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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 · 3 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.

2Multiple choice1 markPacket Switching Swap Remove

Identify the purpose of the packet number in a data packet.

[1 mark]
  • ATo check the packet for errors
  • BTo identify the destination device
  • CTo reassemble the packets in the correct order
  • DTo select the fastest route for the packet
Mark scheme
  • C To reassemble the packets in the correct order (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is To reassemble the packets in the correct order.
  • A is not correct because error checking uses the error checking data in the packet, not the packet number
  • B is not correct because the destination IP address identifies the destination device, not the packet number
  • D is not correct because routers use the destination IP address to choose the route, not the packet number; routers may briefly buffer packets but do not use the packet number to store them
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C To reassemble the packets in the correct order

Why: Selected the purpose of the packet number, which allows the packets to be reassembled in the correct order (1).

No marks0/1

D To select the fastest route for the packet

Why: A near miss: routers choose routes using the destination IP address, so this does not describe the purpose of the packet number.

No marks0/1

B To identify the destination device

Why: Misconception: the destination IP address identifies the destination device, not the packet number.

3Short recall1 markTopologies Swap Remove

A bus topology uses terminators at each end of the main cable.

State the purpose of terminators in a bus topology.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • Absorb signals (at the ends of the bus cable) / prevent signals reflecting (back along the cable) (1)

Allow 'stop data/signals bouncing back' for prevent signals reflecting

Do not accept 'terminate the cable' / 'close the end of the cable' on its own

Do not accept boost/repeat/strengthen the signal

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

To absorb signals so that they do not reflect back along the bus cable.

Why: Absorbing signals and preventing reflection are alternatives within the one creditworthy point (1).

No marks0/1

To terminate the cable at each end.

Why: Near miss: this is rejected by the 'terminate the cable' guidance because it does not say signals are absorbed or prevented from reflecting.

No marks0/1

To make the signal stronger at the end of the cable.

Why: Misconception: terminators absorb signals; they do not boost, repeat or strengthen them.

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 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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