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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 693 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 · 4 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markProcess Management Swap Remove

Identify the term for the fixed, short period of CPU time that each process is given.

[1 mark]
  • AProcess
  • BRound robin
  • CScheduler
  • DTime slice
Mark scheme
  • D Time slice (1)
  • The only correct answer is D. The correct answer is time slice.
  • A is not correct because a process is a program that is being run
  • B is not correct because round robin is a scheduling method that takes turns, not the period of CPU time itself
  • C is not correct because a scheduler decides which process runs next
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

D Time slice

Why: Correct option: a time slice is the fixed, short period of CPU time given to each process (1).

No marks0/1

C Scheduler

Why: Near miss: the scheduler decides which process runs next, but it does not name the period of CPU time given to a process (0).

No marks0/1

A Process

Why: A process is a program that is being run, not the CPU time it is given (0).

2Short recall1 markProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

TCP is a protocol in the transport layer of the TCP/IP model.

State one role of TCP when data is transmitted over a network.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

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

  • Breaks messages/data into packets (1)
  • Reassembles packets (at the destination) (1)
  • Detects errors (1)
  • Resends lost/missing packets/requests retransmission of lost packets (1)
  • Creates/establishes a connection between two computers/hosts/sets up a connection before data is sent (1)

Do not accept routing packets or using IP addresses, which is the role of IP.

Do not accept encrypting data or providing security.

Do not accept vague answers such as 'transmits data' or 'sends data' without saying how TCP does this.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

It splits data into packets.

Why: States that TCP breaks data into packets.

No marks0/1

It routes packets between IP addresses.

Why: Near-miss: routing packets is the role of IP, not TCP.

No marks0/1

It encrypts data so it is secure.

Why: Encryption is not a role of TCP, so no creditworthy point.

3Explain2 marksThe Internet Swap Remove

Routers on the internet choose a route for each packet.

Explain one benefit of a router being able to choose a different route for a packet.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Data can avoid a busy/congested link (1) because the router can choose another path (1)
  • Data can still arrive if a link fails (1) because the router sends it another way (1)
  • Data can take the shortest/fastest path (1) because the router compares the routes and chooses the one with the fewest hops/least traffic (1)

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

Allow other valid benefits with a linked reason, e.g. traffic can be shared across routes/load balanced (1) because the router can send some packets by another path (1)

Do not accept 'the route is always the same' as this is not a benefit of choosing a route.

Do not accept 'routers are fast' or 'packets are sent faster' on its own: the reason must say how the route is chosen, e.g. avoiding congestion or using a routing table.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

If one route is busy, the data can still get there because the router can choose a different path.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): a different path avoids the busy route.

Some marks1/2

It can choose the fastest route because routers are quick.

Why: Point (1) for choosing the fastest route, but 'routers are quick' is a speed statement that does not say how the route is chosen, so it does not earn the second mark.

No marks0/2

It means more devices can connect to the internet.

Why: No link to choosing a route for a packet; does not answer the question.

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