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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 markPrimary Memory Swap Remove

RAM is the main memory of a computer.

Identify the effect on the contents of RAM when the computer is switched off.

[1 mark]
  • AThey are lost
  • BThey are stored permanently
  • CThey are saved to secondary storage
  • DThey are written to ROM
Mark scheme
  • A They are lost (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is They are lost
  • B is not correct because RAM is volatile and its contents are lost when the power is switched off, so they are not stored permanently
  • C is not correct because RAM is volatile and its contents are lost when the power is switched off, so they are not saved to secondary storage
  • D is not correct because ROM is read-only memory that holds the start-up instructions, so the contents of RAM are not written to it
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A They are lost

Why: Selected the correct option. RAM is volatile, so its contents are lost when the power is switched off (1).

No marks0/1

C They are saved to secondary storage

Why: Near miss: thinks RAM contents are automatically saved, but RAM is volatile and its contents are not saved to secondary storage (0).

No marks0/1

B They are stored permanently

Why: Misconception: thinks RAM is non-volatile and keeps data permanently, but RAM is volatile and loses its contents when the power is switched off (0).

2Multiple choice1 markStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Identify the function of the control unit in the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[1 mark]
  • ADecodes instructions
  • BPerforms arithmetic operations
  • CStores data and instructions
  • DTemporarily stores data being processed
Mark scheme
  • A Decodes instructions (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is Decodes instructions.
  • B is not correct because the arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic operations
  • C is not correct because main memory stores data and instructions
  • D is not correct because registers temporarily store data being processed
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Decodes instructions

Why: Correct option: the control unit decodes instructions during the fetch-decode-execute cycle (1).

No marks0/1

C Stores data and instructions

Why: Main memory stores data and instructions, not the control unit; this is a common distractor, so no mark.

No marks0/1

B Performs arithmetic operations

Why: Arithmetic operations are performed by the ALU, not the control unit; a common confusion between CPU components, so no mark.

3Explain2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Computers use the von Neumann stored program concept.

Explain one benefit of storing program instructions in main memory.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A new program can be loaded/changed without rewiring/reconfiguring the computer (1) because the instructions are held in main memory and can be replaced (by loading a different program) (1)
  • Different programs can be run on the same computer (1) because the program instructions are stored in RAM/main memory (1)
  • The CPU can fetch instructions automatically (1) so an operator is not needed to enter each instruction by hand (1)
  • Instructions can be stored and run in sequence (1) because the CPU reads the next instruction from main memory (1)

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

Allow a benefit stated as an example, e.g. a program can be run as soon as it is loaded (1), with a linked reason (1)

Do not accept a statement that only describes storing or loading, e.g. 'programs can be loaded into memory', without a benefit and a linked reason.

Do not accept 'it is faster' / RAM is quicker to access than secondary storage / RAM is closer to the CPU (1 for nothing): this describes the speed of RAM, not a benefit of storing program instructions in main memory.

Do not accept answers about secondary storage holding programs, e.g. 'the program is kept on the hard drive when the computer is turned off', as this is a property of secondary storage, not of the stored program concept.

Ignore references to the fetch-decode-execute cycle that are not linked to a benefit.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A new program can be loaded without changing the hardware because the instructions are held in main memory and can be replaced

Why: Linked benefit (1) and linked reason (1), matching the first mark scheme line.

Some marks1/2

Different programs can be run on the same computer.

Why: Valid benefit stated (1) but no linked reason is given, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It is faster because RAM is closer to the CPU.

Why: A speed answer about RAM, which the mark scheme's 'Do not accept' line rules out, so no creditworthy point and no linked reason.

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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