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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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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 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.

3Describe2 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.

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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