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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 604 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 · 10 marks

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1Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A student has a large number of photographs stored on a computer.

Describe the purpose of data compression software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a file/files smaller (1) so less storage space is needed on the disk (1)
  • Reduces the size of the data (1) so it takes less time to upload/download/transfer the file (1)
  • Compresses files/folders into a single file (1) so an attachment is under the size limit for email (1)
  • Reduces the size of the files (1) so more of them fit onto a storage device/backup media (1)

Do not accept 'it compresses the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about protecting files from malware/viruses or about deleting files.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes the files smaller (1) so that they use less storage space on the computer and more of them fit on the disk (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the benefit (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes files smaller.

Why: This is the point (1) but there is no development of what the smaller size leads to, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

It protects the files from viruses so that they cannot be damaged.

Why: This describes anti-malware software, which the mark scheme does not accept; no creditworthy point is made.

2Explain2 marksWired Connections Swap Remove

A video production company stores large video files on a server. It is replacing the copper cables in its office with fibre optic cables.

Explain how using fibre optic cables instead of copper cables could improve the bandwidth of the company's network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Fibre optic cables have a higher bandwidth than copper cables (1) so a greater amount of data can be transferred each second (1)
  • Fibre optic cables carry data as pulses of light (1) so a greater amount of data can be carried each second than by the electrical signals in a copper cable (1)
  • Fibre optic cables are not affected by electromagnetic interference (1) so the maximum amount of data the cable can carry is not reduced by nearby electrical equipment (1)

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

Do not accept 'faster' on its own without expansion as to what is faster, such as a greater amount of data being carried each second.

Do not accept 'more reliable' or 'less interference' on its own without linking it to the amount of data that can be carried.

Do not accept answers about the cost of the cables or their installation.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Fibre optic cables have a higher bandwidth than copper cables, so more data can be transferred every second, which means the large video files transfer more quickly.

Why: Higher bandwidth (1) and the linked reason that more data can be transferred each second (1).

Some marks1/2

Fibre optic cables have a much higher bandwidth than copper cables.

Why: Higher bandwidth (1) but no linked reason about the amount of data that can be carried.

No marks0/2

Fibre optic cables are newer and more expensive than copper, so the network can carry more data.

Why: Cost and age are not accepted, so the 'carry more data' expansion has no valid point to link to (0).

3Discuss6 marksPurpose & Function of Operating Systems Swap Remove

A home computer is used to stream music, edit a video and download files at the same time.

Discuss how the operating system manages the processes running on the computer.

Your answer should include:

  • how the CPU is shared between processes
  • the states a process can be in
  • how the operating system responds when a process needs attention
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

How the CPU is shared between processes

  • The operating system uses multitasking to give each process a short time slice on the CPU, so the music, video editor and download appear to run at the same time.
  • The operating system decides which ready process will run next, so one program cannot keep the CPU to itself.
  • The operating system can stop a running process and move it back to ready when its time slice ends, so all processes make progress.

The states a process can be in

  • When a program is opened, the operating system creates a process and moves its instructions into RAM so it is ready.
  • The operating system moves a ready process to running when the CPU is free.
  • A running process becomes blocked when it is waiting for input or data, such as the download waiting for data to arrive.
  • When the process finishes, the operating system terminates it and releases the resources it was using.

How the operating system responds when a process needs attention

  • An interrupt is a signal to the CPU that needs immediate attention, so the operating system suspends the current process and runs the interrupt handler.
  • A hardware interrupt could be a printer out of paper, and a software interrupt could be an error in a program.
  • After the interrupt has been handled, the operating system can return the interrupted process to the CPU.

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)

Additional guidance

  • Level 3 responses must cover at least two of scheduling, process states and interrupts.
  • A response that only states that the OS 'manages processes' or gives a program a turn, without expansion, is limited to Level 1.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The OS uses multitasking to share the CPU. It gives each process, such as the music player and the video editor, a small time slice so they appear to run at the same time. It decides which ready process is next and how long it runs. When the video editor is opened, the OS creates a process and moves its instructions into RAM so it is ready; when the CPU is free it moves it to running. If the download is waiting for data, the OS marks it blocked so the CPU is not wasted. If the printer runs out of paper, a hardware interrupt tells the CPU to stop and run the interrupt handler; afterwards the OS returns to the process.

Why: Covers scheduling with time slices, process states (ready, running, blocked) and interrupts, with sustained application to the music, video editor and download. Level 3.

Some marks4/6

The operating system uses multitasking so the music and video editor can run at the same time. It gives each program a small amount of time on the CPU. When a program is opened it creates a process and puts it in RAM. If a process is waiting for input it is blocked.

Why: Covers CPU sharing and process states, with some application, but says nothing about interrupts. Level 2.

Some marks1/6

The operating system manages processes by giving each program a turn on the CPU. This stops the computer crashing when too many programs are open.

Why: Gives only a basic, undeveloped point about giving each program a turn, with no linkage or application. 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

Build a paper on this topic 56
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

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

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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

Build a paper on this topic 18
Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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