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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

Identify what is fetched from RAM during the fetch stage.

[1 mark]
  • AThe next instruction
  • BThe data at a memory address
  • CThe decoded instruction
  • DThe address of the next instruction
Mark scheme
  • 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
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A The next instruction

Why: The next instruction is fetched from RAM during the fetch stage (1).

No marks0/1

B The data at a memory address

Why: Near miss: data is not fetched during the fetch stage; data is used during the execute stage.

No marks0/1

C The decoded instruction

Why: Misconception: an instruction is decoded after it is fetched, in the decode stage.

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

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.

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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