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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 · 10 marks

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1Short recall2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

An operating system sets access rights for each file.

Give two access rights that can be set for a file.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Read/view (1)
  • Write/edit/modify (1)
  • Execute/run (1)
  • Delete (1)

Allow 'read only' for read.

Treat write/edit/modify as one right only.

Do not accept 'open' or 'access' on its own.

Do not accept usernames/passwords (these are authentication, not file access rights).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Read and write.

Why: Read (1) and write (1) are two separate accepted access rights.

Some marks1/2

Read-only.

Why: Read-only is allowed for read (1), but only one right is given.

No marks0/2

A username and a password.

Why: These are login details used for authentication, not access rights for a file, so no mark is awarded.

2Explain2 marksProcess Management Swap Remove

A user opens a web browser.

Explain what the operating system does to get the browser's process ready to run.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A process is created for the program (1) so that its instructions can be loaded into RAM (1)
  • The process is put into the ready state (1) so that it can wait for the CPU to become available (1)
  • The operating system adds the process to a queue of ready processes (1) so the scheduler can choose it when the CPU is free (1)
  • The operating system allocates the resources the process needs (1) so that it can start running when it is given CPU time (1)

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

Allow 'main memory' for RAM.

Do not accept 'the browser is downloaded/loaded from the internet'.

Do not accept 'the program is run immediately on the CPU' without the ready step.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It creates a process and loads the browser's instructions into RAM, then puts the process in the ready state to wait for CPU time.

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

Some marks1/2

It moves the program into RAM.

Why: A correct point (1) but no linked reason about the process being made ready.

No marks0/2

It runs the program straight away on the CPU.

Why: This describes the running state, not making the process ready, so no credit.

3Discuss6 marksFile Management Swap Remove

A student keeps school work and photographs on a laptop. The laptop's storage is almost full. The student uses the operating system's file management.

Discuss the file management tasks the operating system provides that the student can use to manage these files.

Your answer should include:

  • saving files
  • deleting files
  • copying files
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Saving files

  • When saving, the operating system lets the student choose the folder and the file name, so new work goes into the correct subject folder instead of the root.
  • The operating system warns the student before a file with the same name is overwritten, so an earlier version of an essay is not lost by accident.
  • The operating system writes the file into free space on the laptop and records where it is, so the student can open it again later.

Deleting files

  • The operating system lets the student delete files that are no longer needed, which frees space so new photographs can be saved.
  • Deleted files are usually moved to the recycle bin first, so a file removed by mistake can be restored.
  • Emptying the recycle bin removes the data permanently and releases the space for other files.

Copying files

  • The operating system lets the student copy files to a USB flash drive, so there is a second copy if the laptop is lost or damaged.
  • Copying leaves the original file in place, so the student can carry on working on the laptop's copy.
  • A whole folder can be copied in one action, including its subfolders, which is quicker than copying each file separately.

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)

Level 3 responses must cover saving, deleting and copying.

Do not accept answers about the processor or defragmentation as file management tasks.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

When the student saves a file, the operating system lets them pick the folder and name, and it warns before a file with the same name is overwritten, so an earlier essay is not lost. Because the laptop is nearly full, the student can delete photographs they no longer need; these go to the recycle bin at first, so a file removed by mistake can be restored, and emptying the bin releases the space for good. The student can also copy their school work to a USB flash drive, which leaves the original on the laptop and gives a backup if the laptop is damaged.

Why: Saving (choice of folder and name, overwrite warning), deleting (recycle bin, restoring, releasing space) and copying (backup on a USB drive, original kept) are all explained and tied to the student's full laptop.

Some marks3/6

The student can save files into folders so they know where they are. They can delete files they do not need to free up space. They can copy files onto a memory stick.

Why: Three tasks are named with a reason for deleting, but saving and copying are not developed and there is little linkage between the points, so Level 2.

No marks0/6

The operating system saves files automatically and deletes old files when the RAM is full. The processor copies the files to the hard disk.

Why: No creditworthy point: files are not saved automatically, RAM filling does not trigger file deletion, and copying is not done by the processor. Typical confusion between file management and memory or processor management.

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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