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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 573 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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5 questions · 9 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 marksStored Program Computers Swap Remove

Computers use the von Neumann stored program concept.

Define the term stored program concept.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Program instructions are stored in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The data used by the program is stored in main memory/RAM (1)
  • The CPU fetches/reads instructions from main memory to execute them (1)
  • The program can be run without the instructions being input again (1)

Allow 'the program is stored in memory' for one mark.

Do not accept answers about programs being stored on secondary storage, such as a hard disk or USB memory stick.

Do not accept answers that only describe the von Neumann architecture (e.g. having a CPU and memory) without stating that instructions are stored in main memory.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Both the program instructions and the data the program uses are held in the same main memory, and the CPU fetches these instructions from memory to execute them.

Why: Instructions stored in main memory (1) and the CPU fetches instructions from memory to execute them (1).

Some marks1/2

Program instructions are stored in main memory.

Why: Instructions stored in main memory (1). No second point about data being stored in the same memory or about the CPU fetching instructions.

No marks0/2

The program is saved on the hard disk so that it can be loaded into RAM when the user runs it.

Why: A near-miss about secondary storage, which the mark scheme says not to accept; the stored program concept is about instructions being held in main memory.

3Describe2 marksUtility Software Swap Remove

A student has a large number of photographs stored on a computer.

Describe the purpose of data compression software.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Makes a file/files smaller (1) so less storage space is needed on the disk (1)
  • Reduces the size of the data (1) so it takes less time to upload/download/transfer the file (1)
  • Compresses files/folders into a single file (1) so an attachment is under the size limit for email (1)
  • Reduces the size of the files (1) so more of them fit onto a storage device/backup media (1)

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

Do not accept responses about protecting files from malware/viruses or about deleting files.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It makes the files smaller (1) so that they use less storage space on the computer and more of them fit on the disk (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the benefit (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes files smaller.

Why: This is the point (1) but there is no development of what the smaller size leads to, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

It protects the files from viruses so that they cannot be damaged.

Why: This describes anti-malware software, which the mark scheme does not accept; no creditworthy point is made.

4Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

A bank's website can use HTTP or HTTPS.

Explain one benefit to a customer of the bank's website using HTTPS.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Data is encrypted/scrambled (1) so it cannot be read/understood if it is intercepted (1)
  • The customer's bank/personal details are kept secure/private (1) because the data is encrypted/scrambled during transmission (1)
  • The customer's login details/password cannot be read by an eavesdropper (1) because HTTPS encrypts/scrambles the data sent to and from the web server (1)

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

Allow 'scrambled' as an alternative to 'encrypted'.

Do not accept 'it is more secure/safe' or 'the data is secure' on its own, without saying how it is made secure (e.g. encryption/scrambling).

Do not accept faster loading/speed, or claims that HTTPS stops viruses or always proves the website is genuine.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The data is encrypted (1) so anyone intercepting it cannot read the customer's bank details (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): encryption means intercepted data cannot be read.

Some marks1/2

The data is encrypted (1) so the website is secure.

Why: Point (1) for encryption, but 'secure' on its own is a near-miss that the mark scheme does not credit as the linked reason; it must say why, e.g. that intercepted data cannot be read.

No marks0/2

HTTPS is faster than HTTP (0) so the customer can log in more quickly.

Why: Speed is not a benefit of HTTPS and is named in a 'Do not accept' line, so no creditworthy point is given.

5Calculate2 marksAdding Binary Numbers Swap Remove

Computers manipulate binary patterns.

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

[2 marks]
1286432168421
10010101
01001111
Mark scheme

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

  • 1110 (1)
  • 0100 (1)

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

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1110 0100

Why: 149 + 79 = 228, carrying where a column adds to 2: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1110 0101

Why: A slip in the last bit. The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

1101 1111

Why: Writes 1 in every column with a 1 and never carries. Neither nibble is correct.

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 23
E-waste 15 questions Manufacturing Technology 8 questions

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