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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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4 questions · 7 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).

2Describe2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

A high-level program must be translated into machine code before it can be run.

Describe how a compiler and an interpreter differ in when the translated code is executed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The interpreter executes each line as soon as it has been translated (1) so translation and execution happen together/at the same time (1)
  • The compiler translates the whole program first (1) and the machine code is run later/separately (1)
  • The interpreter translates the code and runs it while the program is running (1) whereas the compiler does not run the code it produces (1)
  • The compiler produces translated code that is executed only after all the translation has finished (1) but the interpreter executes each line immediately (1)

Allow 'translates one line at a time' where it is linked to executing each line immediately.

Do not accept answers that only state that a compiler is faster/an interpreter is slower, without reference to when execution happens.

Do not accept answers that only give object code, error reporting or portability, without reference to when execution happens.

Do not accept the compiler executing the program as it translates it.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The compiler translates the code first and the program is executed afterwards, but the interpreter executes each line as soon as it has been translated.

Why: Compiler translates the whole program first and it is executed afterwards (1) and interpreter executes each line as soon as it is translated (1).

Some marks1/2

The interpreter executes each line immediately after translating it.

Why: Correct interpreter timing (1); no comparison with when the compiler's translated code is executed.

No marks0/2

The compiler executes the program line by line as it translates it.

Why: Reverses the two translators; a compiler does not execute the program it translates, so no mark.

3Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

Email protocols are used when an email is sent and received.

Explain the role of SMTP when an email is sent.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Sends outgoing email from the client to the mail server (1) so it can be forwarded/relayed to the recipient's mail server (1)
  • Transfers email between mail servers (1) so it reaches the destination server (1)
  • Pushes/sends the email message (1) because it handles outgoing mail while POP3/IMAP handle incoming mail (1)

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

Do not accept receiving/downloading email or storing email on the server, which is POP3/IMAP.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

SMTP sends the email from the sender's computer to the mail server (1) so it can be forwarded on to the recipient's mail server (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): sends to the mail server so it can be forwarded.

Some marks1/2

SMTP is used to send emails (1).

Why: Role (1) identified, but no linked reason or expansion of what sending involves.

No marks0/2

SMTP downloads the email to the recipient's device (0) so they can read it.

Why: Downloading email is the role of POP3/IMAP, not SMTP, so no credit is given.

4Calculate2 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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