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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 693 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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2 questions · 3 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markCompression Swap Remove

Identify one reason for using data compression.

[1 mark]
  • ATo increase the number of packets sent
  • BTo reduce the time taken to transmit a file
  • CTo improve the quality of the file
  • DTo make the file harder to open
Mark scheme
  • B To reduce the time taken to transmit a file (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is to reduce the time taken to transmit a file.
  • A is not correct because compression reduces file size, which can reduce the number of packets sent
  • C is not correct because lossy compression can reduce the quality of a file
  • D is not correct because encryption, not compression, can make a file harder to open
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B To reduce the time taken to transmit a file

Why: Correct option (1).

No marks0/1

A To increase the number of packets sent

Why: Near miss: compression reduces the number of packets sent, so no mark.

No marks0/1

C To improve the quality of the file

Why: Misconception that compression improves quality; no mark.

2Describe2 marksFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

The control unit is one component of the CPU.

Describe the role of the control unit in the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Decodes instructions (1) to determine what action/operation is required (1)
  • Sends control signals (1) along the control bus to coordinate/control the actions of other components (1)
  • Controls the fetch stage (1) by causing the next instruction to be fetched from main memory/RAM (1)
  • Controls the execute stage (1) by telling the ALU/other components when to carry out the required operation (1)

Do not accept responses relating to how the control unit affects performance, such as increasing clock speed.

Do not accept responses that describe the role of the ALU, registers or clock instead of the control unit.

Do not accept responses about the ALU performing calculations unless the control unit controlling the ALU is also stated.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The control unit decodes instructions to determine what action is required.

Why: Linked point (1) and development (1): decodes instructions and determines the required action.

Some marks1/2

The control unit controls the fetch stage of the cycle.

Why: Point only (1): controls the fetch stage, but no linked development.

No marks0/2

The control unit carries out arithmetic and logical operations on data.

Why: No creditworthy point: describes the role of the ALU, which the mark scheme rejects.

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

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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

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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 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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