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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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4 questions · 7 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.

3Explain2 marksThe Internet Swap Remove

Routers on the internet choose a route for each packet.

Explain one benefit of a router being able to choose a different route for a packet.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Data can avoid a busy/congested link (1) because the router can choose another path (1)
  • Data can still arrive if a link fails (1) because the router sends it another way (1)
  • Data can take the shortest/fastest path (1) because the router compares the routes and chooses the one with the fewest hops/least traffic (1)

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

Allow other valid benefits with a linked reason, e.g. traffic can be shared across routes/load balanced (1) because the router can send some packets by another path (1)

Do not accept 'the route is always the same' as this is not a benefit of choosing a route.

Do not accept 'routers are fast' or 'packets are sent faster' on its own: the reason must say how the route is chosen, e.g. avoiding congestion or using a routing table.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

If one route is busy, the data can still get there (1) because the router can choose a different path (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): a different path avoids the busy route.

Some marks1/2

It can choose the fastest route (1) because routers are quick (1).

Why: Point (1) for choosing the fastest route, but 'routers are quick' is a speed statement that does not say how the route is chosen, so it does not earn the second mark.

No marks0/2

It means more devices can connect to the internet.

Why: No link to choosing a route for a packet; does not answer the question.

4Calculate3 marksAdding Binary Numbers Swap Remove

Binary patterns can represent numbers.

(a)

Complete the table to show the 8-bit result of the binary addition.

[2 marks]
1286432168421
11011011
11011100
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

  • 1011 (1)
  • 0111 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Ignore a carry shown beyond the eighth bit.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1011 0111

Why: 219 + 220 = 439, which needs 9 bits; the 8 bits that are kept are both correct (2).

Some marks1/2

0000 0111

Why: Forgets to carry the 1s. The second nibble is correct (1); the first is not.

No marks0/2

1101 1111

Why: Never carries. Neither nibble is correct.

(b)

State the name of the error that occurs when this addition is carried out.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • overflow (error) (1)
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Overflow

Why: The result needs more bits than are available (1).

No marks0/1

Underflow

Why: A near miss: the result is too big for 8 bits, not too small.

No marks0/1

A syntax error

Why: A syntax error is a mistake in a program's code, not in arithmetic.

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

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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

Build a paper on this topic 36
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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