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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.

2Short 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.

3Explain2 marksSoftware Basics Swap Remove

An operating system manages the peripherals connected to a computer system.

Explain one reason why an operating system manages peripherals.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Device drivers/drivers are used/installed (1) so the operating system can control/communicate with a peripheral (1)
  • Data is transferred between the computer and a peripheral (1) so input can be read/output can be produced (1)
  • Interrupts from devices/peripherals are handled (1) so the processor can respond when a device needs attention/has finished (1)
  • Each peripheral is allocated to a process (1) so two processes do not try to use the same device at the same time (1)
  • Print jobs are held in a queue/spooled (1) so several jobs can be sent to one printer and printed one at a time (1)
  • Errors from a peripheral are handled/reported (1) so the program using the device does not crash (1)

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

Allow other valid functions of peripheral management that are explained, e.g. sending data to a peripheral in the correct format, reporting a device error to the user.

Do not accept 'it manages peripherals' / 'it controls the hardware' on its own as it repeats the question.

Do not accept 'it installs the printer' / 'it connects the peripheral' on its own without saying what the operating system does with the device or why.

Do not accept cleaning/maintaining a peripheral; that is not peripheral management by the operating system.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The operating system uses device drivers so that it can control the printer and understand the data it sends.

Why: Point (1) for using device drivers and linked reason (1) for controlling/communicating with a peripheral.

Some marks1/2

It transfers data to and from peripherals.

Why: Point (1) for transferring data between the computer and a peripheral; no linked reason, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It cleans the keyboard and mouse so they do not get dusty.

Why: Describes cleaning a peripheral, which the mark scheme says is not peripheral management by the operating system; no credit.

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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