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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 514 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 markSound Swap Remove

A sound wave is sampled and the amplitude of each sample is stored using 2 bits.

Identify the number of different amplitude values that can be stored for each sample.

[1 mark]
  • A2
  • B4
  • C8
  • D16
Mark scheme
  • B 4 (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is 4 (2 bits give 2^2 = 4 values).
  • A is not correct because 2 is the number of bits used to store each sample
  • C is not correct because 8 different amplitude values would need 3 bits
  • D is not correct because 16 different amplitude values would need 4 bits
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B 4

Why: Selects the only correct option (1).

No marks0/1

C 8

Why: Near miss: 8 values would need 3 bits, one more than this recording uses (0).

No marks0/1

A 2

Why: Typical misconception: 2 is the number of bits, not the number of amplitude values those bits can store (0).

2Short recall2 marksUnits & Conversion Swap Remove

A solid state drive has a capacity of 5 gibibytes.

Give an expression to calculate the number of bits in 5 gibibytes. You do not need to do the calculation.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each of:

  • 5 × 1024^3 / 5 × 1024 × 1024 × 1024 / 5 × 2^30, for the number of bytes (1)
  • A fully correct expression with × 8 to convert bytes to bits, in any order, e.g. 5 × 1024^3 × 8, 8 × 5 × 2^30 (1)

Accept 5 × 1 073 741 824 × 8.

Accept 5 × 2^33 or 42 949 672 960 as a fully correct expression (2 marks).

Do not accept 5 × 1000^3 × 8, which uses decimal multiples.

Do not accept ÷ 8, which converts bits to bytes.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

8 × 5 × 2^30

Why: 5 × 2^30 is the number of bytes (1) and × 8 converts bytes to bits (1).

Some marks1/2

5 × 2^30

Why: Correct number of bytes using the binary multiple 2^30 (1), but no conversion to bits.

No marks0/2

5 × 1000^3 × 8

Why: Uses decimal 1000^3 instead of binary 1024^3, so the expression is not fully correct; no creditworthy point.

3Describe2 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.

4Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

A bank's website can use HTTP or HTTPS.

Explain one benefit to a customer of the bank's website using HTTPS.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Data is encrypted/scrambled (1) so it cannot be read/understood if it is intercepted (1)
  • The customer's bank/personal details are kept secure/private (1) because the data is encrypted/scrambled during transmission (1)
  • The customer's login details/password cannot be read by an eavesdropper (1) because HTTPS encrypts/scrambles the data sent to and from the web server (1)

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

Allow 'scrambled' as an alternative to 'encrypted'.

Do not accept 'it is more secure/safe' or 'the data is secure' on its own, without saying how it is made secure (e.g. encryption/scrambling).

Do not accept faster loading/speed, or claims that HTTPS stops viruses or always proves the website is genuine.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The data is encrypted (1) so anyone intercepting it cannot read the customer's bank details (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): encryption means intercepted data cannot be read.

Some marks1/2

The data is encrypted (1) so the website is secure.

Why: Point (1) for encryption, but 'secure' on its own is a near-miss that the mark scheme does not credit as the linked reason; it must say why, e.g. that intercepted data cannot be read.

No marks0/2

HTTPS is faster than HTTP (0) so the customer can log in more quickly.

Why: Speed is not a benefit of HTTPS and is named in a 'Do not accept' line, so no creditworthy point is given.

5Calculate2 marksBinary Shifts Swap Remove

Computers manipulate binary patterns.

Complete the table with the result of applying the shift to the binary pattern.

[2 marks]
Binary patternShift8-bit binary result
1000 0001Logical shift right by 1
Mark scheme

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

  • 0100 (1)
  • 0000 (1)

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

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

0100 0000

Why: Every bit moves 1 place right, with 0s in from the left: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

0100 0001

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

No marks0/2

0000 0010

Why: Shifts the bits the wrong way. 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

Build a paper on this topic 56
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

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

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