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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 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.

2Describe2 marksWireless Connections Swap Remove

A network can use wired connections or wireless connections.

Describe why a wireless connection can have a higher latency than a wired connection.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Interference from other devices corrupts the wireless signal (1) so the data has to be resent, which increases the delay (1)
  • Devices on a wireless network take turns to use the same channel/frequency (1) so a device may have to wait for the channel to be free before it can transmit, which adds to the delay (1)
  • Data on a wireless connection must pass through the access point to reach the wired network (1) so the extra processing/conversion at the access point adds a delay (1)

Do not accept responses that only state that a wireless connection is slower/less reliable than a wired connection, without explaining how this adds latency.

Do not accept 'data is sent through the air' on its own, as this does not explain why latency is higher.

Do not accept responses about bandwidth or speed on their own.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Interference from other devices can corrupt the wireless signal, so the data has to be resent, which increases the delay.

Why: Linked point: interference corrupts the signal (1), developed by the delay caused by resending the data (1).

Some marks1/2

Wireless signals can be corrupted by interference from other devices.

Why: The point that interference corrupts the wireless signal (1) is given, but there is no development of how this leads to a delay.

No marks0/2

Wireless is slower than a wired connection, so it has a higher latency.

Why: Only states that wireless is slower, without explaining how this adds latency, so it is not accepted.

3Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

The TCP/IP model has four layers.

Explain one function of the transport layer when a file is sent over a network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Splits the data/file into packets (1) so each packet can be sent separately across the network (1)
  • Adds a packet/sequence number to each packet (1) so the packets can be put back into the correct order at the destination (1)
  • Detects lost/missing packets (1) so they can be requested/resent (1)
  • Creates a connection between the two computers/hosts (1) before the file is sent (1)

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

Allow 'segments' for 'packets' (TCP divides the data into segments, which become packets at the internet layer).

Do not accept 'sends the data/file' on its own without saying what the transport layer does to the data.

Do not accept naming TCP or a port number on its own without expansion.

Do not accept routing/addressing packets using IP addresses, which is the internet layer.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The transport layer splits the data into packets so each packet can be sent separately across the network.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): splitting into packets lets each one be sent separately.

Some marks1/2

It splits the data into packets.

Why: Point (1) identified, but no linked reason given, so only the first mark is awarded.

No marks0/2

It routes the packets using IP addresses so they reach the right destination.

Why: Routing using IP addresses is the internet layer, not the transport layer, so no credit 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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