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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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3 questions · 4 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.

2Short recall2 marksTopologies Swap Remove

Mesh is a type of network topology.

State two characteristics of a mesh topology.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Each node/device has multiple direct connections to other nodes/devices (in a full mesh, every node is connected directly to every other node) (1)
  • There is no central device/switch (1)
  • Nodes act as routers/relay data for other nodes / data can take multiple/different routes to its destination / data can still be sent if a connection/node fails (1)
  • More connections/cables are needed as the number of nodes increases (1)
  • The network can be expanded without disrupting existing devices (1)

Allow answers that refer to full or partial mesh.

Allow 'more connections/cables are needed' and 'can be expanded' as characteristics (they may be described as advantages or disadvantages).

Do not accept 'more secure' or 'no collisions' without qualification.

Do not accept 'fast' or 'reliable' without qualification.

Do not accept all devices connect to one main cable (this describes a bus topology).

Do not accept it uses a central switch/hub or data is sent through a central hub (this describes a star topology).

Do not accept 'expensive' without qualification (e.g. because more cables/connections are needed).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Each device is connected to several other devices, and data can be sent along more than one route.

Why: Multiple direct connections (1) and data can take multiple routes (1).

Some marks1/2

There is no central switch.

Why: No central device credited (1), but only one characteristic given.

No marks0/2

Data is sent through a central hub.

Why: Misconception: this describes a star topology, not a mesh topology.

3Short recall1 markImages Swap Remove

A bitmap image uses one bit per pixel.

State the limitation this places on the number of colours in the image.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • Only two different colours can be represented/stored (1)
  • Each pixel can only be one of two values (1)
  • The image can only be shown in black and white (1)

Allow answers that give the number of colours, e.g. two colours, 2 colours

Allow any pair of two colours, e.g. black and white, black and grey

Do not accept low resolution/poor quality/lower quality

Do not accept only one colour/can only show black

Do not accept 2 bits/2^1 without a statement about the number of colours that can be represented

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Only two colours can be represented, such as black and white.

Why: States that only two different colours can be represented (1)

No marks0/1

The image will have a low resolution.

Why: Confuses colour depth with resolution; low resolution is not accepted

No marks0/1

The image can only show black.

Why: One colour is all a single value can give; the limitation is that only two colours can be represented, so this is not accepted

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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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