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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 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

An embedded system is a computer system built into another device to perform a specific function.

Give two examples of devices that contain an embedded system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Microwave (oven) (1)
  • Washing machine (1)
  • Dishwasher (1)
  • Digital camera (1)
  • Satellite navigation/satnav system (1)
  • Traffic light(s) (1)
  • Central heating controller/thermostat (1)
  • Digital watch/fitness tracker (1)
  • Vending machine (1)
  • Car (as it contains embedded systems) (1)

Allow any other device that contains an embedded system.

Do not accept general purpose devices such as a laptop, desktop computer, tablet or smartphone (these can run many different programs).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A microwave oven and a washing machine.

Why: Two creditworthy devices, a microwave oven (1) and a washing machine (1).

Some marks1/2

A dishwasher and a laptop computer.

Why: Dishwasher credited (1); laptop is a general purpose device, so not accepted.

No marks0/2

A desktop computer and a smartphone.

Why: Both are general purpose devices, so neither earns a mark.

3Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

Email protocols are used when an email is sent and received.

Explain the role of SMTP when an email is sent.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Sends outgoing email from the client to the mail server (1) so it can be forwarded/relayed to the recipient's mail server (1)
  • Transfers email between mail servers (1) so it reaches the destination server (1)
  • Pushes/sends the email message (1) because it handles outgoing mail while POP3/IMAP handle incoming mail (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Do not accept receiving/downloading email or storing email on the server, which is POP3/IMAP.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

SMTP sends the email from the sender's computer to the mail server (1) so it can be forwarded on to the recipient's mail server (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): sends to the mail server so it can be forwarded.

Some marks1/2

SMTP is used to send emails (1).

Why: Role (1) identified, but no linked reason or expansion of what sending involves.

No marks0/2

SMTP downloads the email to the recipient's device (0) so they can read it.

Why: Downloading email is the role of POP3/IMAP, not SMTP, so no credit is given.

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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