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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.

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3 questions · 5 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markAddressing Swap Remove

A packet of data is sent across the internet to a web server. The packet has a header that stores information about the packet.

Identify the information in the packet header that a router uses to forward the packet towards its destination.

[1 mark]
  • AThe destination domain name
  • BThe destination IP address
  • CThe MAC address of the sender
  • DThe name of the file being sent
Mark scheme
  • B The destination IP address (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is the destination IP address.
  • A is not correct because a domain name is converted to an IP address by a DNS server before routing begins
  • C is not correct because the sender's MAC address is only used to deliver the packet on the local network
  • D is not correct because the file name is not used to route packets
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B The destination IP address

Why: Correct option (1): a router reads the destination IP address in the header to forward the packet towards its destination.

No marks0/1

A The destination domain name

Why: A domain name is converted to an IP address by a DNS server before routing begins, so it is not the routing information in the header (mark scheme line A); no mark.

No marks0/1

C The MAC address of the sender

Why: The sender's MAC address is only used to deliver the packet on the local network, so it is not used by the router to forward the packet (mark scheme line C); no mark.

2Explain2 marksThe Internet Swap Remove

A home network is connected to the internet by a router.

Explain one reason why a home network uses a router to connect its devices to the internet.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • All the devices can share one internet connection (1) because the router forwards data packets between the home network and the internet (1)
  • Data can reach the correct device on the home network (1) because the router uses the destination IP address to forward each packet to that device (1)
  • Each device does not need its own separate connection to the internet (1) because the router forwards data packets for all the devices between the home network and the internet (1)

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

Do not accept 'it provides Wi-Fi' because Wi-Fi is not why a router is needed to connect to the internet.

Do not accept 'it connects the home network/devices to the internet' or 'a router connects networks' without saying what the router does with the data, as this restates the question.

Do not accept 'it connects the cables' without saying what it does with the data.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It lets all the devices share the internet connection because it forwards their data packets between the home network and the internet.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): the router forwards data packets between the home network and the internet.

Some marks1/2

All the devices can share one internet connection because it connects the home network to the internet.

Why: Point (1) for sharing one internet connection, but the reason only restates that it connects the network to the internet, which the scheme does not accept.

No marks0/2

It provides Wi-Fi for the devices.

Why: Wi-Fi is not why a router is needed to connect to the internet; do not accept.

3Explain2 marksWireless Connections Swap Remove

A library has one wireless access point fixed at one end of the building.

Explain one effect of the range of the wireless access point on the performance of the wireless network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Devices near the edge/limit of the range receive a weaker signal/lower signal strength (1) so data is transferred more slowly/the connection speed/bandwidth is lower (1)
  • Devices near the edge/limit of the range receive a weaker signal/lower signal strength (1) so latency increases (1)
  • Devices outside the range cannot connect to the access point (1) so users in that area cannot use the network/access its resources (1)
  • A device that moves out of range loses its connection (1) so the user's work is interrupted until it is back in range (1)

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

For the second mark, the reason must state the effect on the user/network (e.g. cannot use the network/access resources, slower speed, higher latency), not just repeat that the device is out of range.

Do not accept a definition of range on its own (e.g. 'range is how far the signal reaches') without an effect on performance.

Do not accept 'a larger range means more devices can connect' (range is not about the number of devices/capacity).

Do not accept range confused with bandwidth/speed, e.g. 'range is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A device at the edge of the range has a weak signal, so its connection speed is slower.

Why: Linked point (1): weak signal at the edge of the range; reason (1): connection speed is slower.

Some marks1/2

Devices outside the range cannot connect to the network.

Why: Point only (1): outside the range a device cannot connect. No linked reason about the effect on use/performance.

No marks0/2

Range is the distance that a wireless signal can travel.

Why: A definition of range, not an effect on performance; the mark scheme says not to accept this on its own.

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

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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

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Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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