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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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3 questions · 5 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 recall2 marksFetch Decode Execute Cycle Swap Remove

The control unit is one component of the CPU.

Give two roles of the control unit during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Decodes the instruction / works out what the instruction is (1)
  • Sends control signals to the other components (of the CPU) (1)
  • Coordinates/controls the activities of the CPU (1)
  • Directs the timing of the other components / controls when each component acts (1)

Do not accept carrying out arithmetic or logical operations, as this is the role of the ALU.

Do not accept holding/storing the data or instructions, as this is the role of the registers/main memory.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It decodes each instruction and sends control signals to the other components to tell them what to do.

Why: Decodes the instruction (1) and sends control signals to the other components (1).

Some marks1/2

It decodes the instructions and carries out the calculations.

Why: Decoding the instruction (1); the calculations are carried out by the ALU, so the second part earns nothing.

No marks0/2

It stores the data that the CPU is working on.

Why: Storing data is the role of the registers/main memory, not the control unit, so no point is creditworthy.

3Describe2 marksLow and High Level Languages Swap Remove

A program can be written in a high-level language such as Python.

Describe one characteristic of a high-level programming language.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Statements are written using words/phrases that look like English or maths (1) so the code is easier to read/understand/write (1)
  • One statement is translated into several machine code instructions (1) so programs are shorter to write than in a low-level language (1)
  • High-level languages provide built-in data structures such as arrays/lists/records (1) so a collection of data items can be stored and accessed under one name (1)

Do not accept responses that only give a benefit or drawback, such as 'it is easier to learn', with no characteristic.

Do not accept 'it is easier than a low-level language' without saying what the characteristic is.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Statements are written using words that look like English or maths (1) so the program is easier to read and understand (1).

Why: Characteristic of the statements (1) with a linked development (1).

Some marks1/2

It has built-in data structures such as arrays.

Why: A correct characteristic (1) but no development of what it allows the programmer to do.

No marks0/2

It is easier to learn than a low-level language.

Why: Gives only a benefit compared with a low-level language; no characteristic of the language itself, so no mark.

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

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Data Protection Act 14 questions Impact of AI 4 questions

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