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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 · 5 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markCompression Swap Remove

A student downloads a compressed music file and then decompresses it.

Identify what is meant by decompression.

[1 mark]
  • AData is encrypted so that it cannot be read
  • BData is permanently removed to reduce the file size
  • CData is restored to its original format
  • DData is stored using fewer bits
Mark scheme
  • C Data is restored to its original format (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is data is restored to its original format.
  • A is not correct because encryption changes data so that it cannot be read without a key; it does not restore the data
  • B is not correct because permanently removing data to reduce the file size is lossy compression, not decompression
  • D is not correct because storing data using fewer bits is compression, not decompression
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C Data is restored to its original format

Why: Correct option (1).

No marks0/1

D Data is stored using fewer bits

Why: Near miss: this describes compression, not decompression.

No marks0/1

B Data is permanently removed to reduce the file size

Why: Misconception: this describes lossy compression, not decompression.

2Convert2 marksBinary to Hexadecimal Conversion Swap Remove

Computer systems manipulate bit patterns.

Convert the binary pattern 1000 1010 to hexadecimal.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct digit in the correct position:

  • 8 (1)
  • A (1)

Answer: 8A

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

8A

Why: Each nibble is one hexadecimal digit: 1000 = 8, 1010 = A: both digits are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

810

Why: One digit is correct (1), but a digit over 9 is written in denary instead of as a letter.

No marks0/2

A8

Why: The digits are the wrong way round, so neither is in the correct position.

3Convert2 marksDenary to Binary Conversion Swap Remove

Computer systems manipulate bit patterns.

Convert the denary number 140 to 8-bit binary.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • 1000 (1)
  • 1100 (1)

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

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1000 1100

Why: 140 = 128 + 8 + 4: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1000 1101

Why: Converts 141 instead (a slip in adding up the place values). The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

0011 0001

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

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