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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 10 marks

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1Describe2 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.

2Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

Two computers exchange data over a network.

Explain why network protocols are needed for the two computers to communicate.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Devices (can) understand/interpret the data they receive (1) because they follow the same set of rules for communication (1)
  • Data is sent in an agreed format/structure (1) so the receiving device can interpret/understand it correctly (1)
  • Devices (can) connect/communicate successfully (1) because they agree how the data is transmitted, such as the type of signal used (1)
  • Errors (can) be detected/handled (1) because both devices follow the same rules for checking the data (1)

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

Do not accept 'so devices can talk/communicate with each other' or 'so they can understand each other' without saying they follow the same rules/agreed format.

Do not accept an answer that only states protocols are a set of rules, without saying what this allows (e.g. the data can be understood/interpreted).

Do not accept a faster connection/speed as a reason why protocols are needed.

Do not accept naming a protocol (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, Wi-Fi) without an explanation of why it is needed.

Do not accept a description of what a protocol does (e.g. 'TCP splits data into packets') without saying why this is needed.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Devices can understand the data they receive (1) because they follow the same set of rules for communication (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): following the same rules is what lets the devices understand the data.

Some marks1/2

Data is sent in an agreed format (1).

Why: Point (1) identified, but no linked reason saying what the agreed format achieves.

No marks0/2

Protocols are needed so the connection is faster (0) because more data can be sent at once.

Why: Speed is not a reason protocols are needed, so there is no creditworthy point or linked reason.

3Discuss6 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A software company is writing a new program that will be sold to users who have different types of computer. The program does not need to control the hardware of the computer directly. The company must decide whether to write the program in a high-level language or a low-level language.

Discuss whether the company should use a high-level language or a low-level language to write this program.

Your answer should consider:

  • machine independence
  • processor specificity
  • how the code is translated for each type of computer.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Machine independence

  • A high-level language is machine independent, so the same source code can be run on different types of computer with few or no changes.
  • The company can write the program once and sell it to users with different computers, without rewriting the code for each type of computer.
  • Only one version of the program needs to be written and maintained, so development takes the company less time.

Processor specificity

  • A low-level language is processor-specific, so a program written for one processor will not run on a different processor without being rewritten.
  • Assembly language instructions depend on the instruction set of the particular processor, so the company would need a separate version of the program for each type of computer.
  • Writing a separate low-level version for every type of computer would take the company much longer than writing one high-level program.
  • Low-level code gives direct control of the hardware of one processor, so it is better suited to device drivers than to a program that must run on many different computers.

Translation

  • High-level source code is translated for each type of computer by a compiler or an interpreter, so one version of the source code is enough for all the users.
  • Assembly language is translated into machine code by an assembler, and the assembler produces machine code for one specific processor only.
  • Machine code is already in a form that one particular processor can execute directly, but the same machine code will not run on a different processor.
  • Each high-level statement translates into several machine code instructions, so the programmer does not need to know the instruction set of the processor.

Levels

  • Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
  • Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Additional guidance

  • Level 3 responses must cover both high-level machine independence and low-level processor specificity, with the effect on the company's decision.
  • Do not award low-level language, assembly language or machine code as portable, or 'high-level languages are written in English/like English' as a reason for machine independence.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

A high-level language is machine independent, so the company can write the program once and it will run on different types of computer with few or no changes. A different compiler is used for each type of processor to translate that same source code into the machine code for that computer, so the company can sell one program to all of its users. A low-level language is processor-specific, so a program written in assembly for one processor will not run on a different one. The assembler produces machine code for one particular instruction set, so the company would need to write a separate version for each type of computer, which would take much longer. As the program does not need to control the hardware directly, the company should use a high-level language.

Why: Develops high-level machine independence with the compiler translating for each processor, and low-level processor specificity with the assembler producing machine code for one instruction set, both applied to the company's decision, in a coherent and sustained argument: Level 3, 6 marks.

Some marks3/6

A high-level language is machine independent, so the company can write the program once. A different compiler is used for each type of computer to translate the code, so users with different computers can all run the same program. A low-level language is processor-specific, so it would not be as suitable for the company.

Why: Machine independence is linked to the compiler and applied to the users, but processor specificity is only asserted and no translation of low-level code is given, so the reasoning is not sustained: Level 2, 3 marks.

Some marks1/6

High-level languages are machine independent because they are written in English, so the company can sell the program to anyone. Low-level languages are machine code, so they can be translated to run on any type of computer.

Why: One basic point that high-level languages are machine independent, applied by selling to anyone (1). 'Written in English' is not a reason for machine independence and low-level code is not portable, so neither is credited: Level 1, 1 mark.

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

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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

Build a paper on this topic 18
Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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