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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 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.

2Multiple choice1 markSecondary Memory Swap Remove

A company stores films on optical media.

Identify the optical storage medium that can store the most data.

[1 mark]
  • ABlu-ray Disc
  • BCD
  • CDVD
  • DMagnetic tape
Mark scheme
  • A Blu-ray Disc (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is Blu-ray Disc.
  • B is not correct because a CD stores less data than a Blu-ray Disc, up to about 700 MB
  • C is not correct because a DVD stores less data than a Blu-ray Disc, up to about 4.7 GB (single-layer) or 8.4 GB (dual-layer)
  • D is not correct because magnetic tape is not an optical storage medium
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Blu-ray Disc

Why: Correct option (1): a Blu-ray Disc has the greatest capacity of the optical media.

No marks0/1

C DVD

Why: Near miss scoring 0: a DVD is optical but stores less than a Blu-ray Disc (mark scheme line C). Only A is credited.

No marks0/1

D Magnetic tape

Why: Misconception scoring 0: candidates pick tape for its large capacity but magnetic tape is not an optical storage medium (mark scheme line D).

3Explain2 marksPrimary Memory Swap Remove

A technician increases the amount of RAM in a laptop from 8 GiB to 16 GiB.

Explain one benefit of increasing the amount of RAM in a computer.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • More applications/programs can be open/run at the same time (1) because more instructions and data can be held in main memory at once (1)
  • Programs run faster (1) because the CPU does not have to wait for instructions/data to be read/transferred from slower secondary storage (1)
  • The CPU waits/idles for less time (1) because instructions and data can be transferred to the CPU more quickly from RAM (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Do not accept 'more files/photos/documents can be stored' or 'the computer has more storage' - this is a benefit of secondary storage, not RAM.

Do not accept 'the CPU becomes faster' or 'the clock speed increases'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

More programs can be open at the same time because more instructions and data can be held in main memory at once.

Why: Linked point (1) for more programs running at the same time and reason (1) for more instructions and data being held in main memory at once.

Some marks1/2

Programs will run faster.

Why: Point (1) only; no linked reason such as the CPU not having to wait for data from slower secondary storage.

No marks0/2

There will be more space to save files and documents on the laptop.

Why: Misconception: the benefit given is a benefit of secondary storage, which the mark scheme's 'Do not accept' line rules out.

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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