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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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4 questions · 7 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Identify the bus that carries addresses in one direction only, from the CPU to main memory.

[1 mark]
  • AAddress bus
  • BControl bus
  • CData bus
  • DSystem bus
Mark scheme
  • 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
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A Address bus

Why: Correct option: the address bus carries addresses in one direction only, from the CPU to main memory (1).

No marks0/1

C Data bus

Why: The data bus carries data in both directions, so it is not the bus that carries addresses in one direction only from the CPU to main memory; no creditworthy point.

No marks0/1

B Control bus

Why: The control bus carries control signals in both directions, not addresses in one direction only; this is the common control/address bus confusion, so no mark.

2Describe2 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

A greenhouse uses an embedded system to control the growing conditions for plants.

Describe how the embedded system controls the growing conditions in the greenhouse.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • It reads/monitors the temperature/humidity/light level using sensors (1) to switch the heaters/vents/lamps/watering system on or off when the reading is outside the set range (1)
  • It compares the readings from the sensors with the set values/thresholds stored in its memory (1) to decide whether the conditions need to be changed (1)
  • It monitors the light level using a light sensor (1) and turns the lamps on when the light falls below the level the plants need (1)
  • It monitors the soil moisture using a soil moisture sensor (1) and turns the water pump/irrigation on when the soil is too dry (1)

For the second mark, the action/response must be linked to the sensor reading given in the first point.

Allow named sensors (temperature/humidity/light/soil moisture) and named outputs (heater, fan, vent/window, lamp, irrigation/water pump).

Do not accept answers that only name a sensor or only name an output, e.g. 'it has a temperature sensor and a heater', as there is no link between the reading and the control action.

Do not accept answers where a person switches the equipment on or off, as the embedded system controls the conditions automatically.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The embedded system reads the temperature using a sensor and switches the heater on when the temperature is below the set value.

Why: Sensor reading point (1) and linked control action (1).

Some marks1/2

The embedded system compares the readings from the sensors with the set values stored in its memory.

Why: First point only (1) - the comparison with stored values - with no linked action.

No marks0/2

The greenhouse has a temperature sensor and a heater.

Why: Only names a sensor and an output, which the mark scheme says is not accepted.

3Describe2 marksEmbedded Systems Swap Remove

Many modern devices contain embedded systems.

Describe what is meant by the term embedded system.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • It is a computer/processor built into a larger device (1) to carry out a single dedicated task/function (1)
  • It is a combination of a processor, memory and input/output in one unit (1) that controls the device it is part of (1)
  • It is a computer that forms part of another device (1) so it is not used as a general purpose computer (1)

Allow 'forms part of another device' or 'inside another device' for the first mark.

Do not award the second mark for a separate fact that is not linked to the first point, e.g. 'It is built into a device and it uses little power' would earn only the first mark (1).

Do not accept 'a small computer' on its own, with no reference to being part of another device or performing a dedicated task.

Do not accept 'a computer that controls a device' on its own, with no reference to it being built into/part of a larger device or carrying out a dedicated task.

Do not accept 'it performs a single dedicated task' on its own, with no reference to it being built into/part of a larger device.

Do not accept descriptions of a general purpose computer, e.g. 'it can run many different programs' or 'new software can be installed'.

Do not accept 'it is a system that is embedded in another system' as this repeats the term in the question.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

An embedded system is a computer built into a larger device to carry out one specific/dedicated task

Why: Linked point (1) that it is built into a larger device, developed (1) with the dedicated task it performs.

Some marks1/2

It is a small computer that is inside another device.

Why: First point only (1) - inside/part of another device - with no linked development of a dedicated task.

No marks0/2

It is a computer that controls a device.

Why: Near-miss: only says it controls a device, with no reference to being built into/part of a larger device or a dedicated task, so no marks.

4Explain2 marksFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

The von Neumann architecture is used in most computers.

Explain one feature of the von Neumann stored program concept.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The instructions/program instructions and data are stored together in main memory/RAM (1) so the CPU can fetch each instruction (from its address) and execute it (1)
  • The instructions/program instructions are held in main memory/RAM (1) rather than being built into/part of the hardware, so the computer does not need to be rewired/rebuilt to run a different program (1)
  • The next instruction to be executed/instruction is held in main memory/RAM (1) so the CPU can fetch it using its address before it is decoded and executed (1)

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

A point/statement on its own can only earn one mark.

Do not accept a response that only refers to data being stored in main memory/RAM without referring to the instructions/program instructions.

Do not accept instructions/programs being stored on the hard disk/backing store.

Do not accept 'the program is stored in memory' without saying that it is the instructions/program instructions that are stored there.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Both the instructions of the program and the data it uses are stored together in the same main memory, so the CPU can fetch each instruction in turn and execute it.

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

Some marks1/2

The instructions of the program are stored in main memory.

Why: Point only (1); no linked reason about fetching/executing the instructions.

No marks0/2

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

Why: Misconception covered by the 'Do not accept' line: the instructions must be stored in main memory/RAM, not on the hard disk/backing store, for the CPU to fetch them.

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

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

Build a paper on this topic 37
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

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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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