Menu
Exam Questions

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.

Build a paper

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

Practice paper

3 questions · 9 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 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

An embedded system is a computer system built into another device to perform a specific function.

Give two examples of devices that contain an embedded system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Microwave (oven) (1)
  • Washing machine (1)
  • Dishwasher (1)
  • Digital camera (1)
  • Satellite navigation/satnav system (1)
  • Traffic light(s) (1)
  • Central heating controller/thermostat (1)
  • Digital watch/fitness tracker (1)
  • Vending machine (1)
  • Car (as it contains embedded systems) (1)

Allow any other device that contains an embedded system.

Do not accept general purpose devices such as a laptop, desktop computer, tablet or smartphone (these can run many different programs).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A microwave oven and a washing machine.

Why: Two creditworthy devices, a microwave oven (1) and a washing machine (1).

Some marks1/2

A dishwasher and a laptop computer.

Why: Dishwasher credited (1); laptop is a general purpose device, so not accepted.

No marks0/2

A desktop computer and a smartphone.

Why: Both are general purpose devices, so neither earns a mark.

3Discuss6 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

A school is buying new desktop computers for its computer science classroom. The teacher explains that each computer uses the von Neumann stored program concept: the program instructions and the data are stored together in main memory, and the CPU runs each instruction by carrying out the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Discuss the role of the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and registers in the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Your answer should include:

  • how an instruction is fetched from main memory and decoded
  • how the ALU executes an instruction
  • how registers are used during the cycle.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Fetching and decoding an instruction

  • The register that holds the address of the next instruction (the program counter) contains the address of the instruction to be fetched.
  • This address is sent to main memory (RAM) and the instruction is copied from main memory into a register inside the CPU.
  • The program counter is updated so that it holds the address of the next instruction in the program.
  • The control unit decodes the instruction that has been fetched, working out which operation is required and which data or registers are needed.
  • The control unit sends control signals to coordinate the other components as the instruction is carried out.
  • The control unit decides what happens next, for example after a comparison it decides whether the next instruction is the following one or a jump.

The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) executes an instruction

  • The control unit directs the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) to carry out the operation.
  • The ALU performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, for example adding two values in a program written by the class.
  • The ALU performs logical operations such as comparing two values to see if they are equal or whether one is greater than the other.
  • The result of the operation carried out by the ALU is passed back and stored in a register.
  • The ALU operates on data that has been fetched from main memory; it does not fetch the instruction and it does not decide which instruction is next.

Registers

  • Registers are small, very fast memory locations inside the CPU.
  • They hold the data, addresses and results that the CPU is working on during the cycle.
  • Registers are used in every stage of the cycle, not only when the ALU produces a result.
  • Because registers are inside the CPU they can be read and written much faster than main memory during the cycle.

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)
  • A Level 3 answer must link the roles of all three components to the fetch, decode and execute stages. An answer that links only one component to a stage, with the other points listed separately, is Level 1 (1–2 marks); an answer that links two of the components to stages is Level 2 (3–4 marks). A point repeated under more than one heading is credited once only.
  • Accept 'the program counter', 'the address register' or 'a register holding the address of the next instruction' as the register that holds the address of the next instruction. Do not accept 'the control unit performs the calculations', 'the ALU controls the timing of the CPU' / 'the ALU sends the clock signal' or 'registers are in main memory (RAM)'.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

In the fetch stage, a register called the program counter holds the address of the next instruction and this address is sent to main memory. The instruction is copied from main memory into a register in the CPU and the program counter is updated so that it points to the next instruction. The control unit then decodes the instruction in the decode stage, working out which operation is required and which data or registers are needed, and it sends control signals to coordinate the other components. In the execute stage the control unit directs the ALU to carry out the operation the class's program needs: the ALU does arithmetic, such as adding two values, or a logical comparison, such as checking whether one value is greater than another, and it does not decide what happens next, the control unit does. The result from the ALU is stored in a register, and because registers hold the data, addresses and results at every stage, the cycle can repeat with the next instruction.

Why: Level 3: the role of each component is linked to the stage it works in (program counter and registers in fetch, control unit decoding and deciding next, ALU executing and its result stored in a register) across all three stages, with the classroom context.

Some marks2/6

The control unit decodes the instruction in the decode stage. The ALU does maths and logic, such as addition and comparing numbers. Registers store data inside the CPU. In the fetch stage the instruction is fetched from the RAM and put into the CPU.

Why: Level 1: several correct basic points that the mark scheme credits (the instruction is fetched from main memory into the CPU, the control unit decodes the instruction, the ALU does arithmetic and logical operations, registers store data) but only the control unit is linked to a stage of the cycle, so the answer is top of Level 1.

Some marks1/6

The control unit decodes instructions. The ALU controls the timing of the CPU and sends the clock signal. Registers are in the RAM and they store the program.

Why: Level 1: one basic point, that the control unit decodes instructions (1). The other statements are on the do-not-accept list (the ALU does not control the timing of the CPU or send the clock signal, and registers are in the CPU, not main memory), so they earn no credit.

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 71
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

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.