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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 659 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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4 questions · 6 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 written in a high-level language are often machine independent.

Define the term machine independence.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The (same) program/source code can run on different types/makes of computer/processor (1)
  • With few/no changes (to the program code) (1)
  • The same source code can be translated for each type of processor (1)
  • A different compiler/interpreter is used for each type of processor (1)
  • The program does not depend on one specific type of processor/hardware (1)
  • Only one version of the program needs to be written/kept (1)
  • The program is portable between different computers (1)

Allow 'different computers' as meaning different types of computer/processor.

Do not accept a program that will only run on one type of computer / the computer it was written on.

Do not accept written in machine code/binary, is translated into machine code, compiled/interpreted, is a low-level language.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The same program can run on different types of computer without being changed.

Why: Two creditworthy parts: runs on different types/makes of computer/processor (1); with few/no changes (1).

Some marks1/2

A program can run on different computers.

Why: Creditworthy point: can run on different types/makes of computer/processor (1), with 'different computers' allowed by the guidance. No second part about changes or translation.

No marks0/2

A program is written in machine code so the computer can understand it.

Why: Misconception: machine code is not machine independence; the mark scheme does not accept this, and no other creditworthy point is given.

3Short recall1 markTranslators Swap Remove

A compiler translates programs written in a high-level language.

State how much of a program a compiler translates before the program is run.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • The whole program (before it is run) (1)

Allow all of the code/the entire program/the whole program in one go

Do not accept one line/statement at a time or each line as it is executed

Do not accept translating only the lines that contain errors

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The whole program, before it is run.

Why: Whole program translated before it is run (1).

No marks0/1

It translates the program one line at a time.

Why: Describes an interpreter; the scheme does not accept line-by-line translation.

No marks0/1

It translates only the lines that contain errors.

Why: Not a compiler behaviour; the scheme does not accept translating only error lines.

4Explain2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A program written in a high-level language can be run on computers that have different processors.

Explain one reason why this is possible.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The same source code can be used on different processors (1) because a compiler/interpreter for each processor translates it into that processor's machine code/instructions (1)
  • The program is machine/processor independent (1) because the code is translated into the machine code/instructions of each processor it is run on (1)
  • A different compiler/interpreter is used for each type of processor (1) so the same source code can be translated into each processor's machine code/instructions (1)
  • The program can be moved/copied to a computer with a different processor (1) because a compiler/interpreter that produces code for that processor exists (1)

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

Do not accept 'it is portable' without a linked reason about translation for different processors.

Do not accept 'it is easier to use/read/write' on its own without a linked reason about translation/processors.

Do not accept 'it is not written in binary'/'it is not machine code'/'it is not written in assembly language' as the reason without saying that the code is translated into each processor's machine code/instructions.

Do not accept the misconception that the program runs directly on any processor without being translated.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The same source code can be used on different processors because a compiler for each type of processor translates it into that processor's machine code.

Why: Linked point (1) that the same source code is used and reason (1) that a compiler translates it into each processor's machine code.

Some marks1/2

It is machine independent because it is not written in binary.

Why: Point (1) that the program is machine independent, but the reason given does not say that the code is translated for each processor's machine code/instructions.

No marks0/2

Because it is easier to use than machine code.

Why: No point about translation or different processors; 'easier to use' is not accepted without a linked reason about translation/processors.

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 12 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Malware 8 questions

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