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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 514 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).

2Short recall1 markUnits & Conversion Swap Remove

A file has a size of 2 kibibytes.

State the number of bytes in the file.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • 2048 (1)
  • 2 × 1024 (1)
  • 2^11 (1)

Allow 2048 bytes.

Do not accept 2000, which is the number of bytes in two decimal kilobytes.

Do not accept 1024, which is the number of bytes in one kibibyte.

Do not accept 16, which is the number of bits in two bytes.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

2048

Why: 2048 is 2 × 1024, the number of bytes in 2 kibibytes (1).

No marks0/1

2000

Why: 2000 uses the decimal kilobyte, not the binary kibibyte; the mark scheme does not accept it.

No marks0/1

16

Why: 16 is the number of bits in two bytes, confusing bits with bytes; the mark scheme does not accept it.

3Explain2 marksCompression Swap Remove

Files can be compressed using lossy or lossless compression.

Explain one difference between lossy compression and lossless compression.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Lossy compression permanently removes some data (1) whereas lossless compression does not remove any data (1)
  • With lossy compression the original file cannot be recreated exactly (1) but with lossless compression it can (1)
  • Lossy compression can produce a smaller file/a higher compression ratio (1) whereas lossless compression keeps all of the data so compresses less (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Allow 'removes data' for 'permanently removes data'.

A correct statement about only one type of compression, with no contrast, earns one mark.

Do not accept a reversed statement such as 'lossless compression loses data and lossy compression does not'.

Do not accept 'lossy makes the file smaller' on its own, because lossless compression also reduces the file size; the answer must say that data is removed.

Do not accept 'lossy is worse quality' on its own without saying data is removed.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Lossy compression removes some data permanently, but lossless compression keeps all of the data.

Why: Lossy removes data permanently (1) and contrasts with lossless keeping all data (1).

Some marks1/2

Lossy compression removes some of the data.

Why: A correct statement about one type of compression with no contrast earns one mark (1); no contrasting statement about lossless compression is given.

No marks0/2

Lossless compression removes data so the file is smaller, but lossy compression keeps all the data.

Why: Reversed statement: lossless keeps all the data and lossy removes it, so no mark is awarded.

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

Build a paper on this topic 77
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

Build a paper on this topic 124
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

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
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

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