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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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5 questions · 8 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 markStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Identify the component of the CPU that carries out arithmetic and logical operations.

[1 mark]
  • AArithmetic logic unit
  • BControl unit
  • CMain memory
  • DRegister
Mark scheme
  • A Arithmetic logic unit (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is arithmetic logic unit.
  • B is not correct because the control unit decodes instructions and controls the CPU
  • C is not correct because main memory is not part of the CPU and stores data and instructions
  • D is not correct because a register stores small amounts of data within the CPU
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Arithmetic logic unit

Why: Correct option: the arithmetic logic unit carries out arithmetic and logical operations (1).

No marks0/1

B Control unit

Why: Control unit is a CPU component but its role is to decode and control, not perform arithmetic or logical operations, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D Register

Why: Register stores data but does not carry out operations; a common misconception that any CPU component performs calculations, so no mark.

3Short recall2 marksPrimary Memory Swap Remove

A computer is designed using 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:

  • The program instructions and data are stored together in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The same memory is used for both instructions and data (1)
  • The instructions are fetched from main memory and executed by the CPU (1)
  • The instructions are fetched and executed one at a time / in sequence (1)
  • The program can be changed/replaced by loading new instructions into memory, without changing the hardware (1)

Do not accept the program is stored in secondary storage / on the hard disk.

Do not accept the program is stored in the CPU / in registers.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The program instructions and the data are stored together in main memory, and the CPU fetches the instructions one at a time and executes them.

Why: Creditworthy point that instructions and data are stored in the same main memory (1) and the linked point that the CPU fetches and executes them from memory (1).

Some marks1/2

The program is held in the main memory (RAM) so that the computer can run it.

Why: Earns the point that the program instructions are stored in main memory (1), but does not say that the CPU fetches and executes them, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

The program is stored on the hard disk and loaded into the CPU when it is run.

Why: Both parts are misconceptions named in the Do not accept lines: the stored program concept keeps the instructions in main memory, not on secondary storage or in the CPU.

4Describe2 marksSecondary Memory Swap Remove

Computers use secondary storage.

Describe the role of secondary storage.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Stores programs (including the operating system) and data that are not currently in use (1) so that they can be loaded into RAM/main memory when needed (1)
  • Keeps files/programs/data when the power is turned off (1) which happens because it is non-volatile (1)
  • Stores files/data for backup or archiving (1) so that they can be recovered if the originals are lost/corrupted (1)

A correct role on its own earns one mark; the second mark requires a linked development.

Accept either order if both the role and the link are given.

Do not accept 'it is non-volatile' on its own, unless it is linked to keeping data when the power is turned off.

Do not accept answers that only name a storage type (magnetic, optical, solid state) without describing a role.

Do not accept responses that describe primary storage/RAM, e.g. storing the data/instructions the CPU is currently working on, or that secondary storage makes the computer run faster.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Secondary storage stores programs and data that are not currently in use so that they can be loaded into RAM when they are needed.

Why: Role point (1) linked to loading into RAM when needed (1).

Some marks1/2

It stores files and programs that are not currently in use.

Why: Correct role on its own earns one mark (1); no linked development, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It holds the data and instructions the CPU is working on so the computer runs faster.

Why: Describes primary storage/RAM and a speed benefit, which the mark scheme does not accept; no role of secondary storage is given.

5Describe2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

Describe the purpose of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Carries out arithmetic operations/calculations, such as addition or subtraction (1) so that the result can be stored in a register (1)
  • Carries out logical operations, such as comparing two data items (1) to see which one is greater/larger (1)
  • Compares two data items (1) to decide whether a condition is true / which path a program takes next (1)

Allow the result of an arithmetic or logical operation being held/stored in a register, but only where the operation is named.

Do not accept answers that say the ALU stores data or results without naming an operation (registers/main memory store data).

Do not accept answers about controlling components, decoding instructions or timing (that is the control unit or the clock).

Do not award credit for 'it processes data' on its own; an arithmetic or a logical operation must be named.

An example on its own, e.g. 'it adds two numbers', does not earn a second mark; the second mark needs a linked development.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The ALU carries out arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction (1), and the result of the calculation is stored in a register (1).

Why: Linked point (1) for arithmetic operations with an example, and development (1) for the result being stored in a register.

Some marks1/2

It does all the calculations in the CPU, for example adding two numbers together.

Why: Point (1) for arithmetic operations/calculations named with an example; no linked development, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

It stores the results of calculations so that they can be used by the CPU later.

Why: Storing results with no arithmetic or logical operation named, 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 16 questions Intellectual Property 12 questions

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