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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

Identify what a router does with a data packet it receives.

[1 mark]
  • AGives the packet a number
  • BSends it on to the next router
  • CPuts the packets into order
  • DRebuilds the original file
Mark scheme
  • B Sends it on to the next router (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is sends it on to the next router.
  • A is not correct because a packet is given its number by the sending computer before it is sent
  • C is not correct because packets are put back into order by the receiving computer
  • D is not correct because the original file is rebuilt by the receiving computer once all the packets arrive
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Sends it on to the next router

Why: Selected the action a router performs on a packet it receives (1).

No marks0/1

D Rebuilds the original file

Why: A near miss: rebuilding the file is a packet switching action, but it is done by the receiving computer, not by a router.

No marks0/1

A Gives the packet a number

Why: Misconception: packets are numbered by the sending computer, so a router does not add a packet number.

2Short recall1 markAddressing Swap Remove

Routers forward data packets across the internet.

State the part of a data packet that a router uses to decide where to send it.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • (Destination) IP address (1)

Allow IP address on its own (the destination is implied).

Do not accept source IP address/IP address of the sender.

Do not accept MAC address.

Do not accept domain name/web address.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The destination IP address.

Why: Names the destination IP address (1).

No marks0/1

The domain name.

Why: A domain name is not used by a router to route a packet; it must be translated to an IP address first, so no mark.

No marks0/1

The MAC address.

Why: A MAC address is not used to route packets across the internet; the Do not accept line applies.

3Explain2 marksTopologies Swap Remove

A mesh topology has many connections between devices.

Explain one reason why a mesh topology is resilient.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • There is no single point of failure (1) because there is no central device that all the other devices depend on (1)
  • If one device/connection fails, the network can still communicate/work (1) because data can be sent along another route between devices (1)
  • A faulty device/connection can be bypassed (1) because each device is connected to more than one other device (1)

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

Allow one mark for a correct point without a linked reason.

Allow 'the network can still communicate/work' as the outcome point and 'if one cable/connection breaks' as the failure point.

Allow 'reliable'/'robust' only when expanded with a reason, such as multiple routes or no single point of failure.

Do not accept 'it has many connections' on its own without saying why this makes the network resilient.

Do not accept 'mesh is faster' or 'data is backed up' as these do not explain resilience.

Do not accept 'it uses a central switch/device' as part of the explanation.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

There is no single point of failure because each device is connected to several others, so data can take another route if one connection fails.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): no single point of failure is explained by multiple connections and alternative routes.

Some marks1/2

If one device fails, the network still works.

Why: Awarded 1 mark for the correct outcome point; no linked reason about multiple routes or connections is given.

No marks0/2

It is resilient because a central switch redirects data around a broken cable.

Why: No credit: the mark scheme does not accept a central switch in a mesh explanation, and no valid point about multiple routes is given.

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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