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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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5 questions · 11 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

Identify the device that is a general purpose computer.

[1 mark]
  • ADesktop computer
  • BMicrowave oven
  • CWashing machine
  • DTraffic light
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.

2Multiple 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).

3Short recall1 markSecondary Memory Swap Remove

Data is stored on optical discs as pits and lands.

Name the component in an optical disc drive that reads this data.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • Laser (1)

Allow laser beam

Do not accept read/write head

Do not accept pits

Do not accept lands

Do not accept reflective surface

Do not accept magnet/magnetic

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Laser

Why: Laser is the creditworthy answer (1).

No marks0/1

A read/write head

Why: Read/write head is not accepted by the mark scheme; it reads magnetic media, not optical discs, so no marks are awarded.

No marks0/1

Pits and lands

Why: Pits and lands are what the laser reads, not the component that reads the data, so the mark scheme does not accept them.

4Describe2 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.

5Discuss6 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A software company is writing a new program that will be sold to users who have different types of computer. The program does not need to control the hardware of the computer directly. The company must decide whether to write the program in a high-level language or a low-level language.

Discuss whether the company should use a high-level language or a low-level language to write this program.

Your answer should consider:

  • machine independence
  • processor specificity
  • how the code is translated for each type of computer.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Machine independence

  • A high-level language is machine independent, so the same source code can be run on different types of computer with few or no changes.
  • The company can write the program once and sell it to users with different computers, without rewriting the code for each type of computer.
  • Only one version of the program needs to be written and maintained, so development takes the company less time.

Processor specificity

  • A low-level language is processor-specific, so a program written for one processor will not run on a different processor without being rewritten.
  • Assembly language instructions depend on the instruction set of the particular processor, so the company would need a separate version of the program for each type of computer.
  • Writing a separate low-level version for every type of computer would take the company much longer than writing one high-level program.
  • Low-level code gives direct control of the hardware of one processor, so it is better suited to device drivers than to a program that must run on many different computers.

Translation

  • High-level source code is translated for each type of computer by a compiler or an interpreter, so one version of the source code is enough for all the users.
  • Assembly language is translated into machine code by an assembler, and the assembler produces machine code for one specific processor only.
  • Machine code is already in a form that one particular processor can execute directly, but the same machine code will not run on a different processor.
  • Each high-level statement translates into several machine code instructions, so the programmer does not need to know the instruction set of the processor.

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)

Additional guidance

  • Level 3 responses must cover both high-level machine independence and low-level processor specificity, with the effect on the company's decision.
  • Do not award low-level language, assembly language or machine code as portable, or 'high-level languages are written in English/like English' as a reason for machine independence.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

A high-level language is machine independent, so the company can write the program once and it will run on different types of computer with few or no changes. A different compiler is used for each type of processor to translate that same source code into the machine code for that computer, so the company can sell one program to all of its users. A low-level language is processor-specific, so a program written in assembly for one processor will not run on a different one. The assembler produces machine code for one particular instruction set, so the company would need to write a separate version for each type of computer, which would take much longer. As the program does not need to control the hardware directly, the company should use a high-level language.

Why: Develops high-level machine independence with the compiler translating for each processor, and low-level processor specificity with the assembler producing machine code for one instruction set, both applied to the company's decision, in a coherent and sustained argument: Level 3, 6 marks.

Some marks3/6

A high-level language is machine independent, so the company can write the program once. A different compiler is used for each type of computer to translate the code, so users with different computers can all run the same program. A low-level language is processor-specific, so it would not be as suitable for the company.

Why: Machine independence is linked to the compiler and applied to the users, but processor specificity is only asserted and no translation of low-level code is given, so the reasoning is not sustained: Level 2, 3 marks.

Some marks1/6

High-level languages are machine independent because they are written in English, so the company can sell the program to anyone. Low-level languages are machine code, so they can be translated to run on any type of computer.

Why: One basic point that high-level languages are machine independent, applied by selling to anyone (1). 'Written in English' is not a reason for machine independence and low-level code is not portable, so neither is credited: Level 1, 1 mark.

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

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