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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 · 4 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markSecondary Memory Swap Remove

A computer has both primary and secondary storage.

Identify the role of secondary storage.

[1 mark]
  • ATo store data and programs permanently
  • BTo store data and instructions currently in use
  • CTo carry out calculations on data
  • DTo allow the CPU to access programs directly
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).

2Short 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.

3Describe2 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

A greenhouse uses an embedded system to control the growing conditions for plants.

Describe how the embedded system controls the growing conditions in the greenhouse.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • It reads/monitors the temperature/humidity/light level using sensors (1) to switch the heaters/vents/lamps/watering system on or off when the reading is outside the set range (1)
  • It compares the readings from the sensors with the set values/thresholds stored in its memory (1) to decide whether the conditions need to be changed (1)
  • It monitors the light level using a light sensor (1) and turns the lamps on when the light falls below the level the plants need (1)
  • It monitors the soil moisture using a soil moisture sensor (1) and turns the water pump/irrigation on when the soil is too dry (1)

For the second mark, the action/response must be linked to the sensor reading given in the first point.

Allow named sensors (temperature/humidity/light/soil moisture) and named outputs (heater, fan, vent/window, lamp, irrigation/water pump).

Do not accept answers that only name a sensor or only name an output, e.g. 'it has a temperature sensor and a heater', as there is no link between the reading and the control action.

Do not accept answers where a person switches the equipment on or off, as the embedded system controls the conditions automatically.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The embedded system reads the temperature using a sensor and switches the heater on when the temperature is below the set value.

Why: Sensor reading point (1) and linked control action (1).

Some marks1/2

The embedded system compares the readings from the sensors with the set values stored in its memory.

Why: First point only (1) - the comparison with stored values - with no linked action.

No marks0/2

The greenhouse has a temperature sensor and a heater.

Why: Only names a sensor and an output, which the mark scheme says is not accepted.

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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