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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 6 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markCharacter Sets Swap Remove

ASCII is a character set used for representing text.

Identify the number of bits used to encode each character in ASCII.

[1 mark]
  • A6
  • B7
  • C8
  • D16
Mark scheme
  • B 7 (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is 7 bits.
  • A is not correct because 6 bits give only 64 different characters
  • C is not correct because 8 bits are used by extended ASCII to give 256 characters
  • D is not correct because 16 bits give 65 536 different characters, which is far more than the 128 in ASCII
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B 7

Why: B is the only correct answer: each ASCII character is encoded using 7 bits (1).

No marks0/1

C 8

Why: Near miss scoring 0: 8 bits is extended ASCII, and the scheme's C line says extended ASCII, not ASCII, is not the answer.

No marks0/1

A 6

Why: Misconception scoring 0: 6 bits give only 64 different characters, so it cannot be ASCII.

2Short recall1 markCompression Swap Remove

A company backs up its files to an external hard drive.

Give one reason why the company compresses the files before backing them up.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • More files/data can be stored (in the same storage space) (1)
  • The files take up less storage space (1)
  • The backup is quicker/faster to complete (1)
  • Less data needs to be transferred to the backup device (1)

Do not accept 'makes the files more secure' or 'encrypts the files'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The compressed files take up less storage space, so more files can be backed up.

Why: The files take up less storage space (1).

No marks0/1

It reduces the amount of disk fragmentation.

Why: Near-miss: compression does not reduce disk fragmentation.

No marks0/1

It encrypts the files so they are safer if the drive is stolen.

Why: Misconception: compression does not encrypt files, and security is not accepted.

3Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A hard disk can become fragmented as files are saved and deleted.

Describe how disk defragmentation software improves the performance of a hard disk.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Parts of a file are moved so they are stored together/in consecutive locations (1) so the read/write head has less distance to travel to read the file (1)
  • Files are rearranged so that each file is stored in one block (1) which reduces the time taken to open/load the file (1)
  • Free space on the disk is collected into one area (1) so new files can be saved without becoming fragmented (1)
  • The parts of each fragmented file are put in order (1) so fewer movements of the read/write head are needed to read it (1)

Do not accept responses about compressing files, deleting files or increasing the amount of storage, as these are not what defragmentation software does.

Do not accept 'it makes the disk faster' without saying how the files are changed.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It moves the parts of a file so they are stored together in consecutive locations (1), so the read/write head does not have to move as far and the file opens more quickly (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and development (1): the file parts are stored together, which reduces read/write head movement.

Some marks1/2

It reorganises the files on the hard disk so that they are stored together.

Why: The point is made (1) but there is no development saying how this improves performance, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It compresses the files so that they take up less space on the disk.

Why: This describes data compression software, which the mark scheme says is not accepted; no creditworthy point is made.

4Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

The TCP/IP model has four layers.

Explain one function of the transport layer when a file is sent over a network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Splits the data/file into packets (1) so each packet can be sent separately across the network (1)
  • Adds a packet/sequence number to each packet (1) so the packets can be put back into the correct order at the destination (1)
  • Detects lost/missing packets (1) so they can be requested/resent (1)
  • Creates a connection between the two computers/hosts (1) before the file is sent (1)

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

Allow 'segments' for 'packets' (TCP divides the data into segments, which become packets at the internet layer).

Do not accept 'sends the data/file' on its own without saying what the transport layer does to the data.

Do not accept naming TCP or a port number on its own without expansion.

Do not accept routing/addressing packets using IP addresses, which is the internet layer.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The transport layer splits the data into packets (1) so each packet can be sent separately across the network (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): splitting into packets lets each one be sent separately.

Some marks1/2

It splits the data into packets (1).

Why: Point (1) identified, but no linked reason given, so only the first mark is awarded.

No marks0/2

It routes the packets using IP addresses (0) so they reach the right destination.

Why: Routing using IP addresses is the internet layer, not the transport layer, so no credit is given.

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

Build a paper on this topic 18
Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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