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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 659 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 · 6 marks

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1Convert2 marksBinary to Hexadecimal Conversion Swap Remove

Binary, denary and hexadecimal patterns represent numbers.

Convert the binary pattern 1100 1010 to hexadecimal.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct digit in the correct position:

  • C (1)
  • A (1)

Answer: CA

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

CA

Why: Each nibble is one hexadecimal digit: 1100 = C, 1010 = A: both digits are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

C10

Why: One digit is correct (1), but the second is written as 10 in denary instead of A.

No marks0/2

AC

Why: The digits are the wrong way round, so neither is in the correct position.

2Describe2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A family shares one computer that has a single hard drive.

Describe how the operating system uses user management to limit the amount of storage space each user is allowed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A storage limit/quota is set for each user account (1) so the drive is shared fairly between users (1)
  • The operating system records how much space each user's files are using (1) and refuses to save more files when the limit is reached (1)
  • Each user is given a fixed share/quota of the drive (1) so one user cannot use the space set aside for another (1)

Allow a limit set by an administrator or through the operating system's user management settings; an administrator is not required for credit.

Allow a warning that stops the save; do not award the development for a warning alone where the save is not stopped.

Do not accept responses about passwords/authentication, keeping files separate/folders with no storage limit, deleting old files, compressing files, or buying a larger drive.

Do not accept 'the operating system gives the user a bigger hard drive'.

Do not accept a single global limit for all users; the limit must apply to each user/user account.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account. When a user reaches this limit, the operating system will not let them save any more files.

Why: Storage limit/quota set for each account (1); saving refused at the limit (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account.

Why: First point of a storage limit set for each user (1), but no development of what happens when it is reached (0).

No marks0/2

The operating system compresses the user's files so that there is more space on the drive.

Why: Describes compression, which does not limit a user's storage; no creditworthy point.

3Describe2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A programmer has written a program in assembly language.

Describe why it is necessary to translate the program into machine code before it can be run.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The processor/CPU can only execute machine code/binary instructions (1) so the assembly instructions must be converted into machine code before the program can run (1)
  • Each assembly instruction/mnemonic matches/corresponds to one machine code instruction (1) so each line must be replaced with the machine code the processor executes (1)
  • The program is written using mnemonics (1) that must be translated into machine code for the processor to carry out the instructions (1)
  • The hardware/processor does not understand assembly language directly (1) so it must be translated into machine code that the processor can execute (1)

Do not accept 'assembly language is a low-level language'.

Do not accept 'it is hard to understand' or 'it is not English'.

Do not accept benefits, such as 'machine code runs faster' or 'the program will run more quickly'.

Do not accept 'an assembler/a translator converts it' on its own, with no reference to the processor only being able to execute machine code/binary.

Do not accept responses about high-level languages or about compilers/interpreters.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The processor can only execute machine code, so the assembly instructions must be converted into machine code before the program can run.

Why: States what the processor can execute (1) and links it to converting the program's instructions into machine code (1).

Some marks1/2

Each assembly instruction matches one machine code instruction.

Why: Correct point about the one-to-one match (1) but no development saying that this is because the processor only executes machine code.

No marks0/2

Because an assembler translates assembly language into machine code.

Why: Names the translator but gives no reason tied to the processor only being able to execute machine code, so no mark; this is in the 'Do not accept' guidance.

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

Build a paper on this topic 56
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

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
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

Build a paper on this topic 36
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

Build a paper on this topic 65
Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 12 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Malware 8 questions

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