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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

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.

2Describe2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A programmer writes a program in a high-level language.

Describe why the program can be run on computers with different processors.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The same source code can be run on different types/makes of processor (1) with few or no changes being made to the program (1)
  • A compiler/interpreter is available for each type of processor (1) to translate the source code into the machine code for that processor (1)
  • The statements are not tied to one processor's instruction set (1) so the program is portable between different computers (1)

Do not accept 'it is translated by a compiler' on its own.

Do not accept 'the program does not need to be translated' or 'it is easier to use'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A compiler exists for each type of processor to translate the source code into the machine code for that processor.

Why: Names the translator for each processor (1) and links it to producing that processor's machine code (1).

Some marks1/2

The same program can be run on different computers.

Why: States that the same code runs on different machines (1) but does not develop it by saying that few or no changes are needed.

No marks0/2

Because it is translated by a compiler.

Why: A compiler on its own does not explain machine independence; the answer does not say that a translator exists for each type of processor.

3Explain2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

Device drivers are programs that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware.

Explain one reason why a device driver is often written in a low-level language.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The programmer can control/manipulate the hardware directly (1) because low-level instructions can access registers/memory addresses/hardware features (1)
  • The code can be made to work efficiently with a specific device (1) because low-level languages are processor/chipset specific, so the instructions match that hardware (1)
  • The code produced is fast to execute (1) because it is optimised for the specific processor/uses few instructions (1)
  • The code produced is small (1) so it fits in the limited memory/ROM available in the device (1)

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

Fast execution and small code size are typical advantages of low-level languages; award them only where the linked reason relates to the device.

Do not accept 'it is easier to write/learn/understand' or 'it is faster to write' as a point or as the expansion, because low-level languages are not easier for these.

Do not accept 'it is close to the hardware' or 'it works with hardware' without expansion of what that allows the program to do.

Do not accept 'because it is low-level' as the expansion; the answer must say what the language/hardware allows.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It can control the hardware directly because the instructions can read and write to the device's registers and memory addresses.

Why: Linked point (1) of direct hardware control and reason (1) that low-level instructions access registers and memory addresses.

Some marks1/2

It runs quickly because it is a low-level language.

Why: Point (1) of fast execution, but 'because it is a low-level language' is not accepted as the linked reason.

No marks0/2

Because it is easier to write programs for a particular device.

Why: Misconception that low-level languages are easier to write; no creditworthy point or linked reason about hardware control or efficiency.

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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