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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 10 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markImages Swap Remove

Identify the term for the number of bits used to store the colour of each pixel.

[1 mark]
  • AColour depth
  • BImage size
  • CResolution
  • DStorage size
Mark scheme
  • A Colour depth (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is colour depth.
  • B is not correct because image size is the width and height of the image in pixels
  • C is not correct because resolution is the number of pixels per unit length, such as pixels per inch
  • D is not correct because storage size is the amount of storage the image file uses
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Colour depth

Why: Correct option; colour depth is the number of bits used to store the colour of each pixel (1).

No marks0/1

B Image size

Why: Image size is the width and height of the image in pixels, not the number of bits used per pixel; no mark.

No marks0/1

D Storage size

Why: Storage size is the amount of storage the image file uses, not the colour depth; no mark.

2Short recall1 markSecondary Memory Swap Remove

Data is stored on optical discs as pits and lands.

Name the component in an optical disc drive that reads this data.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • Laser (1)

Allow laser beam

Do not accept read/write head

Do not accept pits

Do not accept lands

Do not accept reflective surface

Do not accept magnet/magnetic

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Laser

Why: Laser is the creditworthy answer (1).

No marks0/1

A read/write head

Why: Read/write head is not accepted by the mark scheme; it reads magnetic media, not optical discs, so no marks are awarded.

No marks0/1

Pits and lands

Why: Pits and lands are what the laser reads, not the component that reads the data, so the mark scheme does not accept them.

3Describe2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A program can be written in a high-level language such as Python.

Describe one characteristic of a high-level programming language.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Statements are written using words/phrases that look like English or maths (1) so the code is easier to read/understand/write (1)
  • One statement is translated into several machine code instructions (1) so programs are shorter to write than in a low-level language (1)
  • High-level languages provide built-in data structures such as arrays/lists/records (1) so a collection of data items can be stored and accessed under one name (1)

Do not accept responses that only give a benefit or drawback, such as 'it is easier to learn', with no characteristic.

Do not accept 'it is easier than a low-level language' without saying what the characteristic is.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Statements are written using words that look like English or maths (1) so the program is easier to read and understand (1).

Why: Characteristic of the statements (1) with a linked development (1).

Some marks1/2

It has built-in data structures such as arrays.

Why: A correct characteristic (1) but no development of what it allows the programmer to do.

No marks0/2

It is easier to learn than a low-level language.

Why: Gives only a benefit compared with a low-level language; no characteristic of the language itself, so no mark.

4Discuss6 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A small design company has 18 employees who use a network with a shared file server. Some employees are company directors and need to manage the system. Designers need to work on shared project folders, but salary files must be kept private.

Discuss how the operating system's user management can give employees the access they need while protecting the company's files.

Your answer should include:

  • administrator accounts
  • standard user accounts
  • file permissions.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Administrator accounts

  • An administrator account can create new user accounts for new employees and delete accounts when employees leave.
  • The administrator can reset a forgotten password, so an employee can get back to work without sharing another person's account.
  • The administrator can set the access rights for each user or group, so designers get access to project folders and only directors can open salary files.
  • Administrator privileges should be given to only a few trusted employees, as administrators can change any settings on the system.

Standard user accounts

  • Designers should use standard user accounts, so they cannot install unauthorised software or change system settings.
  • A standard user can be given permission to read and write files in the project folder that their team uses.
  • Standard users should not be able to change other users' permissions, so the access rules cannot be removed by accident.
  • If a standard user tries to open a file without permission, the operating system denies access.

File permissions

  • Each file or folder can have permissions that allow a user to read, write or delete it.
  • Project folders can be set so all designers can read and write the files inside them.
  • Salary files can be set so only directors can read them, and other users are denied access.
  • Permissions can be set for a group of users, such as all designers, which is quicker than setting them for each person.
  • A file can be made read-only for standard users, so they can view it but cannot change it.

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 administrator accounts, standard user accounts and file permissions, and apply them to the design company.

Do not accept general operating system functions such as managing the processor or memory unless they are explicitly linked to controlling what a user can access.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The directors should have administrator accounts so they can create accounts for new designers, delete accounts when staff leave, and set permissions on the file server. Ordinary designers should have standard user accounts so they cannot install software or change permissions. The administrator can give the designers read and write permission on the shared project folders, but only the directors can read the salary files. This means the designers can work together on projects, while confidential salary information stays private. If a designer leaves, the administrator can disable their account so they can no longer open company files.

Why: Level 3. It covers administrator accounts, standard accounts and file permissions, with coherent application to project folders and salary files.

Some marks4/6

The administrator can add and delete users and set their permissions. Normal users can only access the files they are allowed to. The salary files can be made private so only the administrator can see them.

Why: Level 2. Administrator accounts and file permissions are described with some application, but standard user accounts are not developed and the explanation lacks sustained reasoning.

No marks0/6

The administrator is the person who uses the computer most often, so the operating system gives them more memory and a faster processor. This means they can manage the users.

Why: Level 0. It confuses administrator privileges with extra memory and processor speed, which is process management, not user management.

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