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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 · 7 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markTranslators Swap Remove

A compiler translates source code into machine code.

Identify why a compiled program can be run on a computer that does not have the compiler installed.

[1 mark]
  • AThe code is translated again each time it is run
  • BThe code is translated one line at a time
  • CThe object code is saved as a separate file
  • DThe source code is saved with the program
Mark scheme
  • C The object code is saved as a separate file (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is the object code is saved as a separate file.
  • A is not correct because a compiled program is not translated again when it is run
  • B is not correct because translating one line at a time is how an interpreter works
  • D is not correct because the source code is not needed to run a compiled program
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C The object code is saved as a separate file

Why: Selected the saved object code, which can be run without the compiler being present (1).

No marks0/1

D The source code is saved with the program

Why: Near miss: it is the object code, not the source code, that is saved and run on another computer.

No marks0/1

B The code is translated one line at a time

Why: Confuses a compiler with an interpreter: a compiled program is translated as a whole and is not translated again when it is run.

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.

3Short 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.

4Describe2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

Source code can contain syntax errors.

Describe how a compiler and an interpreter differ in the way they deal with syntax errors.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The compiler reports all syntax errors after translation has finished (1) whereas the interpreter stops at the first error it finds (1)
  • The interpreter reports a syntax error as soon as it finds one (1) and does not translate/execute any more of the program (1)
  • The compiler continues translating after an error (1) and reports the errors at the end (1)
  • The interpreter stops translating when it reaches an error (1) but the compiler finishes translating before reporting errors (1)

Do not accept answers about fixing/correcting errors or about object code.

Do not award 'the compiler finds more errors' without saying errors are reported at the end.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A compiler reports all the syntax errors at the end of translation, whereas an interpreter stops and reports the error as soon as it finds one.

Why: Compiler reports errors at the end (1) and interpreter stops/reports at the first error (1).

Some marks1/2

An interpreter stops translating when it finds a syntax error.

Why: Interpreter stops at the first error (1); no comparison with when the compiler reports errors.

No marks0/2

A compiler reports a syntax error immediately, before translating the rest of the program.

Why: Reverses the compiler's behaviour; it finishes translating before reporting errors.

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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