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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 markPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

An operating system manages the programs that are running on a computer.

Identify the operating system function that decides which program will next run on the CPU.

[1 mark]
  • AFile management
  • BMemory management
  • CPeripheral management
  • DProcess management
Mark scheme
  • D Process management (1)
  • The only correct answer is D. The correct answer is process management.
  • A is not correct because file management organises files and folders on storage
  • B is not correct because memory management keeps track of where programs and data are held in RAM
  • C is not correct because peripheral management sends data to and from devices such as printers
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

D Process management

Why: Correct option: process management gives each program a turn on the CPU (1).

No marks0/1

B Memory management

Why: Near miss: memory management tracks where programs and data are in RAM, but it does not choose which program runs next (0).

No marks0/1

A File management

Why: Misconception: file management is about naming, saving and moving files, not about running programs (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.

3Describe2 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

A greenhouse uses an embedded system to control the growing conditions for plants.

Describe how the embedded system controls the growing conditions in the greenhouse.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • It reads/monitors the temperature/humidity/light level using sensors (1) to switch the heaters/vents/lamps/watering system on or off when the reading is outside the set range (1)
  • It compares the readings from the sensors with the set values/thresholds stored in its memory (1) to decide whether the conditions need to be changed (1)
  • It monitors the light level using a light sensor (1) and turns the lamps on when the light falls below the level the plants need (1)
  • It monitors the soil moisture using a soil moisture sensor (1) and turns the water pump/irrigation on when the soil is too dry (1)

For the second mark, the action/response must be linked to the sensor reading given in the first point.

Allow named sensors (temperature/humidity/light/soil moisture) and named outputs (heater, fan, vent/window, lamp, irrigation/water pump).

Do not accept answers that only name a sensor or only name an output, e.g. 'it has a temperature sensor and a heater', as there is no link between the reading and the control action.

Do not accept answers where a person switches the equipment on or off, as the embedded system controls the conditions automatically.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The embedded system reads the temperature using a sensor and switches the heater on when the temperature is below the set value.

Why: Sensor reading point (1) and linked control action (1).

Some marks1/2

The embedded system compares the readings from the sensors with the set values stored in its memory.

Why: First point only (1) - the comparison with stored values - with no linked action.

No marks0/2

The greenhouse has a temperature sensor and a heater.

Why: Only names a sensor and an output, which the mark scheme says is not accepted.

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 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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