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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 9 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markPrimary Memory Swap Remove

A computer is running an application. The application's data and instructions are transferred from secondary storage into RAM before the CPU processes them.

Identify the reason for this transfer.

[1 mark]
  • ARAM is non-volatile
  • BRAM is faster to access than secondary storage
  • CRAM has a larger capacity than secondary storage
  • DRAM is cheaper than secondary storage
Mark scheme
  • B RAM is faster to access than secondary storage (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is RAM is faster to access than secondary storage.
  • A is not correct because RAM is volatile
  • C is not correct because RAM has a smaller capacity than secondary storage
  • D is not correct because RAM is more expensive than secondary storage
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B RAM is faster to access than secondary storage

Why: Selects the correct option: RAM is faster to access than secondary storage, so data and instructions can reach the CPU quickly (1).

No marks0/1

A RAM is non-volatile

Why: Near miss: RAM is volatile; this does not explain the transfer into RAM.

No marks0/1

C RAM has a larger capacity than secondary storage

Why: Misconception: assumes primary memory has a larger capacity, but RAM has a smaller capacity than secondary storage.

2Explain2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

The control unit is a component of the CPU.

Explain one role of the control unit in the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • It decodes instructions (1) so the CPU knows what operation/instruction to perform (1)
  • It sends control signals (1) to coordinate/control the flow of data/instructions between components (1)
  • It manages/directs the fetch-decode-execute cycle (1) by controlling the sequence/timing of the stages (1)
  • It directs the other components of the CPU (1) so that each instruction is fetched/decoded/executed in the correct order (1)

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

Allow an explanation that the control unit directs data/instructions along the address/data/control buses (1) so the fetch-decode-execute cycle can take place (1)

Do not accept a generic 'it controls the CPU/components' point without linked expansion as to what is controlled/directed.

Do not accept 'it fetches instructions from memory' on its own; credit only if linked to the address/data/control buses or control signals.

Do not accept 'it stores/holds the instruction/data' as this is the role of a register.

Do not accept answers about the ALU performing calculations.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It decodes instructions so the CPU knows which operation to carry out

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

Some marks1/2

It decodes instructions.

Why: Creditworthy point (1) but no linked reason (0).

No marks0/2

It stores the instructions that are being executed.

Why: Misconception: storing/holding the instruction is the role of a register, not the control unit.

3Discuss6 marksFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

A small robotics company is designing a new robot. The robot's computer uses von Neumann architecture. The engineers are explaining how programs are stored and run.

Discuss how the von Neumann stored program concept and main memory (RAM) are used during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Your answer should include:

  • what is meant by the stored program concept
  • the role of RAM in the cycle
  • why the stored program concept is useful.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Stored program concept

  • Instructions and data are stored together in the same main memory (RAM).
  • Instructions are fetched one at a time from memory and executed in sequence.
  • The program can be changed by loading different instructions into RAM.
  • The CPU can only execute instructions that are in main memory.

Role of RAM

  • RAM holds the program instructions and the data being used.
  • The address of the next instruction is held in the program counter (PC).
  • The instruction is fetched from RAM using the address bus.
  • The data bus carries the instruction from RAM to the CPU.
  • RAM is volatile, so programs are lost when power is off.
  • RAM is directly accessible by the CPU, unlike secondary storage.

Benefits

  • The same hardware can run many different programs.
  • Programs can be loaded and changed quickly.
  • No need to rewire the computer for a new task.
  • Makes general-purpose computers possible.

Levels

  • Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
  • Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The von Neumann stored program concept means that both the program instructions and the data are stored together in the same main memory, RAM. During the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the CPU fetches an instruction from RAM, decodes it in the control unit, and then executes it. The program counter holds the address of the next instruction, and this address is sent along the address bus to RAM. RAM then returns the instruction along the data bus to the CPU. RAM is volatile, so it only holds the program while the robot is powered on. The stored program concept is useful because the robot's computer can run different programs without changing any hardware; new instructions can simply be loaded into RAM. This makes the computer general-purpose and flexible.

Why: Comprehensive understanding: defines stored program concept, explains RAM role with PC, address bus and data bus, applies to robot, and gives benefits. Sustained lines of reasoning. Level 3.

Some marks3/6

The stored program concept is when instructions and data are stored in RAM. The CPU fetches instructions from RAM. The program counter keeps the address of the next instruction. RAM holds the program. The benefit is that you can change the program without rewiring the computer.

Why: Adequate understanding: correct basic points about stored program concept and RAM, with some linkage, but little development or application to the robot's fetch-decode-execute cycle. Level 2.

Some marks1/6

The von Neumann stored program concept is that the CPU uses RAM to store the program. The fetch-decode-execute cycle fetches, decodes and executes. RAM is random access memory. The benefit is that it is fast.

Why: Basic independent points only; no real linkage or application to the robot. Level 1.

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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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