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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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2 questions · 3 marks

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1Short recall1 markCompression Swap Remove

A company backs up its files to an external hard drive.

Give one reason why the company compresses the files before backing them up.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • More files/data can be stored (in the same storage space) (1)
  • The files take up less storage space (1)
  • The backup is quicker/faster to complete (1)
  • Less data needs to be transferred to the backup device (1)

Do not accept 'makes the files more secure' or 'encrypts the files'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The compressed files take up less storage space, so more files can be backed up.

Why: The files take up less storage space (1).

No marks0/1

It reduces the amount of disk fragmentation.

Why: Near-miss: compression does not reduce disk fragmentation.

No marks0/1

It encrypts the files so they are safer if the drive is stolen.

Why: Misconception: compression does not encrypt files, and security is not accepted.

2Describe2 marksCompression Swap Remove

Data can be compressed using lossy or lossless compression.

Describe one difference between lossy compression and lossless compression.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

  • Lossy compression permanently removes/discards some of the data (1) whereas lossless compression keeps all of the original data so the file can be restored/rebuilt exactly (1)
  • Lossy compression cannot reproduce/recreate the original file exactly (1) whereas lossless compression can decompress the file back to its original form (1)
  • Lossy compression can make a file smaller than lossless compression (1) because more of the original data is removed/discarded (1)
  • Lossy compression is used for images/sound/video (1) whereas lossless compression is used where all the original data must be kept, such as program files (1)

Allow one mark for a correct statement about one type of compression only, e.g. 'lossy compression permanently removes some data', with no comparison or development.

Do not accept 'lossy compression loses quality' on its own unless it states that data/information is removed or lost permanently.

Do not accept 'lossy is better' or 'lossless is safer' with no described difference.

Do not award a smaller file size on its own; it must be linked to data being removed or to no data being lost.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Lossy compression permanently removes some of the data, whereas lossless compression keeps all of the original data so the file can be restored exactly.

Why: Linked difference: lossy permanently removes data (1) and lossless keeps all data so the file is restored exactly (1).

Some marks1/2

Lossy compression permanently removes some of the data.

Why: A correct statement about one type only (1), with no comparison to lossless or development, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

Lossless compression removes the data that is not needed so the file is smaller, but lossy compression keeps every bit of the data.

Why: The two types are the wrong way round; no creditworthy point, so no marks.

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

Build a paper on this topic 56
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 12 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Malware 8 questions

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