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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 6 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 marksCompression Swap Remove

Files can be compressed before they are stored.

Define the term lossless compression.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Reduces/makes the size of a file smaller (1)
  • No data is lost/removed (during compression) (1)
  • The original file/data can be recreated/restored exactly (1)

Allow 'the compressed file takes up less storage space' for the first mark.

The second and third bullets are two ways of making the same point: award a maximum of one mark for them, so a response that says no data is lost and that the original file can be restored, but does not say the file is smaller, scores one mark.

Do not accept descriptions of lossy compression, e.g. 'it removes data that is not needed to make the file smaller'.

Ignore reference to download/transmission times, bandwidth and streaming, as these are benefits of compression and not part of the definition.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Lossless compression reduces the size of a file without permanently removing any data, so the original file can be restored exactly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1) and no data is lost, so the original can be restored exactly (1); maximum of two marks reached.

Some marks1/2

It makes a file smaller so it downloads more quickly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1); the faster download is ignored as a benefit, not part of the definition.

No marks0/2

It removes data that is not needed to make the file smaller.

Why: Describes lossy compression, which the do-not-accept line rules out, so the mention of making the file smaller is not credited.

3Short 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.

4Explain2 marksCompression Swap Remove

A solicitor sends large documents to clients by email.

Explain one reason why the solicitor compresses the documents before sending them.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The file size is reduced (1) so the documents take less time to transmit/send (1)
  • The compressed files are smaller (1) so they are more likely to be within the email attachment size limit (1)
  • Less data is sent (1) so less bandwidth/data allowance is used (1)
  • Fewer packets are needed (1) so the documents are received more quickly (1)

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

Do not accept 'it saves storage space' on its own without linking to sending the documents.

Do not accept 'it makes the file smaller' as both the point and the reason.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The documents take up less space so they are quicker to send by email.

Why: File size reduced (1) and linked reason that transmission is quicker (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes the documents smaller.

Why: File size reduced (1) but no linked reason about sending or transmission.

No marks0/2

It reduces the amount of storage space the documents use on the client's computer.

Why: Storage space alone is not a reason for compressing before sending, so no linked explanation point is credited.

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 12 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Malware 8 questions

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