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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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Practice paper

3 questions · 8 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.

2Short recall1 markCharacter Sets Swap Remove

A computer can store a maximum of 80 bits for a text message. Each character is stored using 7-bit ASCII.

State the maximum number of whole characters that can be stored in the message.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • 11 (characters) (1)

Allow 11 remainder 3.

Allow 80 ÷ 7 = 11.428... rounded down to 11.

Do not accept 11.4 or 12 (rounding up or giving a decimal answer).

Do not award an unevaluated calculation such as 80 ÷ 7 with no answer.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

11

Why: Correct: 80 ÷ 7 = 11 remainder 3, so 11 whole characters can be stored (1).

No marks0/1

11.4

Why: Near miss: gives a decimal result rather than the number of whole characters; the mark scheme does not accept 11.4.

No marks0/1

12

Why: Rounds up to 12, but 12 characters would need 84 bits, more than the 80 available; the mark scheme does not accept 12.

3Discuss6 marksImages Swap Remove

A wildlife photographer takes a photograph for a magazine. The photograph can be printed across a full page or used as a small thumbnail on the magazine's website.

Discuss how the resolution of the photograph affects its use in the magazine and on the website.

Your answer should include:

  • what resolution means
  • the effect of resolution on the detail shown
  • the effect of resolution on the file size.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

What resolution means

  • Resolution is the number of pixels in the image, or the number of pixels per inch.
  • A photograph that is 6000 × 4000 pixels has a higher resolution than one that is 600 × 400 pixels.
  • Resolution is not the same as colour depth or the number of colours.

Effect on detail

  • A higher-resolution photograph has more pixels in the same area, so it can show more detail.
  • A low-resolution photograph printed across a full page will look blocky or pixelated because each pixel is enlarged.
  • A small website thumbnail uses fewer pixels on screen, so a lower-resolution version may still look sharp.
  • A high-resolution original can be cropped and still contain enough pixels for a full-page print.

Effect on file size

  • More pixels means more binary values must be stored, so the file is larger.
  • A large file takes more storage and is slower to upload or download, which matters for visitors to the website.
  • The photographer could make a lower-resolution copy for the website and keep the high-resolution original for print.
  • File size also depends on the colour depth and the file format or compression used.

Levels

  • Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
  • Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Level 3 responses must cover both detail and file size.

Do not accept resolution as the number of colours.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

Resolution is the number of pixels in the photograph, for example 6000 × 4000 pixels. A high-resolution photograph has more pixels, so it can show fine detail such as the animal's fur. This is important for the full-page magazine print because a low-resolution image would look blocky when enlarged. The small website thumbnail uses fewer pixels on screen, so a lower-resolution copy would still look sharp and would be suitable. A high-resolution file contains more pixel values, so it takes up more storage space. It would also be slower to download for people viewing the website. The photographer could keep the high-resolution original for print and make a lower-resolution copy for the website.

Why: Defines resolution accurately, links detail to the print use, links file size to storage and download for the website, and gives a sensible recommendation. Sustained application, so Level 3.

Some marks4/6

Resolution means how many pixels are in the image. A higher resolution means the photograph has more pixels, so it can show more detail. This is good for the full-page print because it will not look pixelated. A lower resolution might be enough for the small website thumbnail because it is shown smaller.

Why: Covers what resolution means and its effect on detail, with some application to print and the website. It does not discuss the effect on file size, so it is limited to Level 2.

Some marks1/6

Resolution is the number of pixels in the image. The photograph will have a higher resolution if it has more colours, so it will look sharper in the magazine. The file size is bigger when the resolution is higher, so the website will load faster.

Why: Only the definition of resolution is creditworthy. The answer wrongly links resolution to the number of colours and says a larger file will make the website load faster.

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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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