Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• 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

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

• Decodes each (fetched) instruction (1) to work out which operation is needed / which components should carry it out (1)
• Coordinates/directs the other components (1) by sending control signals along the control bus (1)
• Fetches the next instruction (1) by sending its address to main memory along the address bus (1)
• Sends a read/write control signal to main memory (1) so that the instruction or data is transferred during the fetch/execute stage (1)

Do not accept answers about synchronising the CPU or timing the cycles (that is the role of the clock).

Do not accept answers about carrying out arithmetic or logical operations (that is the ALU).

Do not accept answers about holding data or the results of instructions (that is registers/main memory).

Do not accept generic answers that only say the CU controls the CPU or processes instructions, with no linked development.

Only award one mark for a response that only repeats that the CU sends control signals; the second mark needs a linked outcome such as coordination, a memory read/write, or fetching an instruction.

Do not accept 'during the decode stage' as the development for the decoding point, as it restates the question.

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

• It controls the motors/rotors (1) so that the drone can take off, hover, turn and land (1)
• It keeps the drone stable/level automatically (1) by taking readings from a sensor (accelerometer/gyroscope/GPS) (1)
• It receives signals from the remote control (1) and changes the speed of the motors to steer the drone (1)
• It monitors the battery level (1) and brings the drone back to the ground before the battery runs out (1)

The development must relate to the function given in the point.

Accept a named function that the embedded system controls, e.g. 'it keeps the drone level', as the first mark (1).

Award the second mark only when the development gives a specific outcome or detail of that function, e.g. 'so that the drone can take off, hover, turn and land' or 'by changing the motor speeds to keep it level'.

Do not award the second mark for a generic outcome such as 'so it works', 'so it can fly' or 'so the drone moves'.

A bare 'it controls the motors so it can fly' therefore earns the first mark only.

Allow any other specific function of a drone that is carried out by the embedded system.

Do not accept 'it flies the drone' / 'it is the drone's brain' / 'it makes the drone work' without a named function being controlled.

Do not accept answers that describe the user or the remote control flying the drone with no function carried out by the embedded system.

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

• The battery lasts longer/needs charging less often (1) because embedded systems have low power consumption/use less power (1)
• It can be made small/light enough to wear on the wrist (1) because the processor, memory and input/output are combined on a single chip/microcontroller (1)
• It can carry out the step-counting function reliably (1) because it runs a single/dedicated program and cannot install other software (1)
• It has a low cost per unit (1) because it uses fewer/less powerful components than a general purpose computer (1)

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

Award one mark for a valid point stated on its own, e.g. 'it is small/light enough to wear on the wrist' (1) or 'its battery lasts longer before it needs charging' (1).

Accept the same linked ideas in either order, e.g. 'it uses less power (1) so the battery lasts longer (1)'.

Do not accept 'it uses less power'/'low power' on its own as a complete explanation; it must be linked to the battery lasting longer/needing charging less often for the second mark.

Do not accept an expansion that simply restates the point, e.g. 'it is small (1) so it fits on the wrist' earns only the point mark; 'fits on the wrist' is not a linked cause and is not enough for the second mark.

Do not accept 'the battery is small' as the linked reason for low power consumption.

Do not accept responses that say other software/apps can be installed on an embedded system (0); embedded systems have a single/dedicated function and cannot install new software.