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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 · 3 marks

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1Short recall1 markProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

TCP is a protocol in the transport layer of the TCP/IP model.

State one role of TCP when data is transmitted over a network.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

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

  • Breaks messages/data into packets (1)
  • Reassembles packets (at the destination) (1)
  • Detects errors (1)
  • Resends lost/missing packets/requests retransmission of lost packets (1)
  • Creates/establishes a connection between two computers/hosts/sets up a connection before data is sent (1)

Do not accept routing packets or using IP addresses, which is the role of IP.

Do not accept encrypting data or providing security.

Do not accept vague answers such as 'transmits data' or 'sends data' without saying how TCP does this.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

It splits data into packets.

Why: States that TCP breaks data into packets.

No marks0/1

It routes packets between IP addresses.

Why: Near-miss: routing packets is the role of IP, not TCP.

No marks0/1

It encrypts data so it is secure.

Why: Encryption is not a role of TCP, so no creditworthy point.

2Describe2 marksPrimary Memory Swap Remove

Computers use RAM to hold data and instructions while programs run. RAM is volatile.

Describe what this means for the data and instructions that are held in RAM.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The data and instructions held in RAM are lost/cleared/erased when the power is switched off / is cut (1) so RAM can only hold the data and instructions for programs that are currently running (1)
  • If the power is switched off, the data and instructions held in RAM cannot be read/used by the CPU (1) so a program cannot carry on from where it stopped (1)
  • RAM can only hold the data and instructions for a program while the computer is switched on (1) because it loses its contents / cannot keep them without a continuous power supply (1)

Accept 'RAM needs a continuous power supply' / 'RAM needs power to keep its data and instructions' as an alternative way of saying that the data and instructions in RAM are lost when the power is switched off (1). Do not award a second mark for a response that only repeats that the contents are lost when the power is switched off (e.g. 'the data is gone when the power is off').

Do not accept responses that say the data and instructions in RAM are permanent / are stored when the power is off.

Do not award a mark for responses that say RAM is temporary / temporarily holds data with no reference to the power being switched off.

Do not award a mark for responses that state data is deleted/lost without any reference to the power being switched off.

Do not award a mark for responses about RAM being fast, small/large in capacity or read-only, as these do not describe volatility.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The data and instructions held in RAM are lost when the power is switched off so RAM can only hold the data and instructions for programs that are currently running.

Why: Linked point (1): the contents are lost when the power is switched off, plus a distinct linked development (1): RAM only holds the data and instructions for programs that are currently running.

Some marks1/2

If the power is cut then the data and instructions in RAM are gone.

Why: Correct point (1): the data and instructions are lost when the power is cut; no distinct development is given, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

RAM is volatile, which means the data in it is stored permanently and cannot be changed.

Why: Reverses the meaning of volatile and says the contents are permanent; this is the misconception covered by the 'Do not accept' line, so no mark.

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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