Menu
Exam Questions

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 693 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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

3 questions · 5 marks

Pick again
Print
1Multiple choice1 markAddressing Swap Remove

Data is sent across the internet in packets.

Identify the device that uses IP addresses to forward packets from one network to another.

[1 mark]
  • AHub
  • BNetwork interface card
  • CRouter
  • DSwitch
Mark scheme
  • C Router (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is router.
  • A is not correct because a hub sends data to every device on the network
  • B is not correct because a network interface card connects a device to a network
  • D is not correct because a switch forwards data within a single network using MAC addresses
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C Router

Why: Correct option (1): a router uses IP addresses to forward packets between networks.

No marks0/1

D Switch

Why: A switch forwards data within one network using MAC addresses, not between networks (mark scheme line D), so no mark.

No marks0/1

A Hub

Why: A hub only sends data to every device on the network (mark scheme line A), so no mark.

2Describe2 marksAddressing Swap Remove

Devices on a network use IP addresses.

Describe the purpose of an IP address.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Identifies a device on a network (1) so data can be sent to the correct device (1)
  • Gives a device a unique address (1) so packets can be routed to it across the internet (1)
  • Identifies a device on the internet (1) so it can send/receive data to/from other devices (1)

Allow 'unique' only where it is linked to identifying the device or to routing data; 'unique' on its own is not creditworthy.

Do not accept answers that only say it connects a device to the internet.

Do not accept a MAC address as the purpose of an IP address.

Do not accept domain names/web addresses (e.g. google.co.uk) as an IP address.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network so that data packets can be delivered to the correct destination.

Why: Linked point (1): identifies a device on a network; development (1): so data can be sent to the correct device.

Some marks1/2

It identifies a device on a network.

Why: Point only (1): identifies a device on a network; no linked development.

No marks0/2

It is a website address, such as google.co.uk, that the browser uses to find a web page.

Why: No creditworthy point: gives a domain name/web address, which the mark scheme says not to accept as an IP address.

3Explain2 marksTopologies Swap Remove

A bus topology has a terminator at each end of its cable.

Explain why terminators are needed in a bus topology.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Terminators absorb the signal at the ends of the cable (1) so it is not reflected back along the bus (1)
  • Terminators prevent signals reflecting/bouncing back (1) so the reflected signal does not corrupt data on the cable (1)
  • Terminators absorb the signal (1) so it does not collide/interfere with data being sent by other devices (1)
  • Terminators stop the signal reflecting back down the cable (1) so data can be transmitted and received without errors (1)

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

Allow 'interfere'/'corrupt' only where the answer says the reflected signal mixes with/collides with data on the cable.

Do not accept 'to stop the signal' on its own, as stopping the signal is not the same as stopping it reflecting back along the cable.

Do not accept 'to terminate the cable/network', 'to end the cable' or 'to stop the cable breaking'.

Do not award responses that only repeat the stem, e.g. 'because there is a terminator at each end'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Terminators absorb the signal at each end of the cable so that it does not reflect back along the bus.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): absorbing the signal is linked to it not being reflected back along the bus.

Some marks1/2

Terminators absorb the signal at the ends of the cable.

Why: Awarded 1 mark for the point that the signal is absorbed, but no linked consequence is given.

No marks0/2

They terminate the network so the cable does not break.

Why: No credit: it does not say the signal is absorbed or that reflections are prevented, and the mark scheme rejects 'to terminate the network' and 'to stop the cable breaking'.

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

Build a paper on this topic 24
Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

Build a paper on this topic 77
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

4.2 Network security

Build a paper on this topic 36
Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

Build a paper on this topic 36
E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

Build a paper on this topic 71
Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Activities Flashcards Revision notes

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.