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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 markTranslators Swap Remove

A program contains a syntax error. An interpreter reports the error as soon as it finds it.

Identify when a compiler reports the syntax errors it finds in the source code.

[1 mark]
  • AAfter each line is translated
  • BAt the end of translating the program
  • CWhen the first error is found
  • DWhen the object code is run
Mark scheme
  • B At the end of translating the program (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is at the end of translating the program.
  • A is not correct because a compiler translates the whole program and does not report an error after each line; reporting after each line is how an interpreter behaves
  • C is not correct because a compiler does not stop at the first error; it finishes translating and reports the errors it finds at the end
  • D is not correct because syntax errors are found during translation, before the object code is run
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B At the end of translating the program

Why: Chosen option states that errors are reported once the whole program has been translated, as a compiler does (1).

No marks0/1

A After each line is translated

Why: Near miss: reporting an error after each line is the behaviour of an interpreter, not a compiler, so no mark.

No marks0/1

C When the first error is found

Why: Misconception that a compiler stops and reports at the first error it finds; a compiler reports the errors at the end of translation, so no mark.

2Short recall1 markLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A high-level language uses statements that look like English or maths.

State what a single statement in a high-level language is usually translated into.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • Several/multiple machine code instructions (1)

The answer must refer to instructions.

Do not accept machine code on its own.

Do not accept binary on its own.

Do not accept 'one or more machine code instructions' as it does not show that one statement becomes several instructions.

Do not accept assembly code/compiled code/low-level code on their own.

Do not accept 'a line of code'/'a statement' as this repeats the question.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Several machine code instructions

Why: Matches the creditworthy point that one high-level statement translates into several machine code instructions (1).

No marks0/1

Machine code

Why: Near-miss: gives the type of code but not that one statement becomes several instructions; mark scheme does not accept machine code on its own.

No marks0/1

Binary

Why: Misconception: high-level statements are translated into machine code instructions, not just binary; not accepted.

3Explain2 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 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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