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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 7 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 marksPrimary Memory Swap Remove

A computer is designed using 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:

  • The program instructions and data are stored together in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The same memory is used for both instructions and data (1)
  • The instructions are fetched from main memory and executed by the CPU (1)
  • The instructions are fetched and executed one at a time / in sequence (1)
  • The program can be changed/replaced by loading new instructions into memory, without changing the hardware (1)

Do not accept the program is stored in secondary storage / on the hard disk.

Do not accept the program is stored in the CPU / in registers.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The program instructions and the data are stored together in main memory, and the CPU fetches the instructions one at a time and executes them.

Why: Creditworthy point that instructions and data are stored in the same main memory (1) and the linked point that the CPU fetches and executes them from memory (1).

Some marks1/2

The program is held in the main memory (RAM) so that the computer can run it.

Why: Earns the point that the program instructions are stored in main memory (1), but does not say that the CPU fetches and executes them, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

The program is stored on the hard disk and loaded into the CPU when it is run.

Why: Both parts are misconceptions named in the Do not accept lines: the stored program concept keeps the instructions in main memory, not on secondary storage or in the CPU.

3Describe2 marksFile Management Swap Remove

A user saves a new file into a folder that already contains files.

Describe how the operating system prevents a new file overwriting an existing file.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Checks/compares the new file (name)/filename against the names of files already in the folder/directory (1) to see if the name is already in use (1)
  • Refuses to save/allow the new file when the (file) name already exists (1) so the existing file is not replaced/overwritten (1)
  • Prompts/asks the user to choose/enter a different (file) name (1) so both files can be saved without one replacing the other (1)

A point without a linked development can earn one mark.

For both marks, the development must follow/associate with the point.

Do not accept responses about defragmentation.

Do not accept the operating system making a backup copy, or warning the user that a file may be overwritten, without saying that the (file) name is checked or the new file is not saved.

Do not accept responses about process management or saving files to RAM.

Do not award a second mark for repeating the question, e.g. 'it stops the new file overwriting the existing file'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It checks the new file name against the names of files already in the folder (1) to see whether the name is already in use (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and development (1).

Some marks1/2

It checks the file name against the names already in the folder.

Why: Creditworthy point (1) on its own; no linked development, so one mark.

No marks0/2

It defragments the disk so there is room for the new file.

Why: Defragmentation is not accepted by the mark scheme.

4Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

A bank's website can use HTTP or HTTPS.

Explain one benefit to a customer of the bank's website using HTTPS.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Data is encrypted/scrambled (1) so it cannot be read/understood if it is intercepted (1)
  • The customer's bank/personal details are kept secure/private (1) because the data is encrypted/scrambled during transmission (1)
  • The customer's login details/password cannot be read by an eavesdropper (1) because HTTPS encrypts/scrambles the data sent to and from the web server (1)

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

Allow 'scrambled' as an alternative to 'encrypted'.

Do not accept 'it is more secure/safe' or 'the data is secure' on its own, without saying how it is made secure (e.g. encryption/scrambling).

Do not accept faster loading/speed, or claims that HTTPS stops viruses or always proves the website is genuine.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The data is encrypted (1) so anyone intercepting it cannot read the customer's bank details (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): encryption means intercepted data cannot be read.

Some marks1/2

The data is encrypted (1) so the website is secure.

Why: Point (1) for encryption, but 'secure' on its own is a near-miss that the mark scheme does not credit as the linked reason; it must say why, e.g. that intercepted data cannot be read.

No marks0/2

HTTPS is faster than HTTP (0) so the customer can log in more quickly.

Why: Speed is not a benefit of HTTPS and is named in a 'Do not accept' line, so no creditworthy point is given.

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

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

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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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