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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 · 4 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markUnits & Conversion Swap Remove

A computer stores data in binary.

Identify the number of bits in one kibibyte.

[1 mark]
  • A1024
  • B8000
  • C8192
  • D8 388 608
Mark scheme
  • C 8192 (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is 8192.
  • A is not correct because 1024 is the number of bytes in a kibibyte
  • B is not correct because 8000 is the number of bits in 1000 bytes
  • D is not correct because 8 388 608 is the number of bits in a mebibyte
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C 8192

Why: Correct: one kibibyte is 1024 bytes and 1024 × 8 = 8192 bits (1).

No marks0/1

A 1024

Why: Near miss: 1024 is the number of bytes in a kibibyte, not the number of bits (0).

No marks0/1

B 8000

Why: Typical misconception: uses 1000 bytes for a kibibyte, giving 1000 × 8 = 8000 bits (0).

2Multiple choice1 markCompression Swap Remove

Identify the statement that describes lossless compression.

[1 mark]
  • AData is encrypted so that it cannot be read by others
  • BData is permanently removed to make the file smaller
  • CNo data is lost and the original file can be recreated
  • DThe file is split into packets that are sent separately
Mark scheme
  • C No data is lost and the original file can be recreated (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is no data is lost and the original file can be recreated.
  • A is not correct because encryption hides data and does not make the file smaller
  • B is not correct because permanently removing data is lossy compression
  • D is not correct because splitting a file into packets is part of transmission, not compression
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C No data is lost and the original file can be recreated

Why: Correct option (1).

No marks0/1

B Data is permanently removed to make the file smaller

Why: Near miss: this is lossy compression, not lossless, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D The file is split into packets that are sent separately

Why: Misconception that compression is packet switching; no mark.

3Describe2 marksCompression Swap Remove

A school compresses its text documents before backing them up.

Describe how lossless compression reduces the size of a text file.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Repeated words/patterns are found (1) and stored once in a dictionary with a code (1)
  • Each repeated word/pattern is replaced by a shorter code (1) so fewer bits are needed to store the text (1)
  • No data is removed (1) so the original text can be recreated exactly (1)
  • The compressed file is smaller (1) but all the original characters can still be restored (1)

Do not accept answers that say data is permanently removed or quality is reduced.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It finds repeated words in the document and stores them once in a dictionary with a code.

Why: Linked point: repeated words found (1) and development: stored once in a dictionary (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes the file smaller without losing any of the data.

Why: States that no data is lost (1); no linked method or exact restoration is given (1).

No marks0/2

It removes repeated characters permanently so the file takes up less space.

Why: Describes permanent removal, which is lossy, not lossless; no credit.

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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