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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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4 questions · 6 marks

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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 device that is a general purpose computer.

[1 mark]
  • ADesktop computer
  • BMicrowave oven
  • CWashing machine
  • DTraffic light
Mark scheme
  • A Desktop computer (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is Desktop computer.
  • B is not correct because a microwave oven uses an embedded system, built into it, to control a dedicated function
  • C is not correct because a washing machine uses an embedded system, built into it, to control a dedicated function
  • D is not correct because a traffic light uses an embedded system, built into it, to control a dedicated function
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Desktop computer

Why: Correct option: the question asks for the general purpose computer, and a desktop computer is general purpose; it does not use an embedded system to control a dedicated function (1).

No marks0/1

B Microwave oven

Why: Near miss: a microwave oven is the kind of device that uses an embedded system, built into it, to control a dedicated function, so it is not a general purpose computer; mark scheme says B is not correct.

No marks0/1

C Washing machine

Why: Misconception: because a washing machine contains a computer, it must be a general purpose computer; it actually uses an embedded system built into it for a dedicated function, so no mark.

3Describe2 marksSecondary Memory Swap Remove

A computer uses a magnetic hard disk.

Describe how data is stored on a magnetic hard disk.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A read/write head moves over the surface of the disk (1) to read/write data by detecting or changing the magnetic alignment of areas of the surface (1)
  • The head magnetises areas of the disk surface in different directions (1) so each area represents a binary 1 or 0 (1)
  • Data is stored on concentric circles called tracks (1) which are divided into sectors (1)

Allow one mark for tracks/concentric circles on their own.

For the second mark in the first two bullets, the response must refer to the magnetic alignment/charge being detected or changed, not just that the head reads/writes data.

Do not award a mark for 'it is magnetic' or 'it stores data in binary' with no description of how the data is stored.

Do not accept descriptions of optical storage (e.g. a laser, pits and lands) or solid state storage (e.g. electric charges in chips).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The read/write head moves over the magnetic surface and magnetises areas of the disk to store the 1s and 0s.

Why: Head moves over the surface (1) and magnetises areas to represent 1s and 0s (1).

Some marks1/2

The data is stored on tracks on the disk.

Why: Tracks/concentric circles (1), but no development such as tracks divided into sectors.

No marks0/2

It is magnetic and saves the data in 1s and 0s.

Why: Near-miss: 'magnetic' alone and 'data in binary/1s and 0s' with no description of how data is stored, which the mark scheme does not award.

4Describe2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

The control unit (CU) is a component inside the CPU.

Describe the role of the control unit in the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Decodes each (fetched) instruction (1) to work out which operation is needed / which components should carry it out (1)
  • Coordinates/directs the other components (1) by sending control signals along the control bus (1)
  • Fetches the next instruction (1) by sending its address to main memory along the address bus (1)
  • Sends a read/write control signal to main memory (1) so that the instruction or data is transferred during the fetch/execute stage (1)

Do not accept answers about synchronising the CPU or timing the cycles (that is the role of the clock).

Do not accept answers about carrying out arithmetic or logical operations (that is the ALU).

Do not accept answers about holding data or the results of instructions (that is registers/main memory).

Do not accept generic answers that only say the CU controls the CPU or processes instructions, with no linked development.

Only award one mark for a response that only repeats that the CU sends control signals; the second mark needs a linked outcome such as coordination, a memory read/write, or fetching an instruction.

Do not accept 'during the decode stage' as the development for the decoding point, as it restates the question.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It decodes the instruction that has been fetched so that it knows which operation the CPU must carry out and which components should do it.

Why: Decoding named with the acceptable wording 'each (fetched) instruction' (1), plus the linked development that this identifies the operation and components (1).

Some marks1/2

It decodes each instruction during the decode stage of the cycle.

Why: Earns (1) for decoding the instruction. 'During the decode stage' restates the question and is not accepted as a development, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

It carries out the calculations and comparisons when the instruction is executed.

Why: Calculations and comparisons are the ALU's role, which the 'Do not accept' line rules out, so no mark is earned.

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

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

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