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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 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.

2Short recall2 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Computers use 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:

  • Program instructions are stored in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The data used by the program is stored in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The CPU fetches/reads instructions from main memory to execute them (1)
  • The program can be run without the instructions being input again (1)

Allow 'the program is stored in memory' for one mark.

Do not accept answers about programs being stored on secondary storage, such as a hard disk or USB memory stick.

Do not accept answers that only describe the von Neumann architecture (e.g. having a CPU and memory) without stating that instructions are stored in main memory.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Both the program instructions and the data the program uses are held in the same main memory, and the CPU fetches these instructions from memory to execute them.

Why: Instructions stored in main memory (1) and the CPU fetches instructions from memory to execute them (1).

Some marks1/2

Program instructions are stored in main memory.

Why: Instructions stored in main memory (1). No second point about data being stored in the same memory or about the CPU fetching instructions.

No marks0/2

The program is saved on the hard disk so that it can be loaded into RAM when the user runs it.

Why: A near-miss about secondary storage, which the mark scheme says not to accept; the stored program concept is about instructions being held in main memory.

3Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A student has a large number of photographs stored on a computer.

Describe the purpose of data compression software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a file/files smaller (1) so less storage space is needed on the disk (1)
  • Reduces the size of the data (1) so it takes less time to upload/download/transfer the file (1)
  • Compresses files/folders into a single file (1) so an attachment is under the size limit for email (1)
  • Reduces the size of the files (1) so more of them fit onto a storage device/backup media (1)

Do not accept 'it compresses the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about protecting files from malware/viruses or about deleting files.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes the files smaller (1) so that they use less storage space on the computer and more of them fit on the disk (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the benefit (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes files smaller.

Why: This is the point (1) but there is no development of what the smaller size leads to, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

It protects the files from viruses so that they cannot be damaged.

Why: This describes anti-malware software, which the mark scheme does not accept; no creditworthy point is made.

4Discuss6 marksPeripheral Management Swap Remove

A design studio buys 30 new graphics tablets for its artists. The tablets are a new model that the studio's computers have not used before. The studio's computers already have drivers installed for the older tablets the artists use. Each artist connects a tablet to a computer running the same operating system.

Discuss the role of device drivers when the new graphics tablets are connected to the studio's computers.

Your answer should include:

  • what a device driver is and how the operating system uses it
  • why each peripheral needs its own driver
  • what must be done before an artist can use a new tablet.
[6 marks]
Mark scheme

Indicative content

What a device driver is and how the operating system uses it

  • A device driver is a program that controls a peripheral device such as a graphics tablet by communicating with the operating system.
  • The driver translates instructions from the operating system into signals that the graphics tablet understands, and passes the artist's pen movements back to the operating system.
  • The operating system loads the driver into memory when the tablet is connected, so that it can then send data to the tablet and receive input from it.
  • Without a driver the operating system cannot control the tablet, so the tablet does not work.

Why each peripheral needs its own driver

  • Every make and model of peripheral uses its own set of commands, so a driver is written for that particular device.
  • The drivers already installed for the studio's older tablets do not work with the new model, even though both are graphics tablets.
  • An operating system includes drivers for many common devices, but it does not have one for a brand new model.
  • The correct driver means the pen movements are received by the computer in the form the drawing program expects.

What must be done before an artist can use a new tablet

  • The new tablet is supplied with its driver on a disc or as a download, and it must be installed on each computer.
  • The operating system may need to be updated so that it recognises the new model.
  • The driver must be enabled or selected for the tablet once it is installed.
  • Drivers are updated later to fix faults or to improve performance.
  • If the correct driver is not installed, the tablet does not work or some of its features are not available.

Additional guidance

  • Level 3 responses must explain why a driver is specific to a device and what must be done before an artist can use a new tablet, as well as describing what a driver is, all applied to the studio.
  • Responses that only state what a driver is, or that state a driver must be installed without explaining why the tablet needs its own driver, are limited to Level 1.
  • Accept 'software', 'program' or 'set of instructions' for a driver.
  • Do not accept a device driver described only as a cable or a physical connection.
  • Do not accept the claim that all drivers are already built into the operating system, or that one driver works for every graphics tablet.

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)
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks6/6

A device driver is software that lets the operating system communicate with a peripheral such as a graphics tablet. When an artist connects a tablet, the operating system loads the driver into memory so that it can send instructions to the tablet and receive the pen movements back. Each make and model of tablet has its own set of commands, so the drivers already installed for the studio's older tablets will not work with the new model, and the operating system will not have a driver built in for a brand new device. Because the tablets are a new model, the supplier provides a driver on a disc or as a download, and it must be installed on every computer before an artist can use a tablet. The studio may also need to update the operating system so that it recognises the new model, and install updated drivers later if faults are found. If the correct driver is not installed, the operating system cannot control the tablet, so the pen will not work.

Why: Level 3: defines a driver and explains the operating system's role in loading and using it (AO1), explains why the driver is specific to the make and model and applies this to the studio's older tablets (AO1/AO2), and gives the installation, operating system update, later driver updates and the consequence of a missing driver, all applied to the studio in a sustained line of reasoning.

Some marks2/6

A device driver is a program that controls the graphics tablet. The new tablets are a different model, so the computers may not have the right driver. The studio needs to install the driver that comes with the tablet before the artist can use it.

Why: Level 1 upper: a basic definition, a brief unexplained point that the new model may not have the right driver, and the point that the supplied driver must be installed. Nothing explains why a driver is specific to a device (different commands, make and model) or how the operating system uses the driver, so the points stay independent with little linkage and are limited to Level 1 by the guidance.

Some marks1/6

A device driver is a program that makes the tablet work. All drivers are already built into the operating system, so the studio does not need to install anything for the new tablets.

Why: 1 mark: a basic statement that a driver is a program that controls the device. The claim that all drivers are already built in is a misconception named in the do-not-accept guidance, so it gains no credit for what must happen before the new tablets can be used.

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

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Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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