Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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

• Statements are written using words/phrases that look like English or maths (1) so the code is easier to read/understand/write (1)
• One statement is translated into several machine code instructions (1) so programs are shorter to write than in a low-level language (1)
• High-level languages provide built-in data structures such as arrays/lists/records (1) so a collection of data items can be stored and accessed under one name (1)

Do not accept responses that only give a benefit or drawback, such as 'it is easier to learn', with no characteristic.

Do not accept 'it is easier than a low-level language' without saying what the characteristic is.

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

• The compiler produces object code/machine code for the whole program (1) so there is no complete executable until every line has been translated (1)
• The compiler translates all the source code before producing the object code (1) so the program cannot start until translation has finished (1)
• The compiler checks the whole program for errors during translation (1) so all of the source code must be read before an executable can be produced (1)

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

Allow 'in one go'/'all at once' for the translation point, but this does not earn the second mark unless it is linked to why the program cannot be executed until translation has finished.

A statement that the whole program is translated, with no linked reason about when the program can be executed, earns 1 mark only.

Do not accept 'a compiler is faster' or 'compiled code runs faster' on its own; this does not explain why translation must finish before execution.

Do not accept 'it translates and runs the program one line at a time', as this describes an interpreter.