Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• A Address bus (1)
• The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is address bus. Do not accept 'address' on its own.
• B is not correct because the control bus carries control signals in both directions between the CPU and other components
• C is not correct because the data bus carries data in both directions between the CPU and main memory
• D is not correct because the system bus is the collection of all three buses

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.

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

• The processor/CPU can only execute machine code/binary instructions (1) so the assembly instructions must be converted into machine code before the program can run (1)
• Each assembly instruction/mnemonic matches/corresponds to one machine code instruction (1) so each line must be replaced with the machine code the processor executes (1)
• The program is written using mnemonics (1) that must be translated into machine code for the processor to carry out the instructions (1)
• The hardware/processor does not understand assembly language directly (1) so it must be translated into machine code that the processor can execute (1)

Do not accept 'assembly language is a low-level language'.

Do not accept 'it is hard to understand' or 'it is not English'.

Do not accept benefits, such as 'machine code runs faster' or 'the program will run more quickly'.

Do not accept 'an assembler/a translator converts it' on its own, with no reference to the processor only being able to execute machine code/binary.

Do not accept responses about high-level languages or about compilers/interpreters.

Indicative content

Saving files

• When saving, the operating system lets the student choose the folder and the file name, so new work goes into the correct subject folder instead of the root.
• The operating system warns the student before a file with the same name is overwritten, so an earlier version of an essay is not lost by accident.
• The operating system writes the file into free space on the laptop and records where it is, so the student can open it again later.

Deleting files

• The operating system lets the student delete files that are no longer needed, which frees space so new photographs can be saved.
• Deleted files are usually moved to the recycle bin first, so a file removed by mistake can be restored.
• Emptying the recycle bin removes the data permanently and releases the space for other files.

Copying files

• The operating system lets the student copy files to a USB flash drive, so there is a second copy if the laptop is lost or damaged.
• Copying leaves the original file in place, so the student can carry on working on the laptop's copy.
• A whole folder can be copied in one action, including its subfolders, which is quicker than copying each file separately.

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 saving, deleting and copying.

Do not accept answers about the processor or defragmentation as file management tasks.