Menu
Exam Questions

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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

3 questions · 9 marks

Pick again
Print
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 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

Describe the purpose of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU).

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Carries out arithmetic operations/calculations, such as addition or subtraction (1) so that the result can be stored in a register (1)
  • Carries out logical operations, such as comparing two data items (1) to see which one is greater/larger (1)
  • Compares two data items (1) to decide whether a condition is true / which path a program takes next (1)

Allow the result of an arithmetic or logical operation being held/stored in a register, but only where the operation is named.

Do not accept answers that say the ALU stores data or results without naming an operation (registers/main memory store data).

Do not accept answers about controlling components, decoding instructions or timing (that is the control unit or the clock).

Do not award credit for 'it processes data' on its own; an arithmetic or a logical operation must be named.

An example on its own, e.g. 'it adds two numbers', does not earn a second mark; the second mark needs a linked development.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The ALU carries out arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction, and the result of the calculation is stored in a register.

Why: Linked point (1) for arithmetic operations with an example, and development (1) for the result being stored in a register.

Some marks1/2

It does all the calculations in the CPU, for example adding two numbers together.

Why: Point (1) for arithmetic operations/calculations named with an example; no linked development, so the second mark is not earned.

No marks0/2

It stores the results of calculations so that they can be used by the CPU later.

Why: Storing results with no arithmetic or logical operation named, which the 'Do not accept' line rules out, so no mark is earned.

3Discuss6 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

Build a paper on this topic 24
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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

Build a paper on this topic 36
E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

Build a paper on this topic 71
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

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Activities Flashcards Revision notes

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.