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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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1Short recall2 marksTopologies Swap Remove

Mesh is a type of network topology.

State two characteristics of a mesh topology.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Each node/device has multiple direct connections to other nodes/devices (in a full mesh, every node is connected directly to every other node) (1)
  • There is no central device/switch (1)
  • Nodes act as routers/relay data for other nodes / data can take multiple/different routes to its destination / data can still be sent if a connection/node fails (1)
  • More connections/cables are needed as the number of nodes increases (1)
  • The network can be expanded without disrupting existing devices (1)

Allow answers that refer to full or partial mesh.

Allow 'more connections/cables are needed' and 'can be expanded' as characteristics (they may be described as advantages or disadvantages).

Do not accept 'more secure' or 'no collisions' without qualification.

Do not accept 'fast' or 'reliable' without qualification.

Do not accept all devices connect to one main cable (this describes a bus topology).

Do not accept it uses a central switch/hub or data is sent through a central hub (this describes a star topology).

Do not accept 'expensive' without qualification (e.g. because more cables/connections are needed).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Each device is connected to several other devices, and data can be sent along more than one route.

Why: Multiple direct connections (1) and data can take multiple routes (1).

Some marks1/2

There is no central switch.

Why: No central device credited (1), but only one characteristic given.

No marks0/2

Data is sent through a central hub.

Why: Misconception: this describes a star topology, not a mesh topology.

2Short recall1 markImages Swap Remove

A bitmap image has a resolution.

State what is meant by the resolution of an image.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • The concentration/density of pixels in an area (1)
  • The number of pixels per inch (PPI) / pixels per unit area (1)
  • The width and height/dimensions of the image in pixels (1)

Do not accept the number of pixels in the image on its own, without dimensions or an area, e.g. 'the total number of pixels'

Do not accept colour depth / the number of bits used per pixel / the number of colours

Do not accept file size in bytes / the amount of storage the image uses / screen size / image quality

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The concentration of pixels in an area, such as the number of pixels per inch.

Why: Gives the density/concentration of pixels in an area, and pixels per inch (1)

No marks0/1

The number of pixels in the image.

Why: A bare total pixel count is not accepted without dimensions or an area

No marks0/1

The number of bits used to store each pixel's colour.

Why: Describes colour depth, not resolution, and colour depth is not accepted

3Describe2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

High-level code can be translated by a compiler or by an interpreter.

Describe how a compiler translates high-level code differently from an interpreter.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The compiler translates the whole program/complete source code in one go (1) whereas the interpreter translates one line/statement at a time (1)
  • The compiler translates all of the source code before any of it is run/executed (1) but the interpreter translates each line/statement as it reads it (1)
  • The interpreter translates one line/statement at a time (1) and the compiler translates the whole program/source code together (1)

Accept the compiler point and the interpreter point in either order.

Do not accept responses about object code/executable files, when the translated code is executed, how errors are reported, or speed/memory use.

Do not accept 'the interpreter executes/runs each line' on its own, without saying that it translates one line/statement at a time.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A compiler translates the whole program in one go, while an interpreter translates one line at a time.

Why: Whole program translated in one go (1) and interpreter translates one line at a time (1).

Some marks1/2

A compiler translates the whole program in one go.

Why: Whole program translated in one go (1); no linked point about the interpreter translating a line at a time.

No marks0/2

A compiler produces an executable file, but an interpreter does not.

Why: Describes the output, not the amount translated at a time; object code/executable files are not accepted.

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