Menu
Exam Questions

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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

4 questions · 7 marks

Pick again
Print
1Multiple choice1 markEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

Identify the term for a computer that forms part of another device and performs a specific task.

[1 mark]
  • AEmbedded system
  • BGeneral purpose computer
  • CNetworked computer
  • DServer computer
Mark scheme
  • A Embedded system (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is embedded system.
  • B is not correct because a general purpose computer can run many different application programs
  • C is not correct because a networked computer is connected to other computers to share resources
  • D is not correct because a server computer provides services or resources to other computers on a network
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Embedded system

Why: Correct option: an embedded system forms part of another device and performs a specific task (1).

No marks0/1

B General purpose computer

Why: Near miss: a general purpose computer can run many different application programs; it is not built into another device to perform a specific task, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D Server computer

Why: Misconception: a server provides services or resources to other computers on a network and is not an embedded system, so no mark.

2Short recall2 marksCompression Swap Remove

Files can be compressed before they are stored.

Define the term lossless compression.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Reduces/makes the size of a file smaller (1)
  • No data is lost/removed (during compression) (1)
  • The original file/data can be recreated/restored exactly (1)

Allow 'the compressed file takes up less storage space' for the first mark.

The second and third bullets are two ways of making the same point: award a maximum of one mark for them, so a response that says no data is lost and that the original file can be restored, but does not say the file is smaller, scores one mark.

Do not accept descriptions of lossy compression, e.g. 'it removes data that is not needed to make the file smaller'.

Ignore reference to download/transmission times, bandwidth and streaming, as these are benefits of compression and not part of the definition.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Lossless compression reduces the size of a file without permanently removing any data, so the original file can be restored exactly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1) and no data is lost, so the original can be restored exactly (1); maximum of two marks reached.

Some marks1/2

It makes a file smaller so it downloads more quickly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1); the faster download is ignored as a benefit, not part of the definition.

No marks0/2

It removes data that is not needed to make the file smaller.

Why: Describes lossy compression, which the do-not-accept line rules out, so the mention of making the file smaller is not credited.

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.

4Explain2 marksThe Internet Swap Remove

Each data packet has a header that contains the destination IP address.

Explain one reason why a data packet contains the destination IP address.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Routers can forward the packet towards its destination (1) because they read the destination IP address in the packet header (1)
  • The packet is delivered to the correct device (1) because the receiving device compares the destination IP address with its own IP address (1)
  • Each packet can take a different route (1) because routers use the destination IP address to choose the next router (1)
  • The packet can be passed on by each router in turn (1) because the destination IP address shows which network the packet is for (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Statements such as 'so it reaches the right destination' or 'so routers know where to send it' earn the first mark only; do not award the second mark unless the reason says that the address is read from the packet header and used to forward the packet.

Do not accept 'so it knows where it came from' as this describes the source address, not the destination address.

Do not accept 'so it gets there faster' without a linked reason.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Routers know where to send it because they use the address in the packet header to choose the next network.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): routers read the destination IP address in the header to forward the packet.

Some marks1/2

So that it reaches the right destination because every packet has an address.

Why: First mark (1) for reaching the right destination, but the reason is circular and does not say the address is read and used to forward the packet.

No marks0/2

So the packet knows where it came from.

Why: Describes the source address, not the destination address; do not accept.

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

Build a paper on this topic 24
Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

Build a paper on this topic 77
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

Build a paper on this topic 124
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

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

Build a paper on this topic 36
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

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Activities Flashcards Revision notes

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.