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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 604 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 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).

2Short recall2 marksUnits & Conversion Swap Remove

Data storage is measured in binary multiples.

Define the term bit.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A binary digit (1)
  • Has the value 0 or 1 (1)
  • The smallest unit of data storage (1)
  • A single 0 or 1 (1)

Allow binary digit/binary place value for binary digit

Allow a single binary digit for a single 0 or 1

Do not accept a group of 8 bits/half a nibble of 4 bits, which describe a byte or a nibble

Do not accept a binary number/binary on its own

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A binary digit that can have the value 0 or 1.

Why: A binary digit (1) and has the value 0 or 1 (1).

Some marks1/2

It is the smallest unit of data storage.

Why: Smallest unit of data storage (1), but does not state that it is a binary digit or that it has the value 0 or 1.

No marks0/2

A group of 8 bits.

Why: Describes a byte, not a bit; no creditworthy point and named in the Do not accept line.

3Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A computer can lose power while a file is being saved.

Describe what file repair software does.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Attempts to repair/rebuild the corrupted file (1) so that it can be opened by its program again (1)
  • Recovers/retrieves the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose all of the data in the file (1)
  • Reconstructs the file from data held in other parts of the disk (1) because part of the file/the disk is corrupted (1)
  • Saves a new/repaired copy of the file (1) as some of the data in it may not be recoverable (1)

Do not accept 'it repairs the file' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about restoring a backup/previous version of the file, as this is backup software.

Do not accept responses about scanning for or removing malware.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It recovers the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose everything that was saved in it (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the effect (1).

Some marks1/2

It rebuilds the damaged file from other parts of the disk.

Why: A valid point is made (1) but there is no development of what this achieves, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It restores the last backup of the file so the user gets the data back.

Why: This describes backup software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

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

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

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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 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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