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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 514 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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2 questions · 4 marks

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1Short recall2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

Compression software is a type of utility software. A student compresses a large video file before emailing it.

Give two benefits of compressing the video file.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Reduces the file size / uses less storage space (1)
  • Takes less time to upload/download/send (1)
  • Uses less bandwidth / reduces the amount of data transferred (1)
  • The file is more likely to fit within an email attachment size limit (1)
  • Reduces the amount of storage needed for backups / more files can be stored on backup media (1)

Do not award both 'reduces the file size' and 'uses less storage space' as two separate benefits.

Do not award both 'takes less time to send' and 'uses less bandwidth' as two separate benefits.

Do not accept 'it is compressed' on its own.

Do not accept 'it makes the file easier to send' unless a benefit such as a smaller file or less time is given.

Do not accept 'better quality'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It uses less storage space and it will upload more quickly.

Why: Uses less storage space (1) and takes less time to upload (1).

Some marks1/2

It reduces the size of the file.

Why: Reduces file size (1); no second distinct benefit.

No marks0/2

The video will have better quality.

Why: Better quality is not a benefit of compression; no mark.

2Describe2 marksMemory Management Swap Remove

An operating system keeps a record of the memory it has allocated to each program.

Describe how this record is used.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The start and end address/size of the block allocated to each program is recorded (1) so the operating system knows which areas of main memory are in use and which are free (1)
  • The record is checked before memory is allocated (1) so memory already in use is not given to another program/is not overwritten (1)
  • The record is searched for a free block that is large enough (1) so a newly loaded program is placed in a suitable area of main memory (1)
  • The record is updated when a program ends/closes (1) so the memory it was using is marked as free for other programs (1)

Allow the record to be called a memory map/memory table/allocation table.

A response that only says the operating system keeps a record/list of the memory each program is using, without saying what the record contains, earns 0 marks.

A response that states what the record contains, e.g. the addresses/the start and end address of each block, earns 1 mark even if it does not say how the record is used.

Do not accept responses about saving programs/files to secondary storage or about moving programs to virtual memory, as these are not uses of this record.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system records the start and end address of the block of memory given to each program so that it does not give the same memory to another program.

Why: The start and end address of each block is recorded (1) linked to memory already in use not being given to another program (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system records the start and end address of the memory used by each program.

Why: States what the record contains (1), but does not develop how the record is used, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

The operating system saves the programs to the hard disk so there is enough memory for other programs.

Why: Describes moving programs to secondary storage rather than how the record of allocated memory is used; no creditworthy point is made.

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

Build a paper on this topic 56
Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

Build a paper on this topic 24
Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

Build a paper on this topic 77
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

Build a paper on this topic 124
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

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
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

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