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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 659 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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1Short recall1 markSecondary Memory Swap Remove

Data is stored on optical discs as pits and lands.

Name the component in an optical disc drive that reads this data.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • Laser (1)

Allow laser beam

Do not accept read/write head

Do not accept pits

Do not accept lands

Do not accept reflective surface

Do not accept magnet/magnetic

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Laser

Why: Laser is the creditworthy answer (1).

No marks0/1

A read/write head

Why: Read/write head is not accepted by the mark scheme; it reads magnetic media, not optical discs, so no marks are awarded.

No marks0/1

Pits and lands

Why: Pits and lands are what the laser reads, not the component that reads the data, so the mark scheme does not accept them.

2Describe2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

A computer is based on the von Neumann stored program concept.

Describe how the CPU uses main memory (RAM) during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The program's instructions (and the data it uses) are held in main memory/RAM (1) so the CPU fetches both the instructions and the data from that one memory (1)
  • The CPU fetches the next instruction from main memory/RAM (1) using the address of the memory location that holds it (1)
  • The CPU reads/fetches data from main memory/RAM (1) when an instruction needs it and writes the result back to main memory/RAM (1)
  • The program's instructions are held in main memory/RAM while the program runs (1) and the CPU fetches them one at a time/one after another to be decoded and executed (1)

Allow 'memory' for main memory/RAM.

Allow 'gets' for fetches/reads.

For both marks, the development must say what the CPU does with the contents of main memory (fetches/reads/writes), not just that main memory is used.

Do not accept answers about the program being stored in secondary storage, such as on a hard drive, or about it being loaded from there.

Do not accept benefits such as the computer running faster or being easier for the user.

Do not accept naming CPU components (control unit, arithmetic logic unit, registers) or buses on their own, without saying what is stored or fetched.

Do not accept 'the computer stores data' on its own, without a link to the instructions of a program.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The program's instructions and the data it uses are both held in the same main memory (RAM), so the CPU can fetch the instructions and the data it needs from that one memory.

Why: Linked point (1) that instructions and data are stored together in main memory, with the development (1) that the CPU fetches both from the same memory.

Some marks1/2

The CPU fetches the instructions from main memory so that they are processed more quickly.

Why: The first point earns (1) for the CPU fetching instructions from main memory. The second statement is a benefit (speed), which the 'Do not accept benefits' line rules out, so it earns nothing.

No marks0/2

The control unit decodes each instruction and the ALU carries out the calculations.

Why: Both statements name CPU components without saying what is stored, fetched or written, which the mark scheme tells examiners not to accept, so neither earns a mark.

3Explain2 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

A fitness tracker is worn on the wrist and uses an embedded system to count the wearer's steps.

Explain one reason why an embedded system is used in a fitness tracker.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The battery lasts longer/needs charging less often (1) because embedded systems have low power consumption/use less power (1)
  • It can be made small/light enough to wear on the wrist (1) because the processor, memory and input/output are combined on a single chip/microcontroller (1)
  • It can carry out the step-counting function reliably (1) because it runs a single/dedicated program and cannot install other software (1)
  • It has a low cost per unit (1) because it uses fewer/less powerful components than a general purpose computer (1)

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

Award one mark for a valid point stated on its own, e.g. 'it is small/light enough to wear on the wrist' (1) or 'its battery lasts longer before it needs charging' (1).

Accept the same linked ideas in either order, e.g. 'it uses less power (1) so the battery lasts longer (1)'.

Do not accept 'it uses less power'/'low power' on its own as a complete explanation; it must be linked to the battery lasting longer/needing charging less often for the second mark.

Do not accept an expansion that simply restates the point, e.g. 'it is small (1) so it fits on the wrist' earns only the point mark; 'fits on the wrist' is not a linked cause and is not enough for the second mark.

Do not accept 'the battery is small' as the linked reason for low power consumption.

Do not accept responses that say other software/apps can be installed on an embedded system (0); embedded systems have a single/dedicated function and cannot install new software.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The battery lasts longer before it needs charging because an embedded system has low power consumption.

Why: Point (1) and linked reason (1); low power consumption explains why the battery lasts longer.

Some marks1/2

It is small so it fits on the wearer's wrist.

Why: Point 'small' earns (1); 'fits on the wrist' restates the point rather than giving the linked cause (components combined on a single chip), so no second mark.

No marks0/2

It can run other apps as well because it is a tiny computer.

Why: Misconception that embedded systems can install other software; no creditworthy point or linked reason.

4Explain2 marksFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

The von Neumann architecture is used in most computers.

Explain one feature of the von Neumann stored program concept.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The instructions/program instructions and data are stored together in main memory/RAM (1) so the CPU can fetch each instruction (from its address) and execute it (1)
  • The instructions/program instructions are held in main memory/RAM (1) rather than being built into/part of the hardware, so the computer does not need to be rewired/rebuilt to run a different program (1)
  • The next instruction to be executed/instruction is held in main memory/RAM (1) so the CPU can fetch it using its address before it is decoded and executed (1)

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

A point/statement on its own can only earn one mark.

Do not accept a response that only refers to data being stored in main memory/RAM without referring to the instructions/program instructions.

Do not accept instructions/programs being stored on the hard disk/backing store.

Do not accept 'the program is stored in memory' without saying that it is the instructions/program instructions that are stored there.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Both the instructions of the program and the data it uses are stored together in the same main memory, so the CPU can fetch each instruction in turn and execute it.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1).

Some marks1/2

The instructions of the program are stored in main memory.

Why: Point only (1); no linked reason about fetching/executing the instructions.

No marks0/2

The program is stored on the hard disk and is copied into the CPU when it is run.

Why: Misconception covered by the 'Do not accept' line: the instructions must be stored in main memory/RAM, not on the hard disk/backing store, for the CPU to fetch them.

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

Build a paper on this topic 56
Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

Build a paper on this topic 24
Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

Build a paper on this topic 77
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

Build a paper on this topic 124
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

Build a paper on this topic 37
Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

Build a paper on this topic 138
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

Build a paper on this topic 36
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

Build a paper on this topic 65
Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 12 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

Malware 8 questions

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