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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 604 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 · 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 small business stores its customer records on a computer.

Describe the purpose of backup software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a copy/duplicate of the files/data (1) and stores it on a separate storage device/at a different location (1)
  • Copies the data at regular intervals (1) so a recent version is available if the original is lost (1)
  • Keeps a copy of the files (1) so that the data can be restored after the original is deleted/corrupted (1)
  • Stores the copies on another device (1) so the data is not lost if the original device fails/is damaged by a fire or flood (1)

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

Do not accept responses about repairing corrupted files or removing malware, as these are different utility programs.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes a copy of the data and saves it on a separate storage device (1) so that the records can be restored if the original files are deleted or the computer fails (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the purpose of the copy (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes a copy of the files and saves it on another disk.

Why: The point and location are given (1), but there is no development saying what the copy is used for, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

It repairs damaged files so that they can be opened again by the program.

Why: This describes file repair software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

4Describe2 marksTranslators Swap Remove

Source code can contain syntax errors.

Describe how a compiler and an interpreter differ in the way they deal with syntax errors.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The compiler reports all syntax errors after translation has finished (1) whereas the interpreter stops at the first error it finds (1)
  • The interpreter reports a syntax error as soon as it finds one (1) and does not translate/execute any more of the program (1)
  • The compiler continues translating after an error (1) and reports the errors at the end (1)
  • The interpreter stops translating when it reaches an error (1) but the compiler finishes translating before reporting errors (1)

Do not accept answers about fixing/correcting errors or about object code.

Do not award 'the compiler finds more errors' without saying errors are reported at the end.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A compiler reports all the syntax errors at the end of translation, whereas an interpreter stops and reports the error as soon as it finds one.

Why: Compiler reports errors at the end (1) and interpreter stops/reports at the first error (1).

Some marks1/2

An interpreter stops translating when it finds a syntax error.

Why: Interpreter stops at the first error (1); no comparison with when the compiler reports errors.

No marks0/2

A compiler reports a syntax error immediately, before translating the rest of the program.

Why: Reverses the compiler's behaviour; it finishes translating before reporting errors.

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

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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

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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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