A computer has both primary and secondary storage.
Identify the role of secondary storage.
Mark scheme
- A To store data and programs permanently (1)
- The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is to store data and programs permanently.
- B is not correct because storing the data and instructions currently in use is the role of primary storage/RAM, which is volatile, not the role of secondary storage
- C is not correct because calculations on data are carried out by the CPU, not by secondary storage
- D is not correct because secondary storage is not directly accessible by the CPU; data must first be copied into RAM
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1
A To store data and programs permanently
Why: Correct option (1): storing data and programs permanently is the role of secondary storage, which is non-volatile.
No marks0/1
B To store data and instructions currently in use
Why: Near miss scoring 0: this describes primary storage/RAM, which is volatile, and is not the role of secondary storage (line B of the mark scheme). Only A is credited.
No marks0/1
D To allow the CPU to access programs directly
Why: Misconception scoring 0: candidates think the CPU reads programs straight from secondary storage, but secondary storage is not directly accessible by the CPU (line D).