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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 marksSecondary Memory Swap Remove

A computer uses secondary storage to keep programs and data.

Give two examples of secondary storage devices that store data using magnetic media.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Hard disk drive/HDD (1)
  • External/portable hard disk drive (1)
  • Magnetic tape drive (1)
  • Magnetic tape (1)

Allow a named device or the storage media type, e.g. hard disk/hard disc for hard disk drive, tape for magnetic tape

Allow floppy disk/floppy disk drive

Do not accept solid state devices (SSD, USB flash drive/memory stick, SD card/memory card) or optical media (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) as these do not store data using magnetism

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Hard disk drive and magnetic tape

Why: Hard disk drive (1) and magnetic tape (1) are both magnetic secondary storage, so both marks are awarded.

Some marks1/2

Hard disk drive and SD card

Why: Hard disk drive is magnetic (1); an SD card is solid state, not magnetic, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

CD and DVD

Why: Both are optical media, which the mark scheme says not to accept, so no marks are awarded.

3Short recall2 marksSecondary Memory Swap Remove

Computers have both primary storage and secondary storage.

Define the term secondary storage.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • (Storage that is) non-volatile / keeps its data when the power is turned off (1)
  • (Storage that is) used to store programs and data/files (for later use) (1)
  • (Storage that is) not directly accessible by the CPU / not directly accessed by the CPU (1)

Allow both the non-volatile point and the stores programs and data point from one sentence if each idea is clearly stated, e.g. 'non-volatile storage that holds programs and data'.

Allow accessed via the CPU / must be copied into RAM before the CPU can use it for the third point.

Do not accept volatile / loses its data when the power is turned off.

Do not accept a description of primary storage, such as RAM or ROM.

Do not accept capacity.

Do not accept an example device on its own (e.g. hard disk drive).

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Secondary storage is non-volatile, so it does not lose data when the power is turned off. It is used to store programs and data files for later use.

Why: Non-volatile / keeps data when the power is off (1) and used to store programs and data files (1), each idea clearly stated.

Some marks1/2

Secondary storage is used to store programs and data files.

Why: Stores programs and data/files (1), but nothing is said about it being non-volatile or not directly accessible by the CPU.

No marks0/2

Secondary storage is volatile memory that holds the data the CPU is using at the moment.

Why: Describes primary storage (RAM) and says it is volatile, which the mark scheme says not to accept, so no marks are awarded.

4Discuss6 marksPrimary Memory Swap Remove

An employee is writing a report on a laptop. There is a power cut and the laptop turns off. When power is restored, the employee cannot find the report file.

Discuss the role of RAM in this situation.

Your answer should include:

  • why the report was lost
  • the difference between RAM and secondary storage
  • how the employee could prevent this in future.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

Why the report was lost

  • The report was being created and edited in RAM, which is volatile.
  • Volatile memory loses its contents when the power supply is removed.
  • The power cut removed the power, so the data in RAM was lost.
  • The report had not been saved to secondary storage before the power cut.
  • Only data that had been saved to secondary storage would remain after the power cut.

The difference between RAM and secondary storage

  • RAM is volatile and holds data temporarily while the computer is on.
  • Secondary storage is non-volatile and keeps data permanently when the power is off.
  • RAM is directly accessible by the CPU and is much faster than secondary storage.
  • Secondary storage has a larger capacity and is cheaper per gigabyte than RAM.
  • RAM holds the programs and data currently in use; secondary storage holds files for long-term storage.

How the employee could prevent this in future

  • The employee should save the report regularly to secondary storage, such as the hard drive or a USB flash drive.
  • The employee could enable autosave or autosave/recovery features in the word processor.
  • The employee could use cloud storage that saves changes automatically.
  • The employee could use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or battery to keep the laptop on during a power cut.
  • The employee should not rely on RAM to keep work permanently.

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)

Additional guidance

  • Level 3 responses must explain that RAM is volatile and contrast this with non-volatile secondary storage.
  • Do not award marks for stating that the report was lost from secondary storage unless it had been saved there.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

The report was lost because it was being held in RAM, which is volatile memory. RAM only keeps its contents while the computer has power. When the power cut happened, the laptop turned off and everything in RAM was lost, including the unsaved report. RAM is different from secondary storage because secondary storage is non-volatile and keeps data permanently even when the power is off. For example, the hard drive would still contain the report if it had been saved. RAM is also much faster than secondary storage and is used for programs and data currently in use. To prevent this in future, the employee should save the report regularly to the hard drive or use autosave. They could also save to cloud storage, which saves automatically, or use a UPS to keep the laptop running during a power cut.

Why: Comprehensive understanding of RAM volatility, clear contrast with non-volatile secondary storage, and well-linked prevention methods applied to the employee's situation.

Some marks4/6

The report was lost because it was in RAM. RAM is temporary memory and it loses data when the power goes off. Secondary storage is permanent, so if the employee had saved the report it would still be there. RAM is faster than secondary storage. To prevent it, they should save their work.

Why: Adequate understanding shown through the volatility of RAM and the difference from permanent secondary storage, but the answer lacks detail about why the report was specifically lost and gives only a brief prevention method.

No marks0/6

The report was lost from the hard drive because the power cut erased it. RAM is permanent storage, so the report should have been saved there. The employee should buy more RAM to stop this happening again.

Why: No creditworthy points. The answer wrongly says the report was lost from the hard drive and that RAM is permanent storage, and it suggests more RAM will prevent power-loss data loss. These are misconceptions.

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

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

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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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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