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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 514 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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1Short recall1 markTranslators Swap Remove

A compiler translates programs written in a high-level language.

State how much of a program a compiler translates before the program is run.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • The whole program (before it is run) (1)

Allow all of the code/the entire program/the whole program in one go

Do not accept one line/statement at a time or each line as it is executed

Do not accept translating only the lines that contain errors

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The whole program, before it is run.

Why: Whole program translated before it is run (1).

No marks0/1

It translates the program one line at a time.

Why: Describes an interpreter; the scheme does not accept line-by-line translation.

No marks0/1

It translates only the lines that contain errors.

Why: Not a compiler behaviour; the scheme does not accept translating only error lines.

2Describe2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

A high-level program must be translated into machine code before it can be run.

Describe how a compiler and an interpreter differ in when the translated code is executed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The interpreter executes each line as soon as it has been translated (1) so translation and execution happen together/at the same time (1)
  • The compiler translates the whole program first (1) and the machine code is run later/separately (1)
  • The interpreter translates the code and runs it while the program is running (1) whereas the compiler does not run the code it produces (1)
  • The compiler produces translated code that is executed only after all the translation has finished (1) but the interpreter executes each line immediately (1)

Allow 'translates one line at a time' where it is linked to executing each line immediately.

Do not accept answers that only state that a compiler is faster/an interpreter is slower, without reference to when execution happens.

Do not accept answers that only give object code, error reporting or portability, without reference to when execution happens.

Do not accept the compiler executing the program as it translates it.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The compiler translates the code first and the program is executed afterwards, but the interpreter executes each line as soon as it has been translated.

Why: Compiler translates the whole program first and it is executed afterwards (1) and interpreter executes each line as soon as it is translated (1).

Some marks1/2

The interpreter executes each line immediately after translating it.

Why: Correct interpreter timing (1); no comparison with when the compiler's translated code is executed.

No marks0/2

The compiler executes the program line by line as it translates it.

Why: Reverses the two translators; a compiler does not execute the program it translates, so no mark.

3Explain2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

High-level languages are designed to be easier to learn than low-level languages.

Explain one reason why a high-level language is easier to learn than a low-level language.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Statements are written in English-like words/use maths symbols (1) so the programmer can understand more easily what each one does (1)
  • The language uses meaningful names for variables/structured constructs such as loops (1) so the code is easier to read/follow (1)
  • One statement translates into several machine code instructions (1) so there are fewer instructions to learn/understand for the same task (1)

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

Do not accept 'it is easier' / 'it is simpler' on its own, without saying what is easier/simpler.

Do not accept 'the computer understands it directly' / 'it does not need translating'.

Do not award answers about the program running faster or using less memory, as these are not about ease of learning.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Statements are written in English-like words (1) so the programmer can understand more easily what each line does (1).

Why: Linked point (1) of English-like statements and reason (1) that these are easier to understand.

Some marks1/2

It uses meaningful names for variables (1) so it is easier.

Why: Point (1) that meaningful names for variables are used, but 'so it is easier' is not accepted as the linked reason.

No marks0/2

Because the computer can understand high-level code without translation.

Why: Misconception that high-level code is understood directly by the computer; no creditworthy characteristic of the language is given.

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

Build a paper on this topic 56
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

Build a paper on this topic 124
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

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
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

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