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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 · 6 marks

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1Short recall2 marksTopologies Swap Remove

Networks can use different topologies.

Define the term network topology.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The layout/arrangement/structure of a network (1)
  • How devices/nodes are connected together (1)

Allow 'the physical or logical layout/arrangement of a network' for the first point.

Allow 'the way parts of a system/network are connected' for the second point.

Do not award the first mark for 'how devices are connected' on its own.

Do not accept a named topology (e.g. star, bus, mesh) on its own.

Do not accept a network device or how data is transmitted on its own.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The layout of a network and how the devices in it are connected together.

Why: Layout/arrangement of a network (1) and how devices/nodes are connected together (1).

Some marks1/2

The way devices are connected in a network.

Why: How devices/nodes are connected together (1), but no reference to the layout/arrangement/structure of the network.

No marks0/2

A star network.

Why: Near miss: names a topology but does not define the term.

2Describe2 marksUser Management Swap Remove

An operating system manages the users of a computer.

Describe how an operating system checks that a user is allowed to log in.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The user enters a username/user ID and password/PIN (1) which is compared with the account details the operating system has stored (1)
  • The operating system keeps a file/list/database of users and their passwords (1) to check the login details the user enters against (1)
  • The operating system compares the entered details with the details stored for that user (1) and if they do not match, access is refused/denied (1)
  • The entered details are checked against the access rights stored for that user (1) so access is only allowed when the details are correct (1)

Do not award for 'it asks for a password' on its own, without saying what the password is checked against.

A stored list/file of users and passwords with no check of the login details earns one mark only.

Do not accept responses about file management, such as finding or opening the user's files.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The user types in a username and password. The operating system compares these with the details it has stored for that account, and if they match the user is allowed to log in.

Why: Username and password entered (1) which is compared with the account details the operating system has stored (1).

Some marks1/2

The operating system has a list of all the users and their passwords.

Why: The stored list of users and passwords (1), but no check of the login details against it, so the development mark is not earned (0); the mark scheme states a list alone earns one mark only.

No marks0/2

The operating system finds the user's files on the hard drive and opens the last one they saved.

Why: Describes file management, not checking a user's login details; the mark scheme says not to accept responses about file management, so there is no creditworthy point.

3Describe2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A program can be written in a high-level language such as Python.

Describe one characteristic of a high-level programming language.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Statements are written using words/phrases that look like English or maths (1) so the code is easier to read/understand/write (1)
  • One statement is translated into several machine code instructions (1) so programs are shorter to write than in a low-level language (1)
  • High-level languages provide built-in data structures such as arrays/lists/records (1) so a collection of data items can be stored and accessed under one name (1)

Do not accept responses that only give a benefit or drawback, such as 'it is easier to learn', with no characteristic.

Do not accept 'it is easier than a low-level language' without saying what the characteristic is.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Statements are written using words that look like English or maths so the program is easier to read and understand.

Why: Characteristic of the statements (1) with a linked development (1).

Some marks1/2

It has built-in data structures such as arrays.

Why: A correct characteristic (1) but no development of what it allows the programmer to do.

No marks0/2

It is easier to learn than a low-level language.

Why: Gives only a benefit compared with a low-level language; no characteristic of the language itself, 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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