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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 631 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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4 questions · 6 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markCompression Swap Remove

Identify the statement that describes lossless compression.

[1 mark]
  • AData is encrypted so that it cannot be read by others
  • BData is permanently removed to make the file smaller
  • CNo data is lost and the original file can be recreated
  • DThe file is split into packets that are sent separately
Mark scheme
  • C No data is lost and the original file can be recreated (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is no data is lost and the original file can be recreated.
  • A is not correct because encryption hides data and does not make the file smaller
  • B is not correct because permanently removing data is lossy compression
  • D is not correct because splitting a file into packets is part of transmission, not compression
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C No data is lost and the original file can be recreated

Why: Correct option (1).

No marks0/1

B Data is permanently removed to make the file smaller

Why: Near miss: this is lossy compression, not lossless, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D The file is split into packets that are sent separately

Why: Misconception that compression is packet switching; no mark.

2Multiple 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.

3Short recall2 marksCompression Swap Remove

Images and sound can be stored using lossy compression.

Define the term lossy compression.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Reduces the size of a file (1)
  • Permanently removes/loses some data (1)
  • The original file cannot be recreated/restored exactly (1)

Allow 'some data is deleted/discarded and cannot be recovered' for the second mark.

Do not award the first mark where the response also states that no data is lost.

Do not accept 'removes repeated data' (this describes lossless compression).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Lossy compression reduces the size of a file by permanently removing some data, so the original cannot be restored exactly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1); permanently removes some data (1); maximum two marks awarded.

Some marks1/2

It makes a file smaller.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1); no reference to data being permanently lost.

No marks0/2

It makes a file smaller without losing any of the data.

Why: States that no data is lost, which describes lossless compression; the first mark is not awarded.

4Short recall2 marksUnits & Conversion Swap Remove

A solid state drive has a capacity of 5 gibibytes.

Give an expression to calculate the number of bits in 5 gibibytes. You do not need to do the calculation.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each of:

  • 5 × 1024^3 / 5 × 1024 × 1024 × 1024 / 5 × 2^30, for the number of bytes (1)
  • A fully correct expression with × 8 to convert bytes to bits, in any order, e.g. 5 × 1024^3 × 8, 8 × 5 × 2^30 (1)

Accept 5 × 1 073 741 824 × 8.

Accept 5 × 2^33 or 42 949 672 960 as a fully correct expression (2 marks).

Do not accept 5 × 1000^3 × 8, which uses decimal multiples.

Do not accept ÷ 8, which converts bits to bytes.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

8 × 5 × 2^30

Why: 5 × 2^30 is the number of bytes (1) and × 8 converts bytes to bits (1).

Some marks1/2

5 × 2^30

Why: Correct number of bytes using the binary multiple 2^30 (1), but no conversion to bits.

No marks0/2

5 × 1000^3 × 8

Why: Uses decimal 1000^3 instead of binary 1024^3, so the expression is not fully correct; no creditworthy point.

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