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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 · 4 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

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.

[1 mark]
  • AIt gives the programmer direct control of the hardware
  • BIt is easier to learn, write and debug
  • CIt produces smaller executable code
  • DIt runs more quickly than a low-level language
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.

2Short recall1 markTranslators Swap Remove

A compiler translates a whole program in one go before it is run.

Name the type of code that a compiler produces.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • Object code (1)
  • Machine code (1)
  • Executable code / an executable (1)

Allow object file.

Do not accept source code.

Do not accept high-level code.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Object code.

Why: Object code is named as the code a compiler produces (1).

No marks0/1

High-level code.

Why: Near-miss: this is the input to the compiler, not the code it produces; not accepted.

No marks0/1

Source code.

Why: Names the programmer's input rather than the compiler's output; not accepted.

3Short recall2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

An interpreter is a type of translator.

Define the term interpreter.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Translates/converts (high-level/source) code one line/statement at a time (1)
  • Translates/converts the code and executes/runs each line as it goes (1)
  • Executes/runs each line/statement immediately after it is translated (1)
  • Reports/stops with an error message as soon as a syntax error is found (1)

Allow 'runs' for executes, 'converts' for translates and 'instruction' for line/statement

Do not accept translates the whole program before it is run

Do not accept produces/creates object code, an executable file or machine code that is saved

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

An interpreter is a program that translates high-level code line by line. Each line is run as soon as it has been translated, so any errors are shown straight away.

Why: Line-by-line translation (1) and each line executed immediately (1); the point about errors would be a third creditworthy point but the maximum is two.

Some marks1/2

An interpreter translates code one line at a time.

Why: Line-by-line translation (1); no point for immediate execution.

No marks0/2

An interpreter translates the whole program before it is run.

Why: Near-miss describing a compiler; the scheme's 'Do not accept' line rules out whole-program translation.

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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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