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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 8 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

Identify the CPU component that decodes instructions during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[1 mark]
  • AArithmetic logic unit
  • BControl unit
  • CMain memory
  • DRegister
Mark scheme
  • B Control unit (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is control unit.
  • A is not correct because the arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic and logical operations, not decoding
  • C is not correct because main memory stores instructions and data, not decoding
  • D is not correct because a register holds data or addresses temporarily, not decoding
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Control unit

Why: Correct option: the control unit decodes instructions (1).

No marks0/1

D Register

Why: Near-miss: a register holds data or addresses temporarily, it does not decode instructions (0).

No marks0/1

A Arithmetic logic unit

Why: Misconception: the arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic and logical operations; it does not decode (0).

2Multiple choice1 markCharacter Sets Swap Remove

ASCII is a character set used for representing text.

Identify the number of bits used to encode each character in ASCII.

[1 mark]
  • A6
  • B7
  • C8
  • D16
Mark scheme
  • B 7 (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is 7 bits.
  • A is not correct because 6 bits give only 64 different characters
  • C is not correct because 8 bits are used by extended ASCII to give 256 characters
  • D is not correct because 16 bits give 65 536 different characters, which is far more than the 128 in ASCII
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B 7

Why: B is the only correct answer: each ASCII character is encoded using 7 bits (1).

No marks0/1

C 8

Why: Near miss scoring 0: 8 bits is extended ASCII, and the scheme's C line says extended ASCII, not ASCII, is not the answer.

No marks0/1

A 6

Why: Misconception scoring 0: 6 bits give only 64 different characters, so it cannot be ASCII.

3Discuss6 marksPeripheral Management Swap Remove

A design studio buys 30 new graphics tablets for its artists. The tablets are a new model that the studio's computers have not used before. The studio's computers already have drivers installed for the older tablets the artists use. Each artist connects a tablet to a computer running the same operating system.

Discuss the role of device drivers when the new graphics tablets are connected to the studio's computers.

Your answer should include:

  • what a device driver is and how the operating system uses it
  • why each peripheral needs its own driver
  • what must be done before an artist can use a new tablet.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

What a device driver is and how the operating system uses it

  • A device driver is a program that controls a peripheral device such as a graphics tablet by communicating with the operating system.
  • The driver translates instructions from the operating system into signals that the graphics tablet understands, and passes the artist's pen movements back to the operating system.
  • The operating system loads the driver into memory when the tablet is connected, so that it can then send data to the tablet and receive input from it.
  • Without a driver the operating system cannot control the tablet, so the tablet does not work.

Why each peripheral needs its own driver

  • Every make and model of peripheral uses its own set of commands, so a driver is written for that particular device.
  • The drivers already installed for the studio's older tablets do not work with the new model, even though both are graphics tablets.
  • An operating system includes drivers for many common devices, but it does not have one for a brand new model.
  • The correct driver means the pen movements are received by the computer in the form the drawing program expects.

What must be done before an artist can use a new tablet

  • The new tablet is supplied with its driver on a disc or as a download, and it must be installed on each computer.
  • The operating system may need to be updated so that it recognises the new model.
  • The driver must be enabled or selected for the tablet once it is installed.
  • Drivers are updated later to fix faults or to improve performance.
  • If the correct driver is not installed, the tablet does not work or some of its features are not available.

Additional guidance

  • Level 3 responses must explain why a driver is specific to a device and what must be done before an artist can use a new tablet, as well as describing what a driver is, all applied to the studio.
  • Responses that only state what a driver is, or that state a driver must be installed without explaining why the tablet needs its own driver, are limited to Level 1.
  • Accept 'software', 'program' or 'set of instructions' for a driver.
  • Do not accept a device driver described only as a cable or a physical connection.
  • Do not accept the claim that all drivers are already built into the operating system, or that one driver works for every graphics tablet.

Levels

  • Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
  • Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

A device driver is software that lets the operating system communicate with a peripheral such as a graphics tablet. When an artist connects a tablet, the operating system loads the driver into memory so that it can send instructions to the tablet and receive the pen movements back. Each make and model of tablet has its own set of commands, so the drivers already installed for the studio's older tablets will not work with the new model, and the operating system will not have a driver built in for a brand new device. Because the tablets are a new model, the supplier provides a driver on a disc or as a download, and it must be installed on every computer before an artist can use a tablet. The studio may also need to update the operating system so that it recognises the new model, and install updated drivers later if faults are found. If the correct driver is not installed, the operating system cannot control the tablet, so the pen will not work.

Why: Level 3: defines a driver and explains the operating system's role in loading and using it (AO1), explains why the driver is specific to the make and model and applies this to the studio's older tablets (AO1/AO2), and gives the installation, operating system update, later driver updates and the consequence of a missing driver, all applied to the studio in a sustained line of reasoning.

Some marks2/6

A device driver is a program that controls the graphics tablet. The new tablets are a different model, so the computers may not have the right driver. The studio needs to install the driver that comes with the tablet before the artist can use it.

Why: Level 1 upper: a basic definition, a brief unexplained point that the new model may not have the right driver, and the point that the supplied driver must be installed. Nothing explains why a driver is specific to a device (different commands, make and model) or how the operating system uses the driver, so the points stay independent with little linkage and are limited to Level 1 by the guidance.

Some marks1/6

A device driver is a program that makes the tablet work. All drivers are already built into the operating system, so the studio does not need to install anything for the new tablets.

Why: 1 mark: a basic statement that a driver is a program that controls the device. The claim that all drivers are already built in is a misconception named in the do-not-accept guidance, so it gains no credit for what must happen before the new tablets can be used.

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 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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