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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 · 10 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 recall1 markSecondary Memory Swap Remove

Data is stored on optical discs as pits and lands.

Name the component in an optical disc drive that reads this data.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • Laser (1)

Allow laser beam

Do not accept read/write head

Do not accept pits

Do not accept lands

Do not accept reflective surface

Do not accept magnet/magnetic

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Laser

Why: Laser is the creditworthy answer (1).

No marks0/1

A read/write head

Why: Read/write head is not accepted by the mark scheme; it reads magnetic media, not optical discs, so no marks are awarded.

No marks0/1

Pits and lands

Why: Pits and lands are what the laser reads, not the component that reads the data, so the mark scheme does not accept them.

3Short recall2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Computers use the von Neumann stored program concept.

Define the term stored program concept.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Program instructions are stored in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The data used by the program is stored in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The CPU fetches/reads instructions from main memory to execute them (1)
  • The program can be run without the instructions being input again (1)

Allow 'the program is stored in memory' for one mark.

Do not accept answers about programs being stored on secondary storage, such as a hard disk or USB memory stick.

Do not accept answers that only describe the von Neumann architecture (e.g. having a CPU and memory) without stating that instructions are stored in main memory.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Both the program instructions and the data the program uses are held in the same main memory, and the CPU fetches these instructions from memory to execute them.

Why: Instructions stored in main memory (1) and the CPU fetches instructions from memory to execute them (1).

Some marks1/2

Program instructions are stored in main memory.

Why: Instructions stored in main memory (1). No second point about data being stored in the same memory or about the CPU fetching instructions.

No marks0/2

The program is saved on the hard disk so that it can be loaded into RAM when the user runs it.

Why: A near-miss about secondary storage, which the mark scheme says not to accept; the stored program concept is about instructions being held in main memory.

4Discuss6 marksSecondary Memory Swap Remove

A school is buying new computers. Each computer needs storage for the operating system, applications and students' work. The computers have RAM and will be used in classrooms.

Discuss the role of secondary storage in these computers.

Your answer should include:

  • why secondary storage is needed
  • the difference between primary and secondary storage
  • a suitable type of secondary storage for the school's computers and a reason why it is suitable.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Why secondary storage is needed

  • Secondary storage is non-volatile, so it keeps the operating system, applications and students' work when the power is turned off.
  • It stores programs and files that are not currently in use, so they are not lost when the computer is switched off.
  • It provides a larger capacity than primary storage for files such as students' work, videos and photographs.
  • It allows each computer to keep many students' files and the software the school has installed.

The difference between primary and secondary storage

  • Primary storage (RAM) is volatile and directly accessible by the CPU; secondary storage is non-volatile and not directly accessible by the CPU.
  • RAM holds the data and instructions currently in use; secondary storage holds data and programs long term.
  • Primary storage is faster but smaller and more expensive per gigabyte; secondary storage is slower but larger and cheaper.
  • The school's computers need both: RAM to run the operating system and applications, and secondary storage to keep them when the computer is switched off.

A suitable type of secondary storage for the school's computers and a reason why it is suitable

  • A solid state drive (SSD) is suitable because it has no moving parts, so it is durable and quiet, and has fast read/write speeds, which helps the computers start up quickly.
  • A magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) is suitable because it is cheap and offers a very large capacity, which is useful for storing many students' files.
  • Either type could be used; a small SSD for the operating system and applications plus a large HDD for files would balance speed and cost.

Levels

  • Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
  • Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Additional guidance

  • Award credit for a type of secondary storage only when a reason is given that is linked to the school's computers; a named type alone (e.g. 'SSD') is not creditworthy. Do not accept RAM as secondary storage or the claim that secondary storage is the same as RAM. Do not accept CD/DVD/Blu-ray as the main storage for the school's computers because their capacity is too low and write speeds are slow.
  • For Level 3, the answer must cover all three bullets and apply at least one point to the school's computers. A 6-mark answer is well developed with sustained reasoning and a justified choice; a 5-mark answer covers all three but with limited development or application. Comparisons of speed and cost between primary and secondary storage are creditworthy as part of the difference.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The school needs secondary storage because it is non-volatile, so the operating system, applications and students' work stay on the computer when the power is turned off. RAM is volatile and only holds data currently in use, while secondary storage keeps files long term. Secondary storage is also larger and cheaper per gigabyte than RAM, so it can hold many students' files. An SSD would be suitable because it has no moving parts, so it is durable in a classroom, and it has fast read/write speeds, so the computers start up quickly. A magnetic HDD would give a larger capacity for the same cost, which is useful for storing videos.

Why: Covers all three bullets: why secondary storage is needed (non-volatile, stores OS/apps/work, larger capacity), the difference from RAM (volatile, directly accessible, faster, smaller), and suitable types (SSD durable and fast; HDD cheap and high capacity) applied to the school's computers. Sustained and well structured. Level 3.

Some marks3/6

Secondary storage is needed to store data when the power is off. It is non-volatile, unlike RAM which is volatile. RAM is directly accessed by the CPU and is faster, but secondary storage is bigger. The school could use a hard disk because it has a lot of space.

Why: All three bullets covered with basic points: non-volatile storage when power off (1), difference volatile vs non-volatile (1), HDD with reason of capacity (1). Limited development and application to the school, so low Level 2, 3 marks.

Some marks1/6

Secondary storage is non-volatile so it keeps data when the power is off. It is the same as RAM, which is why it is fast. The school should use a CD because it is cheap and portable.

Why: One creditworthy basic point: non-volatile keeps data (1). Misconception that secondary storage is the same as RAM, and CD is not accepted as suitable main storage, so Level 1.

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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