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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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1Multiple choice1 markStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Identify the component of the CPU that carries out arithmetic and logical operations.

[1 mark]
  • AArithmetic logic unit
  • BControl unit
  • CMain memory
  • DRegister
Mark scheme
  • A Arithmetic logic unit (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is arithmetic logic unit.
  • B is not correct because the control unit decodes instructions and controls the CPU
  • C is not correct because main memory is not part of the CPU and stores data and instructions
  • D is not correct because a register stores small amounts of data within the CPU
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Arithmetic logic unit

Why: Correct option: the arithmetic logic unit carries out arithmetic and logical operations (1).

No marks0/1

B Control unit

Why: Control unit is a CPU component but its role is to decode and control, not perform arithmetic or logical operations, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D Register

Why: Register stores data but does not carry out operations; a common misconception that any CPU component performs calculations, so no mark.

2Short recall2 marksFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

The control unit is one component of the CPU.

Give two roles of the control unit during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Decodes the instruction / works out what the instruction is (1)
  • Sends control signals to the other components (of the CPU) (1)
  • Coordinates/controls the activities of the CPU (1)
  • Directs the timing of the other components / controls when each component acts (1)

Do not accept carrying out arithmetic or logical operations, as this is the role of the ALU.

Do not accept holding/storing the data or instructions, as this is the role of the registers/main memory.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It decodes each instruction and sends control signals to the other components to tell them what to do.

Why: Decodes the instruction (1) and sends control signals to the other components (1).

Some marks1/2

It decodes the instructions and carries out the calculations.

Why: Decoding the instruction (1); the calculations are carried out by the ALU, so the second part earns nothing.

No marks0/2

It stores the data that the CPU is working on.

Why: Storing data is the role of the registers/main memory, not the control unit, so no point is creditworthy.

3Describe2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

Describe the purpose of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Carries out arithmetic operations/calculations, such as addition or subtraction (1) so that the result can be stored in a register (1)
  • Carries out logical operations, such as comparing two data items (1) to see which one is greater/larger (1)
  • Compares two data items (1) to decide whether a condition is true / which path a program takes next (1)

Allow the result of an arithmetic or logical operation being held/stored in a register, but only where the operation is named.

Do not accept answers that say the ALU stores data or results without naming an operation (registers/main memory store data).

Do not accept answers about controlling components, decoding instructions or timing (that is the control unit or the clock).

Do not award credit for 'it processes data' on its own; an arithmetic or a logical operation must be named.

An example on its own, e.g. 'it adds two numbers', does not earn a second mark; the second mark needs a linked development.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The ALU carries out arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction, and the result of the calculation is stored in a register.

Why: Linked point (1) for arithmetic operations with an example, and development (1) for the result being stored in a register.

Some marks1/2

It does all the calculations in the CPU, for example adding two numbers together.

Why: Point (1) for arithmetic operations/calculations named with an example; no linked development, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

It stores the results of calculations so that they can be used by the CPU later.

Why: Storing results with no arithmetic or logical operation named, which the 'Do not accept' line rules out, so no mark is earned.

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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