Menu
Exam Questions

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 573 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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

5 questions · 10 marks

Pick again
Print
1Short recall2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

The central processing unit (CPU) contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

State two types of operation carried out by the ALU.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • An arithmetic operation, e.g. addition/subtraction/multiplication/division (1)
  • A logical operation, e.g. comparing two values (is A > B?) / using AND, OR, NOT (1)

Do not accept decoding instructions, fetching instructions or controlling the timing of the CPU, as these are carried out by the control unit.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It carries out arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction, and logical operations such as comparing two values to see if one is greater than the other.

Why: Arithmetic operation (1) and logical operation (1).

Some marks1/2

It adds numbers together and works out the result.

Why: Arithmetic operation, addition (1). No logical operation.

No marks0/2

It decodes the instructions that have been fetched from main memory.

Why: Decoding and fetching are the control unit's role; the mark scheme's do-not-accept line covers this.

2Short recall2 marksUnits & Conversion Swap Remove

Data storage is measured in binary multiples.

Define the term bit.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • A binary digit (1)
  • Has the value 0 or 1 (1)
  • The smallest unit of data storage (1)
  • A single 0 or 1 (1)

Allow binary digit/binary place value for binary digit

Allow a single binary digit for a single 0 or 1

Do not accept a group of 8 bits/half a nibble of 4 bits, which describe a byte or a nibble

Do not accept a binary number/binary on its own

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A binary digit that can have the value 0 or 1.

Why: A binary digit (1) and has the value 0 or 1 (1).

Some marks1/2

It is the smallest unit of data storage.

Why: Smallest unit of data storage (1), but does not state that it is a binary digit or that it has the value 0 or 1.

No marks0/2

A group of 8 bits.

Why: Describes a byte, not a bit; no creditworthy point and named in the Do not accept line.

3Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A small business stores its customer records on a computer.

Describe the purpose of backup software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a copy/duplicate of the files/data (1) and stores it on a separate storage device/at a different location (1)
  • Copies the data at regular intervals (1) so a recent version is available if the original is lost (1)
  • Keeps a copy of the files (1) so that the data can be restored after the original is deleted/corrupted (1)
  • Stores the copies on another device (1) so the data is not lost if the original device fails/is damaged by a fire or flood (1)

Do not accept 'it backs up the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about repairing corrupted files or removing malware, as these are different utility programs.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes a copy of the data and saves it on a separate storage device (1) so that the records can be restored if the original files are deleted or the computer fails (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the purpose of the copy (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes a copy of the files and saves it on another disk.

Why: The point and location are given (1), but there is no development saying what the copy is used for, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

It repairs damaged files so that they can be opened again by the program.

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

4Describe2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A programmer has written a program in assembly language.

Describe why it is necessary to translate the program into machine code before it can be run.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The processor/CPU can only execute machine code/binary instructions (1) so the assembly instructions must be converted into machine code before the program can run (1)
  • Each assembly instruction/mnemonic matches/corresponds to one machine code instruction (1) so each line must be replaced with the machine code the processor executes (1)
  • The program is written using mnemonics (1) that must be translated into machine code for the processor to carry out the instructions (1)
  • The hardware/processor does not understand assembly language directly (1) so it must be translated into machine code that the processor can execute (1)

Do not accept 'assembly language is a low-level language'.

Do not accept 'it is hard to understand' or 'it is not English'.

Do not accept benefits, such as 'machine code runs faster' or 'the program will run more quickly'.

Do not accept 'an assembler/a translator converts it' on its own, with no reference to the processor only being able to execute machine code/binary.

Do not accept responses about high-level languages or about compilers/interpreters.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The processor can only execute machine code, so the assembly instructions must be converted into machine code before the program can run.

Why: States what the processor can execute (1) and links it to converting the program's instructions into machine code (1).

Some marks1/2

Each assembly instruction matches one machine code instruction.

Why: Correct point about the one-to-one match (1) but no development saying that this is because the processor only executes machine code.

No marks0/2

Because an assembler translates assembly language into machine code.

Why: Names the translator but gives no reason tied to the processor only being able to execute machine code, so no mark; this is in the 'Do not accept' guidance.

5Calculate2 marksAdding Binary Numbers Swap Remove

Binary patterns can represent numbers.

Complete the table to show the result of the 8-bit binary addition.

[2 marks]
1286432168421
10010110
01011100
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

  • 1111 (1)
  • 0010 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1111 0010

Why: 150 + 92 = 242, carrying where a column adds to 2: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1111 0011

Why: A slip in the last bit. The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

1101 1110

Why: Writes 1 in every column with a 1 and never carries. Neither nibble is correct.

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

Build a paper on this topic 23
E-waste 15 questions Manufacturing Technology 8 questions

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Activities Flashcards Revision notes

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.