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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 12 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.

2Explain2 marksThe Internet Swap Remove

Each data packet has a header that contains the destination IP address.

Explain one reason why a data packet contains the destination IP address.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Routers can forward the packet towards its destination (1) because they read the destination IP address in the packet header (1)
  • The packet is delivered to the correct device (1) because the receiving device compares the destination IP address with its own IP address (1)
  • Each packet can take a different route (1) because routers use the destination IP address to choose the next router (1)
  • The packet can be passed on by each router in turn (1) because the destination IP address shows which network the packet is for (1)

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

Statements such as 'so it reaches the right destination' or 'so routers know where to send it' earn the first mark only; do not award the second mark unless the reason says that the address is read from the packet header and used to forward the packet.

Do not accept 'so it knows where it came from' as this describes the source address, not the destination address.

Do not accept 'so it gets there faster' without a linked reason.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Routers know where to send it because they use the address in the packet header to choose the next network.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): routers read the destination IP address in the header to forward the packet.

Some marks1/2

So that it reaches the right destination because every packet has an address.

Why: First mark (1) for reaching the right destination, but the reason is circular and does not say the address is read and used to forward the packet.

No marks0/2

So the packet knows where it came from.

Why: Describes the source address, not the destination address; do not accept.

3Calculate3 marksAdding Binary Numbers Swap Remove

Binary patterns can represent numbers.

(a)

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

[2 marks]
1286432168421
11011011
11011100
Mark scheme

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

  • 1011 (1)
  • 0111 (1)

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

Ignore a carry shown beyond the eighth bit.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1011 0111

Why: 219 + 220 = 439, which needs 9 bits; the 8 bits that are kept are both correct (2).

Some marks1/2

0000 0111

Why: Forgets to carry the 1s. The second nibble is correct (1); the first is not.

No marks0/2

1101 1111

Why: Never carries. Neither nibble is correct.

(b)

State the name of the error that occurs when this addition is carried out.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • overflow (error) (1)
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Overflow

Why: The result needs more bits than are available (1).

No marks0/1

Underflow

Why: A near miss: the result is too big for 8 bits, not too small.

No marks0/1

A syntax error

Why: A syntax error is a mistake in a program's code, not in arithmetic.

4Discuss6 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A home computer is used to stream music, edit a video and download files at the same time.

Discuss how the operating system manages the processes running on the computer.

Your answer should include:

  • how the CPU is shared between processes
  • the states a process can be in
  • how the operating system responds when a process needs attention
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

How the CPU is shared between processes

  • The operating system uses multitasking to give each process a short time slice on the CPU, so the music, video editor and download appear to run at the same time.
  • The operating system decides which ready process will run next, so one program cannot keep the CPU to itself.
  • The operating system can stop a running process and move it back to ready when its time slice ends, so all processes make progress.

The states a process can be in

  • When a program is opened, the operating system creates a process and moves its instructions into RAM so it is ready.
  • The operating system moves a ready process to running when the CPU is free.
  • A running process becomes blocked when it is waiting for input or data, such as the download waiting for data to arrive.
  • When the process finishes, the operating system terminates it and releases the resources it was using.

How the operating system responds when a process needs attention

  • An interrupt is a signal to the CPU that needs immediate attention, so the operating system suspends the current process and runs the interrupt handler.
  • A hardware interrupt could be a printer out of paper, and a software interrupt could be an error in a program.
  • After the interrupt has been handled, the operating system can return the interrupted process to the CPU.

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 at least two of scheduling, process states and interrupts.
  • A response that only states that the OS 'manages processes' or gives a program a turn, without expansion, is limited to Level 1.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The OS uses multitasking to share the CPU. It gives each process, such as the music player and the video editor, a small time slice so they appear to run at the same time. It decides which ready process is next and how long it runs. When the video editor is opened, the OS creates a process and moves its instructions into RAM so it is ready; when the CPU is free it moves it to running. If the download is waiting for data, the OS marks it blocked so the CPU is not wasted. If the printer runs out of paper, a hardware interrupt tells the CPU to stop and run the interrupt handler; afterwards the OS returns to the process.

Why: Covers scheduling with time slices, process states (ready, running, blocked) and interrupts, with sustained application to the music, video editor and download. Level 3.

Some marks4/6

The operating system uses multitasking so the music and video editor can run at the same time. It gives each program a small amount of time on the CPU. When a program is opened it creates a process and puts it in RAM. If a process is waiting for input it is blocked.

Why: Covers CPU sharing and process states, with some application, but says nothing about interrupts. Level 2.

Some marks1/6

The operating system manages processes by giving each program a turn on the CPU. This stops the computer crashing when too many programs are open.

Why: Gives only a basic, undeveloped point about giving each program a turn, with no linkage or application. Level 1.

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

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

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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

Build a paper on this topic 36
E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

Build a paper on this topic 18
Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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