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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 631 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

An interpreter translates high-level code differently from a compiler.

Identify what an interpreter does immediately after translating a line of code.

[1 mark]
  • AExecutes the line
  • BProduces the object code
  • CSaves the line to a file
  • DTranslates the next line
Mark scheme
  • A Executes the line (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is that the interpreter executes the line.
  • B is not correct because an interpreter does not produce object code; that is what a compiler does
  • C is not correct because an interpreter does not save the translated code to a file
  • D is not correct because the interpreter executes the current line before it translates the next line
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Executes the line

Why: Selected the line being executed straight after translation, which is how an interpreter works (1).

No marks0/1

D Translates the next line

Why: Near miss: the interpreter executes the translated line first and only then moves on to translate the next line, so no mark.

No marks0/1

B Produces the object code

Why: Confuses interpretation with compilation: object code is produced by a compiler, not an interpreter, so no mark.

2Short recall2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

Programs can be written in high-level or low-level programming languages.

Define the term high-level programming language.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Uses statements/instructions that look like English/maths (1)
  • Does not depend on one type of processor / can be run on different types of computer with few or no changes (machine independent) (1)
  • A single statement is translated into several machine code instructions (1)
  • Provides data structures such as arrays and records (1)
  • Provides built-in/library subprograms (1)
  • Is translated by a compiler or an interpreter (1)

Allow portable/platform independent for machine independent.

Allow easier to read/write/understand/debug only when linked to the English-like statements, e.g. uses words that look like English so it is easier to understand.

Do not accept a high-level language / not a low-level language with no other detail.

Do not accept written in binary/machine code.

Do not accept faster to run / uses less memory, as these are characteristics of low-level languages.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A language that uses statements that look like English and a program written in it can be run on different types of computer without being rewritten.

Why: English-like statements (1) and machine independent/portable (1).

Some marks1/2

A language that provides data structures such as arrays and records.

Why: Creditworthy point: provides data structures (1). No second part of the definition given.

No marks0/2

A language that is written in binary so the computer can understand it.

Why: Misconception: binary is machine code, not a high-level language; the mark scheme's do-not-accept line covers this.

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 16 questions Intellectual Property 12 questions

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