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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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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.

2Short recall2 marksWired Connections Swap Remove

A school connects its desktop computers to the network using cables.

Give two reasons why the wired connections give better network performance than the wireless connections.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Faster transmission speed (1)
  • Higher bandwidth (1)
  • Lower latency (1)
  • Not affected by interference (from other devices/walls) (1)
  • No blind spots/not affected by distance from the wireless access point (1)

Do not accept benefits of wireless connections, e.g. users can move around the building with their devices

Do not accept 'easier to set up' or 'does not need a password' as these are not about network performance

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The wired connection is not affected by interference from other devices, and it has a lower latency than Wi-Fi.

Why: Interference point (1) and lower latency point (1).

Some marks1/2

It has a faster transmission speed and the users can move around the building with their computers.

Why: Faster transmission speed (1); moving around is a benefit of wireless, so is not credited.

No marks0/2

It is easier to set up the network and the users do not need a password.

Why: Neither point is about network performance; the mark scheme does not accept 'easier to set up' or password points, so no marks.

3Explain2 marksWired Connections Swap Remove

Latency is the delay between data being sent and received. A player of online games uses a wired Ethernet connection instead of a wireless connection.

Explain one reason why the wired connection can have a lower latency.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The cable provides a direct physical path to the switch/router (1) so data does not have to travel through the air where it can be delayed by obstacles such as walls (1)
  • The cable is not shared with other wireless devices (1) so data does not have to wait for a free channel before it is sent (1)
  • The data travels straight along the cable to the switch (1) so the time taken for it to reach its destination is short (1)

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

Do not accept 'the wired connection is faster' on its own without saying why the delay between sending and receiving is shorter.

Do not accept a definition of latency without a reason.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The cable gives the computer a direct physical path to the switch, so the data does not have to travel through the air where it could be delayed by obstacles.

Why: Gives the point of a direct physical path (1) and links it to data not being delayed by obstacles in the air (1).

Some marks1/2

The wired connection gives a direct path, so it is quicker.

Why: Gives the point about the direct path (1) but 'quicker' only restates lower latency and does not explain why the delay is shorter.

No marks0/2

Wired connections have lower latency because the internet speed is faster.

Why: Confuses speed with latency; no reason is given for a shorter delay, and 'faster' on its own is not accepted.

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

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

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