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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 659 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 · 6 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 marksPeripheral Management Swap Remove

A computer is connected to a new games controller.

Describe the purpose of a device driver.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A device driver is software/program (1) that controls a peripheral device (1)
  • It translates instructions from the operating system (1) into commands/signals the device understands (1)
  • It allows the operating system to communicate with a specific device (1) without needing to know the device's hardware details (1)
  • It is installed for a new device (1) so the operating system can use that device (1)

Do not accept responses that say a device driver is hardware or that it makes a device faster.

Do not award 'it is part of the CPU'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A device driver is a program that controls a peripheral device. It translates instructions from the operating system into commands the device understands.

Why: Gives the linked description: software/program (1) that controls a peripheral (1).

Some marks1/2

It translates instructions from the operating system.

Why: Gives the first point (1) but does not develop it into commands/signals the device understands.

No marks0/2

A device driver is a piece of hardware that connects the controller to the computer.

Why: No credit: says a device driver is hardware, which the mark scheme does not accept.

3Explain2 marksProcess Management Swap Remove

An operating system carries out process management.

Explain one reason why an operating system needs to manage processes.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The CPU can only execute one process at a time (1) so the operating system must decide which process runs next (1)
  • Each process needs CPU time (1) so the operating system must share the CPU between processes (1)
  • One process could use the CPU for too long (1) so the operating system must give other processes a turn (1)
  • A process may be waiting for a resource or user input (1) so the operating system can run another process that is ready (1)
  • The user wants to run more than one program (1) so the operating system must manage which process uses the CPU and when (1)

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

Allow 'program' for 'process'.

Do not accept 'to manage processes' / 'so processes are managed' without a reason.

Do not accept answers about managing files, memory or peripherals.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The CPU can only run one process at a time, so the operating system must decide which process gets the CPU and for how long.

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

Some marks1/2

The operating system decides which process runs next.

Why: A correct point (1) but no linked reason.

No marks0/2

So that files can be saved in the right place.

Why: This is file management, not process management, so no creditworthy point.

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

4.2 Network security

Build a paper on this topic 36
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

Build a paper on this topic 65
Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 12 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Malware 8 questions

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