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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 · 4 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markPacket Switching Swap Remove

Data is broken into packets and sent across the internet.

Identify the device that forwards a packet towards its destination.

[1 mark]
  • AHub
  • BRouter
  • CServer
  • DSwitch
Mark scheme
  • B Router (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is Router.
  • A is not correct because a hub sends the data it receives to every device on the network
  • C is not correct because a server provides services, such as web pages, to client computers
  • D is not correct because a switch forwards data between the devices on one network
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Router

Why: Selected the correct device: a router reads the destination IP address in each packet and forwards it towards its destination (1).

No marks0/1

D Switch

Why: A near miss: a switch forwards data between devices on one network, but it is a router that forwards packets between networks towards their destination, so no mark.

No marks0/1

A Hub

Why: Misconception from the examiners' reports: confusing LAN hardware with internet routing. A hub sends data to every device on the network and does not read IP addresses to forward packets, so no mark.

2Short recall1 markWired Connections Swap Remove

Wired connections have characteristics that affect network performance.

State what is meant by the range of a wired network connection.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • The maximum distance data/a signal can be transmitted before it becomes too weak to be received (1)

Allow 'how far a signal can travel'.

Do not accept the number of devices that can be connected to the network.

Do not accept the speed at which data is transmitted.

Do not accept bandwidth/the maximum capacity of a channel.

Do not accept latency/the delay between a signal being sent and received.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The maximum distance a signal can be transmitted before it becomes too weak to be received.

Why: Gives the maximum distance a signal can be transmitted before it becomes too weak, which is the creditworthy point (1).

No marks0/1

The maximum capacity of the connection.

Why: This describes bandwidth, which the mark scheme says not to accept for range, so no mark.

No marks0/1

The delay between a signal being sent and received.

Why: This describes latency/delay, which the mark scheme says not to accept for range, so no mark.

3Explain2 marksLANs & WANs Swap Remove

A company has offices in three different countries.

Explain one reason why the company needs a WAN to connect its offices.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The offices are a large distance apart/in different countries (1) so a WAN connects the separate networks over a large geographical area (1)
  • A WAN connects two or more LANs together (1) so the separate office networks can communicate (1)
  • A WAN can use leased lines rented from telecommunications companies (1) because the company does not own the long-distance cabling between countries (1)

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

Allow 'a WAN covers a large geographical area' as the WAN feature (1) when linked to the company's offices being in different countries/cities (1).

Allow leased lines rented from telecommunications companies as the WAN feature (1) if linked to the company not owning the long-distance cabling (1).

Do not accept 'a WAN is bigger/faster' without saying that it connects networks over a large distance.

Do not accept 'the offices are in different countries' on its own as a linked explanation, because it does not state a WAN feature.

Do not accept 'WAN covers a large area' on its own without linking it to the company's offices.

Do not accept 'the internet is a WAN' on its own.

Do not accept 'more secure/safer' on its own because this does not explain the need to connect distant offices.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The offices are in different countries, so a WAN is needed to connect the networks over a large geographical area.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): different countries need a WAN's large-area coverage.

Some marks1/2

The offices are far apart.

Why: Earns the first mark for the distance point; no linked reason about WAN coverage.

No marks0/2

A WAN is needed because it is more secure than a LAN.

Why: No credit: security is not a reason for needing a WAN, and the mark scheme rejects it.

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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