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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 · 7 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.

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 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.

4Convert2 marksDenary to Binary Conversion Swap Remove

Binary patterns can represent numbers.

Convert the denary number 199 to 8-bit binary.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • 1100 (1)
  • 0111 (1)

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

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1100 0111

Why: 199 = 128 + 64 + 4 + 2 + 1: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1100 1000

Why: Converts 200 instead (a slip in adding up the place values). The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

1110 0011

Why: The bits are written in reverse, smallest place value first. Neither nibble is correct.

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

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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 16 questions Intellectual Property 12 questions

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