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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 markUnits & Conversion Swap Remove

Units of data storage can be binary or decimal.

Identify the unit of storage that is equivalent to 1024 gibibytes.

[1 mark]
  • AGibibyte
  • BMebibyte
  • CTebibyte
  • DTerabyte
Mark scheme
  • C Tebibyte (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is tebibyte.
  • A is not correct because a gibibyte is 1024 mebibytes
  • B is not correct because a mebibyte is 1024 kibibytes
  • D is not correct because a terabyte is 1000 gigabytes
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C Tebibyte

Why: Correct: 1024 gibibytes make one tebibyte (1).

No marks0/1

A Gibibyte

Why: Near miss: a gibibyte is 1024 mebibytes, not 1024 gibibytes (0).

No marks0/1

D Terabyte

Why: Typical misconception: uses the decimal terabyte (1000 gigabytes) instead of the binary tebibyte (0).

2Short recall2 marksCharacter Sets Swap Remove

A computer uses a character set to represent text.

Define the term character set.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A set/collection of characters (1)
  • (Characters such as) letters, digits and symbols/punctuation (1)
  • Each character is represented by a unique code/binary value (1)
  • A standard set of characters so that text can be exchanged between computer systems (1)

Allow 'a list of characters that a computer can represent' for the first mark.

Do not accept a program/software that converts text into binary.

Do not accept 'a set of binary codes' on its own.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A set of characters, such as letters, digits and punctuation, where each character is represented by a unique binary code.

Why: Set/collection of characters with examples (1) and each character has a unique code (1).

Some marks1/2

A set of letters and symbols that a computer can use to represent text.

Why: Awarded for the set/collection of characters (1); no creditworthy point saying each character has its own unique code (0).

No marks0/2

A program that converts the keys pressed on a keyboard into binary.

Why: Describes software that converts text, not a set of characters; the Do not accept line applies.

3Describe2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A family shares one computer that has a single hard drive.

Describe how the operating system uses user management to limit the amount of storage space each user is allowed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A storage limit/quota is set for each user account (1) so the drive is shared fairly between users (1)
  • The operating system records how much space each user's files are using (1) and refuses to save more files when the limit is reached (1)
  • Each user is given a fixed share/quota of the drive (1) so one user cannot use the space set aside for another (1)

Allow a limit set by an administrator or through the operating system's user management settings; an administrator is not required for credit.

Allow a warning that stops the save; do not award the development for a warning alone where the save is not stopped.

Do not accept responses about passwords/authentication, keeping files separate/folders with no storage limit, deleting old files, compressing files, or buying a larger drive.

Do not accept 'the operating system gives the user a bigger hard drive'.

Do not accept a single global limit for all users; the limit must apply to each user/user account.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account. When a user reaches this limit, the operating system will not let them save any more files.

Why: Storage limit/quota set for each account (1); saving refused at the limit (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account.

Why: First point of a storage limit set for each user (1), but no development of what happens when it is reached (0).

No marks0/2

The operating system compresses the user's files so that there is more space on the drive.

Why: Describes compression, which does not limit a user's storage; no creditworthy point.

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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