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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 514 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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2 questions · 3 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markTranslators Swap Remove

Identify the type of translator that translates the whole program into machine code before it is run.

[1 mark]
  • AAssembler
  • BCompiler
  • CInterpreter
  • DLinker
Mark scheme
  • B Compiler (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is compiler.
  • A is not correct because an assembler translates assembly language code into machine code, not a high-level program
  • C is not correct because an interpreter translates and executes the code line by line, without producing a complete machine code program first
  • D is not correct because a linker combines object code files into a single executable, it does not translate source code
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Compiler

Why: Selected the compiler, the translator that translates the whole program into machine code before it is run (1).

No marks0/1

C Interpreter

Why: Near miss: an interpreter translates and executes the code line by line, so it does not translate the whole program into machine code before it is run.

No marks0/1

A Assembler

Why: Confuses the translators: an assembler translates assembly language code into machine code, it does not translate a high-level program as a whole.

2Short 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.

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