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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 · 5 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.

2Describe2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

High-level code can be translated by a compiler or by an interpreter.

Describe how a compiler translates high-level code differently from an interpreter.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The compiler translates the whole program/complete source code in one go (1) whereas the interpreter translates one line/statement at a time (1)
  • The compiler translates all of the source code before any of it is run/executed (1) but the interpreter translates each line/statement as it reads it (1)
  • The interpreter translates one line/statement at a time (1) and the compiler translates the whole program/source code together (1)

Accept the compiler point and the interpreter point in either order.

Do not accept responses about object code/executable files, when the translated code is executed, how errors are reported, or speed/memory use.

Do not accept 'the interpreter executes/runs each line' on its own, without saying that it translates one line/statement at a time.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A compiler translates the whole program in one go, while an interpreter translates one line at a time.

Why: Whole program translated in one go (1) and interpreter translates one line at a time (1).

Some marks1/2

A compiler translates the whole program in one go.

Why: Whole program translated in one go (1); no linked point about the interpreter translating a line at a time.

No marks0/2

A compiler produces an executable file, but an interpreter does not.

Why: Describes the output, not the amount translated at a time; object code/executable files are not accepted.

3Explain2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

High-level languages are designed to be easier to learn than low-level languages.

Explain one reason why a high-level language is easier to learn than a low-level language.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Statements are written in English-like words/use maths symbols (1) so the programmer can understand more easily what each one does (1)
  • The language uses meaningful names for variables/structured constructs such as loops (1) so the code is easier to read/follow (1)
  • One statement translates into several machine code instructions (1) so there are fewer instructions to learn/understand for the same task (1)

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

Do not accept 'it is easier' / 'it is simpler' on its own, without saying what is easier/simpler.

Do not accept 'the computer understands it directly' / 'it does not need translating'.

Do not award answers about the program running faster or using less memory, as these are not about ease of learning.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Statements are written in English-like words so the programmer can understand more easily what each line does.

Why: Linked point (1) of English-like statements and reason (1) that these are easier to understand.

Some marks1/2

It uses meaningful names for variables so it is easier.

Why: Point (1) that meaningful names for variables are used, but 'so it is easier' is not accepted as the linked reason.

No marks0/2

Because the computer can understand high-level code without translation.

Why: Misconception that high-level code is understood directly by the computer; no creditworthy characteristic of the language is given.

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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