Identify the device that is a general purpose computer.
Mark scheme
- A Desktop computer (1)
- The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is Desktop computer.
- B is not correct because a microwave oven uses an embedded system, built into it, to control a dedicated function
- C is not correct because a washing machine uses an embedded system, built into it, to control a dedicated function
- D is not correct because a traffic light uses an embedded system, built into it, to control a dedicated function
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1
A Desktop computer
Why: Correct option: the question asks for the general purpose computer, and a desktop computer is general purpose; it does not use an embedded system to control a dedicated function (1).
No marks0/1
B Microwave oven
Why: Near miss: a microwave oven is the kind of device that uses an embedded system, built into it, to control a dedicated function, so it is not a general purpose computer; mark scheme says B is not correct.
No marks0/1
C Washing machine
Why: Misconception: because a washing machine contains a computer, it must be a general purpose computer; it actually uses an embedded system built into it for a dedicated function, so no mark.