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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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2 questions · 4 marks

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1Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

Email protocols are used when an email is sent and received.

Explain the role of SMTP when an email is sent.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Sends outgoing email from the client to the mail server (1) so it can be forwarded/relayed to the recipient's mail server (1)
  • Transfers email between mail servers (1) so it reaches the destination server (1)
  • Pushes/sends the email message (1) because it handles outgoing mail while POP3/IMAP handle incoming mail (1)

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

Do not accept receiving/downloading email or storing email on the server, which is POP3/IMAP.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

SMTP sends the email from the sender's computer to the mail server so it can be forwarded on to the recipient's mail server.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): sends to the mail server so it can be forwarded.

Some marks1/2

SMTP is used to send emails.

Why: Role (1) identified, but no linked reason or expansion of what sending involves.

No marks0/2

SMTP downloads the email to the recipient's device so they can read it.

Why: Downloading email is the role of POP3/IMAP, not SMTP, so no credit is given.

2Explain2 marksAddressing Swap Remove

The internet is moving from IPv4 addresses to IPv6 addresses.

Explain why IPv6 addresses are needed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • IPv4 addresses are 32-bit (1) so there are only about 4 billion of them/not enough for every device (1)
  • More devices are connecting to the internet than IPv4 can address (1) so a larger range of addresses is needed (1)
  • IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (1) so far more devices can be given an address (1)

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

Do not accept 'IPv6 is newer/better/faster/more secure' without a link to the number of addresses available.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

IPv4 addresses are only 32 bits long, so there are not enough of them for all the devices that now connect to the internet.

Why: Point that IPv4 addresses are 32-bit (1) and linked reason that this limits the number of addresses below the number of devices (1).

Some marks1/2

Because we have run out of IPv4 addresses.

Why: A valid point (1) but no linked reason about why IPv4 addresses are limited, such as the 32-bit size or the number of devices.

No marks0/2

Because IPv6 is newer and more secure than IPv4.

Why: No link to the number of addresses available; the mark scheme says not to accept newer/better/more secure on its own.

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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