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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 6 marks

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1Describe2 marksFile Management Swap Remove

Describe the purpose of file management in an operating system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Keeps a record/index of where each file is stored on the disk (1) so the file can be found and opened later (1)
  • Allocates space on the disk for each file (1) so files are stored without overwriting each other (1)
  • Provides facilities to name file(s) and organise them into folder(s)/directories (1) so the user can find and manage their files (1)

Do not accept responses about process management, peripheral management or user management.

Do not accept bare statements of storing/saving, e.g. 'it stores files', 'it saves files' or 'it keeps files safe', with no development.

Do not award a mark for responses that repeat the question, e.g. 'it manages files', with no development.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It keeps a record of where each file is stored on the disk (1) so the file can be found and opened later (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and purpose (1).

Some marks1/2

It organises files into folders.

Why: Creditworthy point (1) but no development of how this helps the user.

No marks0/2

It manages processes and peripherals so the computer runs smoothly.

Why: Describes other operating system functions, not file management; no creditworthy point.

2Describe2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

High-level code can be translated by a compiler or by an interpreter.

Describe how a compiler translates high-level code differently from an interpreter.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The compiler translates the whole program/complete source code in one go (1) whereas the interpreter translates one line/statement at a time (1)
  • The compiler translates all of the source code before any of it is run/executed (1) but the interpreter translates each line/statement as it reads it (1)
  • The interpreter translates one line/statement at a time (1) and the compiler translates the whole program/source code together (1)

Accept the compiler point and the interpreter point in either order.

Do not accept responses about object code/executable files, when the translated code is executed, how errors are reported, or speed/memory use.

Do not accept 'the interpreter executes/runs each line' on its own, without saying that it translates one line/statement at a time.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A compiler translates the whole program in one go, while an interpreter translates one line at a time.

Why: Whole program translated in one go (1) and interpreter translates one line at a time (1).

Some marks1/2

A compiler translates the whole program in one go.

Why: Whole program translated in one go (1); no linked point about the interpreter translating a line at a time.

No marks0/2

A compiler produces an executable file, but an interpreter does not.

Why: Describes the output, not the amount translated at a time; object code/executable files are not accepted.

3Explain2 marksTopologies Swap Remove

A small office uses a star topology with a central switch.

Explain one benefit of using a star topology in the office.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • If one cable/device fails, the other devices on the network are not affected (1) because each device has its own separate connection to the central switch (1)
  • Faults are easier to find (1) because each device has its own cable, so the faulty cable can be checked on its own (1)
  • Data is sent only to the intended device (1) because the central switch forwards the data only to the device it is addressed to (1)
  • Data transfer is fast (1) because each device has its own cable, so devices do not share the cable with each other (1)
  • New devices can be added easily (1) because a device only needs one cable to a spare port on the central switch (1)

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

A benefit stated on its own can earn one mark; the second mark is only for a linked reason.

Accept 'switch' for the central device.

Do not accept 'server' or 'hub' for the central device.

Do not accept 'hub', as a hub sends data to all devices, not only to the intended device.

Do not award a mark for responses that say only that the network is better/more reliable/easier without naming a benefit.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

If one of the cables breaks, the other devices can still communicate because each device has its own separate cable connected to the central switch.

Why: Linked benefit (1) and reason (1): a single cable failure does not affect the other devices because each device has a separate connection to the switch.

Some marks1/2

If one cable breaks, the other devices are not affected.

Why: A benefit is stated on its own (1), but there is no linked reason about each device having its own connection to the central switch, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It is better than a bus topology because every device connects to the central server.

Why: No credit: 'better' does not name a benefit, so no first mark, and 'server' is not accepted as the central device, so there is no linked reason either.

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 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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