Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• A The next instruction (1)
• The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is the next instruction.
• B is not correct because data is fetched during the execute stage
• C is not correct because an instruction is decoded after it is fetched
• D is not correct because the program counter holds the address used to fetch the instruction

• 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

Award one mark for:

• Laser (1)

Allow laser beam

Do not accept read/write head

Do not accept pits

Do not accept lands

Do not accept reflective surface

Do not accept magnet/magnetic

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

• The battery lasts longer/needs charging less often (1) because embedded systems have low power consumption/use less power (1)
• It can be made small/light enough to wear on the wrist (1) because the processor, memory and input/output are combined on a single chip/microcontroller (1)
• It can carry out the step-counting function reliably (1) because it runs a single/dedicated program and cannot install other software (1)
• It has a low cost per unit (1) because it uses fewer/less powerful components than a general purpose computer (1)

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

Award one mark for a valid point stated on its own, e.g. 'it is small/light enough to wear on the wrist' (1) or 'its battery lasts longer before it needs charging' (1).

Accept the same linked ideas in either order, e.g. 'it uses less power (1) so the battery lasts longer (1)'.

Do not accept 'it uses less power'/'low power' on its own as a complete explanation; it must be linked to the battery lasting longer/needing charging less often for the second mark.

Do not accept an expansion that simply restates the point, e.g. 'it is small (1) so it fits on the wrist' earns only the point mark; 'fits on the wrist' is not a linked cause and is not enough for the second mark.

Do not accept 'the battery is small' as the linked reason for low power consumption.

Do not accept responses that say other software/apps can be installed on an embedded system (0); embedded systems have a single/dedicated function and cannot install new software.