from the folder.

Why: Point (1) only; no development about the file no longer being listed.

No marks0/2

The data is wiped from the disk straight away so it can never be recovered.

Why: Common misconception; 'wiped straight away' is not accepted, so no mark.

3Describe2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

High-level code can be translated by a compiler or by an interpreter.

Describe how a compiler translates high-level code differently from an interpreter.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The compiler translates the whole program/complete source code in one go (1) whereas the interpreter translates one line/statement at a time (1)
  • The compiler translates all of the source code before any of it is run/executed (1) but the interpreter translates each line/statement as it reads it (1)
  • The interpreter translates one line/statement at a time (1) and the compiler translates the whole program/source code together (1)

Accept the compiler point and the interpreter point in either order.

Do not accept responses about object code/executable files, when the translated code is executed, how errors are reported, or speed/memory use.

Do not accept 'the interpreter executes/runs each line' on its own, without saying that it translates one line/statement at a time.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A compiler translates the whole program in one go, while an interpreter translates one line at a time.

Why: Whole program translated in one go (1) and interpreter translates one line at a time (1).

Some marks1/2

A compiler translates the whole program in one go.

Why: Whole program translated in one go (1); no linked point about the interpreter translating a line at a time.

No marks0/2

A compiler produces an executable file, but an interpreter does not.

Why: Describes the output, not the amount translated at a time; object code/executable files are not accepted.

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

Build a paper on this topic 56
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

Build a paper on this topic 18
Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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