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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 10 marks

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1Short recall2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Computers use the von Neumann stored program concept.

Define the term stored program concept.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Program instructions are stored in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The data used by the program is stored in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The CPU fetches/reads instructions from main memory to execute them (1)
  • The program can be run without the instructions being input again (1)

Allow 'the program is stored in memory' for one mark.

Do not accept answers about programs being stored on secondary storage, such as a hard disk or USB memory stick.

Do not accept answers that only describe the von Neumann architecture (e.g. having a CPU and memory) without stating that instructions are stored in main memory.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Both the program instructions and the data the program uses are held in the same main memory, and the CPU fetches these instructions from memory to execute them.

Why: Instructions stored in main memory (1) and the CPU fetches instructions from memory to execute them (1).

Some marks1/2

Program instructions are stored in main memory.

Why: Instructions stored in main memory (1). No second point about data being stored in the same memory or about the CPU fetching instructions.

No marks0/2

The program is saved on the hard disk so that it can be loaded into RAM when the user runs it.

Why: A near-miss about secondary storage, which the mark scheme says not to accept; the stored program concept is about instructions being held in main memory.

2Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A computer can lose power while a file is being saved.

Describe what file repair software does.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Attempts to repair/rebuild the corrupted file (1) so that it can be opened by its program again (1)
  • Recovers/retrieves the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose all of the data in the file (1)
  • Reconstructs the file from data held in other parts of the disk (1) because part of the file/the disk is corrupted (1)
  • Saves a new/repaired copy of the file (1) as some of the data in it may not be recoverable (1)

Do not accept 'it repairs the file' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about restoring a backup/previous version of the file, as this is backup software.

Do not accept responses about scanning for or removing malware.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It recovers the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose everything that was saved in it (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the effect (1).

Some marks1/2

It rebuilds the damaged file from other parts of the disk.

Why: A valid point is made (1) but there is no development of what this achieves, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It restores the last backup of the file so the user gets the data back.

Why: This describes backup software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

3Discuss6 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A software company is writing a new program that will be sold to users who have different types of computer. The program does not need to control the hardware of the computer directly. The company must decide whether to write the program in a high-level language or a low-level language.

Discuss whether the company should use a high-level language or a low-level language to write this program.

Your answer should consider:

  • machine independence
  • processor specificity
  • how the code is translated for each type of computer.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Machine independence

  • A high-level language is machine independent, so the same source code can be run on different types of computer with few or no changes.
  • The company can write the program once and sell it to users with different computers, without rewriting the code for each type of computer.
  • Only one version of the program needs to be written and maintained, so development takes the company less time.

Processor specificity

  • A low-level language is processor-specific, so a program written for one processor will not run on a different processor without being rewritten.
  • Assembly language instructions depend on the instruction set of the particular processor, so the company would need a separate version of the program for each type of computer.
  • Writing a separate low-level version for every type of computer would take the company much longer than writing one high-level program.
  • Low-level code gives direct control of the hardware of one processor, so it is better suited to device drivers than to a program that must run on many different computers.

Translation

  • High-level source code is translated for each type of computer by a compiler or an interpreter, so one version of the source code is enough for all the users.
  • Assembly language is translated into machine code by an assembler, and the assembler produces machine code for one specific processor only.
  • Machine code is already in a form that one particular processor can execute directly, but the same machine code will not run on a different processor.
  • Each high-level statement translates into several machine code instructions, so the programmer does not need to know the instruction set of the processor.

Levels

  • Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
  • Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Additional guidance

  • Level 3 responses must cover both high-level machine independence and low-level processor specificity, with the effect on the company's decision.
  • Do not award low-level language, assembly language or machine code as portable, or 'high-level languages are written in English/like English' as a reason for machine independence.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

A high-level language is machine independent, so the company can write the program once and it will run on different types of computer with few or no changes. A different compiler is used for each type of processor to translate that same source code into the machine code for that computer, so the company can sell one program to all of its users. A low-level language is processor-specific, so a program written in assembly for one processor will not run on a different one. The assembler produces machine code for one particular instruction set, so the company would need to write a separate version for each type of computer, which would take much longer. As the program does not need to control the hardware directly, the company should use a high-level language.

Why: Develops high-level machine independence with the compiler translating for each processor, and low-level processor specificity with the assembler producing machine code for one instruction set, both applied to the company's decision, in a coherent and sustained argument: Level 3, 6 marks.

Some marks3/6

A high-level language is machine independent, so the company can write the program once. A different compiler is used for each type of computer to translate the code, so users with different computers can all run the same program. A low-level language is processor-specific, so it would not be as suitable for the company.

Why: Machine independence is linked to the compiler and applied to the users, but processor specificity is only asserted and no translation of low-level code is given, so the reasoning is not sustained: Level 2, 3 marks.

Some marks1/6

High-level languages are machine independent because they are written in English, so the company can sell the program to anyone. Low-level languages are machine code, so they can be translated to run on any type of computer.

Why: One basic point that high-level languages are machine independent, applied by selling to anyone (1). 'Written in English' is not a reason for machine independence and low-level code is not portable, so neither is credited: Level 1, 1 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

Build a paper on this topic 56
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

Build a paper on this topic 18
Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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