Menu
Exam Questions

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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

4 questions · 6 marks

Pick again
Print
1Multiple choice1 markFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

Identify the component that stores instructions and data during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[1 mark]
  • AArithmetic logic unit
  • BClock
  • CMain memory (RAM)
  • DProgram counter
Mark scheme
  • C Main memory (RAM) (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is main memory (RAM); accept 'main memory', 'RAM' or 'random access memory'.
  • A is not correct because the arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic and logical operations
  • B is not correct because the clock sends regular pulses to synchronise the components of the CPU
  • D is not correct because the program counter holds the address of the next instruction, not the instructions and data
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C Main memory (RAM)

Why: Correct option: main memory (RAM) stores instructions and data during the fetch-decode-execute cycle (1).

No marks0/1

D Program counter

Why: Near-miss distractor: the program counter holds the address of the next instruction, not the instructions and data (0).

No marks0/1

A Arithmetic logic unit

Why: Misconception: the ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations, so it does not store instructions and data (0).

2Multiple choice1 markEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

Identify the term for a computer that forms part of another device and performs a specific task.

[1 mark]
  • AEmbedded system
  • BGeneral purpose computer
  • CNetworked computer
  • DServer computer
Mark scheme
  • A Embedded system (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is embedded system.
  • B is not correct because a general purpose computer can run many different application programs
  • C is not correct because a networked computer is connected to other computers to share resources
  • D is not correct because a server computer provides services or resources to other computers on a network
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Embedded system

Why: Correct option: an embedded system forms part of another device and performs a specific task (1).

No marks0/1

B General purpose computer

Why: Near miss: a general purpose computer can run many different application programs; it is not built into another device to perform a specific task, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D Server computer

Why: Misconception: a server provides services or resources to other computers on a network and is not an embedded system, so no mark.

3Short recall2 marksSecondary Memory Swap Remove

A computer uses secondary storage to keep programs and data.

Give two examples of secondary storage devices that store data using magnetic media.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Hard disk drive/HDD (1)
  • External/portable hard disk drive (1)
  • Magnetic tape drive (1)
  • Magnetic tape (1)

Allow a named device or the storage media type, e.g. hard disk/hard disc for hard disk drive, tape for magnetic tape

Allow floppy disk/floppy disk drive

Do not accept solid state devices (SSD, USB flash drive/memory stick, SD card/memory card) or optical media (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) as these do not store data using magnetism

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Hard disk drive and magnetic tape

Why: Hard disk drive (1) and magnetic tape (1) are both magnetic secondary storage, so both marks are awarded.

Some marks1/2

Hard disk drive and SD card

Why: Hard disk drive is magnetic (1); an SD card is solid state, not magnetic, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

CD and DVD

Why: Both are optical media, which the mark scheme says not to accept, so no marks are awarded.

4Describe2 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

A greenhouse uses an embedded system to control the growing conditions for plants.

Describe how the embedded system controls the growing conditions in the greenhouse.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • It reads/monitors the temperature/humidity/light level using sensors (1) to switch the heaters/vents/lamps/watering system on or off when the reading is outside the set range (1)
  • It compares the readings from the sensors with the set values/thresholds stored in its memory (1) to decide whether the conditions need to be changed (1)
  • It monitors the light level using a light sensor (1) and turns the lamps on when the light falls below the level the plants need (1)
  • It monitors the soil moisture using a soil moisture sensor (1) and turns the water pump/irrigation on when the soil is too dry (1)

For the second mark, the action/response must be linked to the sensor reading given in the first point.

Allow named sensors (temperature/humidity/light/soil moisture) and named outputs (heater, fan, vent/window, lamp, irrigation/water pump).

Do not accept answers that only name a sensor or only name an output, e.g. 'it has a temperature sensor and a heater', as there is no link between the reading and the control action.

Do not accept answers where a person switches the equipment on or off, as the embedded system controls the conditions automatically.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The embedded system reads the temperature using a sensor and switches the heater on when the temperature is below the set value.

Why: Sensor reading point (1) and linked control action (1).

Some marks1/2

The embedded system compares the readings from the sensors with the set values stored in its memory.

Why: First point only (1) - the comparison with stored values - with no linked action.

No marks0/2

The greenhouse has a temperature sensor and a heater.

Why: Only names a sensor and an output, which the mark scheme says is not accepted.

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

Build a paper on this topic 24
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

4.2 Network security

Build a paper on this topic 36
Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

Build a paper on this topic 36
E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

Build a paper on this topic 71
Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Activities Flashcards Revision notes

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.