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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 · 6 marks

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1Describe2 marksFile Management Swap Remove

A user saves a new file into a folder that already contains files.

Describe how the operating system prevents a new file overwriting an existing file.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Checks/compares the new file (name)/filename against the names of files already in the folder/directory (1) to see if the name is already in use (1)
  • Refuses to save/allow the new file when the (file) name already exists (1) so the existing file is not replaced/overwritten (1)
  • Prompts/asks the user to choose/enter a different (file) name (1) so both files can be saved without one replacing the other (1)

A point without a linked development can earn one mark.

For both marks, the development must follow/associate with the point.

Do not accept responses about defragmentation.

Do not accept the operating system making a backup copy, or warning the user that a file may be overwritten, without saying that the (file) name is checked or the new file is not saved.

Do not accept responses about process management or saving files to RAM.

Do not award a second mark for repeating the question, e.g. 'it stops the new file overwriting the existing file'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It checks the new file name against the names of files already in the folder (1) to see whether the name is already in use (1).

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

Some marks1/2

It checks the file name against the names already in the folder.

Why: Creditworthy point (1) on its own; no linked development, so one mark.

No marks0/2

It defragments the disk so there is room for the new file.

Why: Defragmentation is not accepted by the mark scheme.

2Explain2 marksPacket Switching Swap Remove

A file is sent across the internet in packets.

Explain why packets from the same file may take different routes.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Each router chooses the best route at the time (1) so when a route becomes busy/congested or fails, later packets are forwarded along a different path (1)
  • Routers forward each packet separately (1) so the path a packet takes depends on the traffic conditions when that packet arrives (1)
  • A router may send a packet to a different next router (1) if its routing table shows a better/less congested route for that packet (1)
  • Traffic on the internet changes (1) so no single path is kept for the file and each packet can use whichever route is best when it is sent (1)

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

Allow reference to a routing table, or to how a router decides the route, as part of the linked reason.

Do not accept 'the packets have different IP addresses' because all packets from the same file have the same destination IP address, even though their routes can differ.

Do not accept 'the internet is busy' or 'there is a lot of traffic' on its own without linking this to the router choosing a different route.

Do not accept 'different routers send the packets' on its own without a reason why a different router/route is chosen.

Do not accept an answer that only says the packets take different routes without explaining why.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Each router chooses the best route at the time, so if one route becomes busy or fails, later packets are sent a different way.

Why: Linked point (1) that each router chooses the best route at the time and reason (1) that a busy or failed route means later packets take a different path.

Some marks1/2

Routers send packets along the least congested route.

Why: States that a router chooses the least congested route (1) but gives no linked reason why this makes the packets from the file take different routes.

No marks0/2

Because each packet is given a different IP address so they go to different places.

Why: Misconception named in the mark scheme: all packets from the same file share the same destination IP address, even though their routes can differ.

3Calculate2 marksAdding Binary Numbers Swap Remove

Computer systems manipulate bit patterns.

Complete the table to show the result of the 8-bit binary addition.

[2 marks]
1286432168421
10111000
00011111
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

  • 1101 (1)
  • 0111 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1101 0111

Why: 184 + 31 = 215, carrying where a column adds to 2: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1010 0111

Why: Writes 0 for 1 + 1 but forgets to carry the 1. The second nibble is correct (1); the first is not.

No marks0/2

1011 1111

Why: Writes 1 in every column with a 1 and never carries. Neither nibble is correct.

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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