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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 573 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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5 questions · 9 marks

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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 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.

3Short recall2 marksUnits & Conversion Swap Remove

Data storage is measured in binary multiples.

Define the term bit.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A binary digit (1)
  • Has the value 0 or 1 (1)
  • The smallest unit of data storage (1)
  • A single 0 or 1 (1)

Allow binary digit/binary place value for binary digit

Allow a single binary digit for a single 0 or 1

Do not accept a group of 8 bits/half a nibble of 4 bits, which describe a byte or a nibble

Do not accept a binary number/binary on its own

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A binary digit that can have the value 0 or 1.

Why: A binary digit (1) and has the value 0 or 1 (1).

Some marks1/2

It is the smallest unit of data storage.

Why: Smallest unit of data storage (1), but does not state that it is a binary digit or that it has the value 0 or 1.

No marks0/2

A group of 8 bits.

Why: Describes a byte, not a bit; no creditworthy point and named in the Do not accept line.

4Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A student has a large number of photographs stored on a computer.

Describe the purpose of data compression software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a file/files smaller (1) so less storage space is needed on the disk (1)
  • Reduces the size of the data (1) so it takes less time to upload/download/transfer the file (1)
  • Compresses files/folders into a single file (1) so an attachment is under the size limit for email (1)
  • Reduces the size of the files (1) so more of them fit onto a storage device/backup media (1)

Do not accept 'it compresses the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about protecting files from malware/viruses or about deleting files.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes the files smaller (1) so that they use less storage space on the computer and more of them fit on the disk (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the benefit (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes files smaller.

Why: This is the point (1) but there is no development of what the smaller size leads to, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

It protects the files from viruses so that they cannot be damaged.

Why: This describes anti-malware software, which the mark scheme does not accept; no creditworthy point is made.

5Calculate3 marksAdding Binary Numbers Swap Remove

Binary patterns can represent numbers.

(a)

Complete the table to show the 8-bit result of the binary addition.

[2 marks]
1286432168421
11011011
11011100
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

  • 1011 (1)
  • 0111 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Ignore a carry shown beyond the eighth bit.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1011 0111

Why: 219 + 220 = 439, which needs 9 bits; the 8 bits that are kept are both correct (2).

Some marks1/2

0000 0111

Why: Forgets to carry the 1s. The second nibble is correct (1); the first is not.

No marks0/2

1101 1111

Why: Never carries. Neither nibble is correct.

(b)

State the name of the error that occurs when this addition is carried out.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • overflow (error) (1)
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Overflow

Why: The result needs more bits than are available (1).

No marks0/1

Underflow

Why: A near miss: the result is too big for 8 bits, not too small.

No marks0/1

A syntax error

Why: A syntax error is a mistake in a program's code, not in arithmetic.

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 23
E-waste 15 questions Manufacturing Technology 8 questions

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