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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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3 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.

2Explain2 marksSecondary Memory Swap Remove

A Blu-ray disc and a CD are the same physical size.

Explain why a Blu-ray disc can store more data than a CD.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The pits and lands on a Blu-ray disc are smaller/closer together (1) because the blue laser has a shorter wavelength than the infrared laser used by a CD (1)
  • More pits and lands can be stored in the same length of track (1) because the blue laser has a shorter wavelength, so it can focus on a smaller area/read smaller details (1)
  • A blue laser can focus on a smaller area (1) so smaller pits and lands can be used, allowing more data to be stored on the disc (1)

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

Do not accept 'a Blu-ray is newer/better' or 'a Blu-ray has more space/bigger storage' without a linked reason about the laser/pits and lands.

Do not accept answers about read/write speed, for example 'a Blu-ray spins faster', because the question asks about the amount of data stored, not how quickly it is read.

Do not award 'a Blu-ray disc can have more layers' on its own as the reason; it must be linked to the smaller pits and lands/shorter wavelength of the laser.

Do not accept 'red laser' for a CD; a CD uses an infrared laser (red is used by DVD).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A Blu-ray is read with a blue laser which has a shorter wavelength so the pits and lands on the disc can be smaller and more of them fit on the disc.

Why: Linked point (1) shorter wavelength of the blue laser with reason (1) smaller pits and lands so more data fits on the same disc.

Some marks1/2

The pits and lands on a Blu-ray are smaller than the ones on a CD so it can store more data.

Why: Point (1) that the pits and lands are smaller, but the second part repeats the question and does not give the linked reason (shorter wavelength of the blue laser/infrared CD laser), so only one mark.

No marks0/2

A Blu-ray spins faster than a CD so more data can be read from it in the same time.

Why: Do not accept answers about read/write speed; the question asks about the amount of data stored, not how quickly it is read.

3Discuss6 marksFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

A small robotics company is designing a new robot. The robot's computer uses von Neumann architecture. The engineers are explaining how programs are stored and run.

Discuss how the von Neumann stored program concept and main memory (RAM) are used during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Your answer should include:

  • what is meant by the stored program concept
  • the role of RAM in the cycle
  • why the stored program concept is useful.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Stored program concept

  • Instructions and data are stored together in the same main memory (RAM).
  • Instructions are fetched one at a time from memory and executed in sequence.
  • The program can be changed by loading different instructions into RAM.
  • The CPU can only execute instructions that are in main memory.

Role of RAM

  • RAM holds the program instructions and the data being used.
  • The address of the next instruction is held in the program counter (PC).
  • The instruction is fetched from RAM using the address bus.
  • The data bus carries the instruction from RAM to the CPU.
  • RAM is volatile, so programs are lost when power is off.
  • RAM is directly accessible by the CPU, unlike secondary storage.

Benefits

  • The same hardware can run many different programs.
  • Programs can be loaded and changed quickly.
  • No need to rewire the computer for a new task.
  • Makes general-purpose computers possible.

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)
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The von Neumann stored program concept means that both the program instructions and the data are stored together in the same main memory, RAM. During the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the CPU fetches an instruction from RAM, decodes it in the control unit, and then executes it. The program counter holds the address of the next instruction, and this address is sent along the address bus to RAM. RAM then returns the instruction along the data bus to the CPU. RAM is volatile, so it only holds the program while the robot is powered on. The stored program concept is useful because the robot's computer can run different programs without changing any hardware; new instructions can simply be loaded into RAM. This makes the computer general-purpose and flexible.

Why: Comprehensive understanding: defines stored program concept, explains RAM role with PC, address bus and data bus, applies to robot, and gives benefits. Sustained lines of reasoning. Level 3.

Some marks3/6

The stored program concept is when instructions and data are stored in RAM. The CPU fetches instructions from RAM. The program counter keeps the address of the next instruction. RAM holds the program. The benefit is that you can change the program without rewiring the computer.

Why: Adequate understanding: correct basic points about stored program concept and RAM, with some linkage, but little development or application to the robot's fetch-decode-execute cycle. Level 2.

Some marks1/6

The von Neumann stored program concept is that the CPU uses RAM to store the program. The fetch-decode-execute cycle fetches, decodes and executes. RAM is random access memory. The benefit is that it is fast.

Why: Basic independent points only; no real linkage or application to the robot. Level 1.

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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