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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 · 6 marks

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1Short recall2 marksAddressing Swap Remove

The internet is a global network of networks.

Define the term IP address.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A unique identifier/number (1)
  • Given to a device on a network/the internet (1)
  • Used to send/receive/route data (to the correct destination) (1)

Allow computer/laptop/phone/printer etc. for device.

Do not accept a website address/domain name.

Do not accept MAC address (this is a hardware identifier set by the manufacturer, not an address given to a device for use on a network).

Do not accept 'an address'/'a location' on its own, without saying that it identifies a device on a network/the internet.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A unique number given to a device on the internet so that data can be sent to it.

Why: Unique identifier (1) and given to a device on the internet (1); the third creditworthy point is not needed for full marks.

Some marks1/2

A unique number.

Why: Gives a unique identifier (1) but does not say what it is given to or what it is used for.

No marks0/2

The address of a website, such as google.co.uk.

Why: Describes a domain name/website address, not an IP address; the Do not accept line applies.

2Short recall2 marksWireless Connections Swap Remove

Wireless networks have a limited range.

State two factors that can reduce the range of a wireless network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Walls/obstacles between the device and the access point (1)
  • Interference from other electrical devices/other devices/other wireless networks (1)
  • Distance from the access point (1)
  • Using a higher frequency band (e.g. 5GHz) (1)
  • Low transmit power of the access point/device (1)

Allow thick walls/furniture for walls/obstacles

Do not accept using more bandwidth

Do not accept a weaker signal without a stated cause

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Walls can block the signal, and moving further from the access point reduces the range.

Why: Gives walls as an obstacle (1) and distance from the access point (1).

Some marks1/2

Interference from other devices.

Why: Gives one valid factor, interference from other devices (1), but no second factor.

No marks0/2

Using more bandwidth reduces the range.

Why: Bandwidth does not reduce range; this is a near-miss listed as Do not accept, so no mark.

3Explain2 marksPacket Switching Swap Remove

A router connects a home network to the internet.

Explain how a router uses the destination IP address in a packet header.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The router reads the destination IP address (1) so it knows which network/device the packet is for (1)
  • The router looks up the destination IP address in its routing table (1) to find the next router/route for the packet (1)
  • The router forwards the packet to the next router (1) that leads towards that IP address / is on the best route (1)

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

Do not accept MAC address - routers use the IP address to route packets between networks.

Do not accept 'it finds the exact device' without saying how the router uses the address, e.g. routing table/next router.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The router looks up the destination IP address in its routing table to find the next router to send the packet to.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): looks up the destination IP address in the routing table to find the next router.

Some marks1/2

It reads the destination IP address.

Why: Reads the destination IP address (1) but gives no linked reason about a routing table or next router.

No marks0/2

It reads the MAC address so it knows which computer sent the packet.

Why: Routers use the IP address to route packets, not the MAC address; no creditworthy point.

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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