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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 · 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.

2Explain2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A computer stores many files on its hard drive.

Explain one reason why an operating system needs file management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system keeps a record of where each file is stored (1) so files can be found/retrieved later (1)
  • The operating system keeps files in separate storage locations (1) so files are not overwritten/lost (1)
  • The operating system allocates files to folders/directories (1) so it can keep track of the files stored on the disk (1)
  • The operating system deletes/moves files (1) so storage space is freed/reused (1)

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

Do not accept 'it manages files'/'it organises files' without expansion as to what is managed or organised.

Do not accept 'so files are managed/organised' as the linked reason.

Do not accept 'so the computer works' as the linked reason.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system keeps a record of where each file is stored on the disk, so a program can find and open the file later.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): record of file location and retrieval.

Some marks1/2

The operating system keeps a record of where each file is stored.

Why: Point (1) only; no linked reason given.

No marks0/2

The operating system manages the files so the files are managed.

Why: Repeats the question ('manages files') and the expansion restates the point ('so the files are managed'); no creditworthy point under the Do not accept lines.

3Explain2 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A family shares one computer and each person has their own login.

Explain one reason why the operating system needs user management.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The operating system checks usernames/passwords at login (1) so only allowed users can access the computer (1)
  • The operating system stores a list/database of users and passwords (1) so it knows who is allowed to log in (1)
  • The operating system sets access rights/permissions for each user (1) so a user can only open/edit their own files (1)
  • The operating system restricts programs/drives/settings by user (1) so certain users cannot change them (1)
  • The operating system keeps each user's files separate (1) so one user cannot access another user's private files (1)

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

Do not accept 'so the computer is safe/secure' without saying what is protected and from whom.

Do not accept answers that say user management makes the computer faster.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It sets access rights for each user so each person can only open their own files.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): access rights and file privacy.

Some marks1/2

It checks the username and password at login.

Why: Point (1) only; no linked reason given.

No marks0/2

It makes the computer faster because more users can log in.

Why: Misconception: user management is not for improving speed; 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

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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

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

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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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