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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.

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3 questions · 5 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markSound Swap Remove

Identify the term used for the number of bits used to record each sample of a sound.

[1 mark]
  • AAmplitude
  • BBit depth
  • CSample interval
  • DSample rate
Mark scheme
  • B Bit depth (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is bit depth.
  • A is not correct because amplitude is the height of the sound wave at the point it is sampled
  • C is not correct because the sample interval is the time between each sample
  • D is not correct because the sample rate is the number of samples taken each second
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Bit depth

Why: Selects the only correct option (1).

No marks0/1

D Sample rate

Why: Near miss: this is the number of samples taken each second, not the number of bits per sample (0).

No marks0/1

A Amplitude

Why: Typical confusion: amplitude is what is measured at a sample, not the number of bits used to store it (0).

2Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

Two computers exchange data over a network.

Explain why network protocols are needed for the two computers to communicate.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Devices (can) understand/interpret the data they receive (1) because they follow the same set of rules for communication (1)
  • Data is sent in an agreed format/structure (1) so the receiving device can interpret/understand it correctly (1)
  • Devices (can) connect/communicate successfully (1) because they agree how the data is transmitted, such as the type of signal used (1)
  • Errors (can) be detected/handled (1) because both devices follow the same rules for checking the data (1)

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

Do not accept 'so devices can talk/communicate with each other' or 'so they can understand each other' without saying they follow the same rules/agreed format.

Do not accept an answer that only states protocols are a set of rules, without saying what this allows (e.g. the data can be understood/interpreted).

Do not accept a faster connection/speed as a reason why protocols are needed.

Do not accept naming a protocol (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, Wi-Fi) without an explanation of why it is needed.

Do not accept a description of what a protocol does (e.g. 'TCP splits data into packets') without saying why this is needed.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Devices can understand the data they receive (1) because they follow the same set of rules for communication (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): following the same rules is what lets the devices understand the data.

Some marks1/2

Data is sent in an agreed format (1).

Why: Point (1) identified, but no linked reason saying what the agreed format achieves.

No marks0/2

Protocols are needed so the connection is faster (0) because more data can be sent at once.

Why: Speed is not a reason protocols are needed, so there is no creditworthy point or linked reason.

3Calculate2 marksAdding Binary Numbers Swap Remove

Binary patterns can represent numbers.

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

[2 marks]
1286432168421
10010110
01011100
Mark scheme

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

  • 1111 (1)
  • 0010 (1)

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

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1111 0010

Why: 150 + 92 = 242, carrying where a column adds to 2: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1111 0011

Why: A slip in the last bit. The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

1101 1110

Why: Writes 1 in every column with a 1 and never carries. Neither nibble is correct.

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 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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