A software company writes its application programs in a high-level language.
Identify the main reason a high-level language is used for most application programs.
Mark scheme
- B It is easier to learn, write and debug (1)
- The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is easier to learn, write and debug.
- A is not correct because direct control of the hardware is a reason for using a low-level language
- C is not correct because a low-level language produces smaller executable code
- D is not correct because low-level programs run more quickly than high-level programs
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1
B It is easier to learn, write and debug
Why: Correct option: high-level languages look like English, so programs are quicker to write and easier to debug (1).
No marks0/1
C It produces smaller executable code
Why: Near miss: smaller executable code is a feature of low-level languages, so no mark is awarded.
No marks0/1
A It gives the programmer direct control of the hardware
Why: Misconception: direct control of hardware is a purpose of low-level languages, not high-level, so no mark.