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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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1Describe2 marksPrimary Memory Swap Remove

Computers use main memory (RAM).

Describe the role of main memory (RAM) in the von Neumann stored program concept.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Holds/stores the data and instructions of the program currently being run (1) to be fetched by the CPU during the fetch-decode-execute cycle (1)
  • Instructions and data are loaded/copied from secondary storage into RAM (1) before they can be processed by the CPU (1)
  • Stores the program that is currently running (1) together with the data that it uses (1)
  • Holds the data and instructions that the CPU needs next (1) so the CPU can access them quickly (1)

Allow a response that describes both that RAM holds the current program and that the program was loaded from secondary storage into RAM, provided each statement is linked to a development.

Do not accept responses about cache or registers as the store of the current program.

Do not accept responses that say RAM stores data permanently or that RAM is read-only.

Do not accept 'RAM is where the CPU processes data' (this describes the ALU/registers), or 'RAM stores the operating system' unless it is linked to the program currently being run.

Do not award a second mark for a response that only states that RAM holds data and instructions with no linked development.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

RAM holds the data and instructions of the program that is currently running so that the CPU can fetch them during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Why: Linked point (1): holds data and instructions of the current program, plus linked development (1): fetched by the CPU in the cycle.

Some marks1/2

RAM holds the data and instructions that the computer is using at the moment.

Why: States the role (1) but gives no linked development, so only the first mark is awarded.

No marks0/2

RAM is the secondary storage, so the program is kept there when the power is switched off.

Why: Confuses main memory with secondary storage and says contents are kept without power; both near-misses are named in the 'Do not accept' lines, so no mark.

2Describe2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

Describe the purpose of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Carries out arithmetic operations/calculations, such as addition or subtraction (1) so that the result can be stored in a register (1)
  • Carries out logical operations, such as comparing two data items (1) to see which one is greater/larger (1)
  • Compares two data items (1) to decide whether a condition is true / which path a program takes next (1)

Allow the result of an arithmetic or logical operation being held/stored in a register, but only where the operation is named.

Do not accept answers that say the ALU stores data or results without naming an operation (registers/main memory store data).

Do not accept answers about controlling components, decoding instructions or timing (that is the control unit or the clock).

Do not award credit for 'it processes data' on its own; an arithmetic or a logical operation must be named.

An example on its own, e.g. 'it adds two numbers', does not earn a second mark; the second mark needs a linked development.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The ALU carries out arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction, and the result of the calculation is stored in a register.

Why: Linked point (1) for arithmetic operations with an example, and development (1) for the result being stored in a register.

Some marks1/2

It does all the calculations in the CPU, for example adding two numbers together.

Why: Point (1) for arithmetic operations/calculations named with an example; no linked development, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

It stores the results of calculations so that they can be used by the CPU later.

Why: Storing results with no arithmetic or logical operation named, which the 'Do not accept' line rules out, so no mark is earned.

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

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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