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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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4 questions · 7 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

The TCP/IP model is made up of four layers.

Identify the layer that is responsible for routing packets.

[1 mark]
  • AApplication
  • BInternet
  • CLink
  • DTransport
Mark scheme
  • B Internet (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is Internet.
  • A is not correct because the application layer creates data for applications such as web browsers and does not route packets
  • C is not correct because the link layer sends data over physical hardware using MAC addresses and does not route packets
  • D is not correct because the transport layer sets up the connection between two computers and reassembles the packets
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Internet

Why: The internet layer is responsible for routing packets (1).

No marks0/1

A Application

Why: The application layer creates data for applications such as web browsers and does not route packets (0).

No marks0/1

C Link

Why: Confuses the link layer with the internet layer: the link layer sends data over physical hardware using MAC addresses and does not route packets (0).

2Short recall2 marksWired Connections Swap Remove

A school connects its desktop computers to the network using cables.

Give two reasons why the wired connections give better network performance than the wireless connections.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Faster transmission speed (1)
  • Higher bandwidth (1)
  • Lower latency (1)
  • Not affected by interference (from other devices/walls) (1)
  • No blind spots/not affected by distance from the wireless access point (1)

Do not accept benefits of wireless connections, e.g. users can move around the building with their devices

Do not accept 'easier to set up' or 'does not need a password' as these are not about network performance

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The wired connection is not affected by interference from other devices, and it has a lower latency than Wi-Fi.

Why: Interference point (1) and lower latency point (1).

Some marks1/2

It has a faster transmission speed and the users can move around the building with their computers.

Why: Faster transmission speed (1); moving around is a benefit of wireless, so is not credited.

No marks0/2

It is easier to set up the network and the users do not need a password.

Why: Neither point is about network performance; the mark scheme does not accept 'easier to set up' or password points, so no marks.

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.

4Explain2 marksWireless Connections Swap Remove

An office wireless network is near a microwave oven and several other wireless networks.

Explain how interference can affect the speed of a wireless network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The speed of data transfer is reduced/is slower (1) because interference corrupts the radio signal, so data/packets are lost and have to be resent/retransmitted (1)
  • The network speed is lower (1) because there is more noise on the wireless signal, so data is sent at a lower transmission rate (1)
  • The throughput of the wireless network is reduced (1) because time is used resending corrupted data/packets instead of sending new data (1)

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

Award 1 mark for a statement that the speed/transfer rate is reduced (e.g. slower, takes longer), even if no reason is given.

Do not accept 'interference damages/corrupts the radio signal' or 'the signal is weaker' on its own without a link to the speed.

Do not accept 'data is lost' on its own without saying how this reduces the speed.

Do not accept 'interference increases the bandwidth' or 'interference makes the signal stronger'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Interference corrupts the radio signal, so packets are lost and resent, which makes the data transfer slower.

Why: Linked point (1): data transfer is slower; reason (1): interference corrupts the signal so packets are lost and resent.

Some marks1/2

The speed of the wireless network will be lower.

Why: Point only (1): states the effect on speed. No linked reason why interference causes this.

No marks0/2

Interference increases the bandwidth, so the data travels faster.

Why: Misconception that interference increases bandwidth; the mark scheme says not to accept this.

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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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