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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 11 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Identify the function of the control unit in the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[1 mark]
  • ADecodes instructions
  • BPerforms arithmetic operations
  • CStores data and instructions
  • DTemporarily stores data being processed
Mark scheme
  • A Decodes instructions (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is Decodes instructions.
  • B is not correct because the arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic operations
  • C is not correct because main memory stores data and instructions
  • D is not correct because registers temporarily store data being processed
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Decodes instructions

Why: Correct option: the control unit decodes instructions during the fetch-decode-execute cycle (1).

No marks0/1

C Stores data and instructions

Why: Main memory stores data and instructions, not the control unit; this is a common distractor, so no mark.

No marks0/1

B Performs arithmetic operations

Why: Arithmetic operations are performed by the ALU, not the control unit; a common confusion between CPU components, 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.

3Short recall2 marksCompression Swap Remove

Files can be compressed before they are stored.

Define the term lossless compression.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Reduces/makes the size of a file smaller (1)
  • No data is lost/removed (during compression) (1)
  • The original file/data can be recreated/restored exactly (1)

Allow 'the compressed file takes up less storage space' for the first mark.

The second and third bullets are two ways of making the same point: award a maximum of one mark for them, so a response that says no data is lost and that the original file can be restored, but does not say the file is smaller, scores one mark.

Do not accept descriptions of lossy compression, e.g. 'it removes data that is not needed to make the file smaller'.

Ignore reference to download/transmission times, bandwidth and streaming, as these are benefits of compression and not part of the definition.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Lossless compression reduces the size of a file without permanently removing any data, so the original file can be restored exactly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1) and no data is lost, so the original can be restored exactly (1); maximum of two marks reached.

Some marks1/2

It makes a file smaller so it downloads more quickly.

Why: Reduces the size of a file (1); the faster download is ignored as a benefit, not part of the definition.

No marks0/2

It removes data that is not needed to make the file smaller.

Why: Describes lossy compression, which the do-not-accept line rules out, so the mention of making the file smaller is not credited.

4Discuss6 marksUser Management Swap Remove

A school library has 24 computers that are shared by students and teachers throughout the day. Each computer runs an operating system. The school wants users' work to be kept private and the computers to be used only by authorised people.

Discuss how the operating system's user management features can be used to share the computers securely.

Your answer should include:

  • user accounts
  • authentication
  • the benefits for the school.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

User accounts

  • Each student and teacher should have their own user account, so the operating system can identify the person who is logged on.
  • The operating system keeps a record of all valid users on the computer, so unknown users are not allowed to log in.
  • A separate home area or folder can be created for each account, so a student's saved work is kept apart from other users' work.
  • An account can be disabled when a student leaves the school, so they can no longer access the computers.

Authentication

  • A username and password can be required at login, so only users with the correct details can use the computer.
  • The operating system checks the entered password against the stored password for that account before allowing access.
  • Users should be encouraged to choose a strong password, which makes it harder for someone else to guess and log in.
  • The operating system can lock an account after several failed login attempts, which reduces the chance of someone trying passwords repeatedly.

Benefits for the school

  • Many students can share the same computers because each person's files are kept separate.
  • Work is less likely to be deleted or changed by another student, because users only see their own files.
  • The school can see which account was used on a computer, so misuse can be traced to a user.
  • Teachers can be confident that only authorised people can use the library computers.
  • The school does not need a separate computer for every student, so it saves money.

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)

Level 3 responses must cover both user accounts and authentication, and apply them to the school library.

Do not accept general operating system functions such as file management or process management unless they are explicitly linked to managing users.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

Each student and teacher should have their own user account with a username and password. When someone logs in, the operating system checks the password against the one stored for that account, so only authorised people can use the computer. Each account can have its own home folder, so a student's work is kept private and another student cannot open or delete it. If a student leaves the school, their account can be disabled so they cannot log in again. This lets the school share a smaller number of computers safely, as each user's work stays separate and any misuse can be traced to the logged-in account.

Why: Level 3. It explains user accounts, authentication and benefits, with sustained links to sharing computers in the school library.

Some marks4/6

Every user should have a username and password. The operating system checks the password so that people who are not allowed cannot log in. Each user should also have their own area to save files so they do not delete other people's work.

Why: Level 2. Basic accounts and authentication points are made and linked, but the benefits to the school are only briefly applied and not developed.

No marks0/6

The operating system manages the users by looking after the files in folders and by making sure the printer works for everyone. It also keeps the computer running quickly when lots of students use it.

Why: Level 0. These are general operating system functions such as file management and peripheral management, not user management, so no creditworthy point is made.

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

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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

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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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