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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.

2Short recall2 marksTopologies Swap Remove

Networks can use different topologies.

Define the term network topology.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The layout/arrangement/structure of a network (1)
  • How devices/nodes are connected together (1)

Allow 'the physical or logical layout/arrangement of a network' for the first point.

Allow 'the way parts of a system/network are connected' for the second point.

Do not award the first mark for 'how devices are connected' on its own.

Do not accept a named topology (e.g. star, bus, mesh) on its own.

Do not accept a network device or how data is transmitted on its own.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The layout of a network and how the devices in it are connected together.

Why: Layout/arrangement of a network (1) and how devices/nodes are connected together (1).

Some marks1/2

The way devices are connected in a network.

Why: How devices/nodes are connected together (1), but no reference to the layout/arrangement/structure of the network.

No marks0/2

A star network.

Why: Near miss: names a topology but does not define the term.

3Convert2 marksDenary to Binary Conversion Swap Remove

Computers manipulate binary patterns.

Convert the denary number 184 to 8-bit binary.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • 1011 (1)
  • 1000 (1)

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

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1011 1000

Why: 184 = 128 + 32 + 16 + 8: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1011 1001

Why: Converts 185 instead (a slip in adding up the place values). The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

0001 1101

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 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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