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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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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.

2Explain2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

An interpreter translates a program one line at a time.

Explain why an interpreted program stops when it reaches a line that contains a syntax error.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The interpreter translates and executes each line in turn (1) so it cannot continue past a line it cannot translate (1)
  • The interpreter finds the error when it reaches that line (1) so it stops and displays an error message before later lines are executed (1)
  • Each line is translated just before it is executed (1) so a syntax error in that line prevents that translation/execution from happening (1)
  • The interpreter does not translate the whole program first (1) so it only discovers the error when that line is reached during execution (1)

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

Do not accept 'the program crashes' without saying that the interpreter cannot translate/execute the line.

Do not accept answers about how a compiler reports errors.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The interpreter translates each line just before it executes it, so when it reaches the line with the syntax error it cannot translate that line and stops.

Why: Line-by-line translation (1) linked to being unable to translate the faulty line, so stopping (1).

Some marks1/2

The interpreter translates one line at a time, so it stops at the error.

Why: Line-by-line translation (1); 'stops at the error' repeats the outcome and does not explain why it cannot continue.

No marks0/2

It stops because the compiler reports all errors at the end.

Why: Describes a compiler, not an interpreter; no credit.

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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