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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

Characters are encoded using 7-bit ASCII.

Identify the number of different characters that can be represented using 7-bit ASCII.

[1 mark]
  • A64
  • B127
  • C128
  • D256
Mark scheme
  • C 128 (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is 128.
  • A is not correct because 6 bits give only 64 different combinations
  • B is not correct because 127 is the largest 7-bit value, not the number of characters that 7 bits can represent
  • D is not correct because 256 characters need 8 bits, as used by 8-bit extended ASCII
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C 128

Why: Selects the only correct option (1): 7 bits give 2 to the power of 7, which is 128 different characters.

No marks0/1

D 256

Why: Near miss scoring 0: 256 is the number of characters that 8 bits give in extended ASCII, not 7-bit ASCII.

No marks0/1

B 127

Why: Misconception scoring 0, the off-by-one error the examiners' report describes: 127 is the largest 7-bit value, but 7 bits give 128 different characters.

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

A home network is connected to the internet by a router.

Explain one reason why a home network uses a router to connect its devices to the internet.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • All the devices can share one internet connection (1) because the router forwards data packets between the home network and the internet (1)
  • Data can reach the correct device on the home network (1) because the router uses the destination IP address to forward each packet to that device (1)
  • Each device does not need its own separate connection to the internet (1) because the router forwards data packets for all the devices between the home network and the internet (1)

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

Do not accept 'it provides Wi-Fi' because Wi-Fi is not why a router is needed to connect to the internet.

Do not accept 'it connects the home network/devices to the internet' or 'a router connects networks' without saying what the router does with the data, as this restates the question.

Do not accept 'it connects the cables' without saying what it does with the data.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

It lets all the devices share the internet connection because it forwards their data packets between the home network and the internet.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): the router forwards data packets between the home network and the internet.

Some marks1/2

All the devices can share one internet connection because it connects the home network to the internet.

Why: Point (1) for sharing one internet connection, but the reason only restates that it connects the network to the internet, which the scheme does not accept.

No marks0/2

It provides Wi-Fi for the devices.

Why: Wi-Fi is not why a router is needed to connect to the internet; do not accept.

4Calculate2 marksBinary Shifts Swap Remove

Computers manipulate binary patterns.

Complete the table with the result of applying the shift to the binary pattern.

[2 marks]
Binary patternShift8-bit binary result
1000 0001Logical shift right by 1
Mark scheme

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

  • 0100 (1)
  • 0000 (1)

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

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

0100 0000

Why: Every bit moves 1 place right, with 0s in from the left: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

0100 0001

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

No marks0/2

0000 0010

Why: Shifts the bits the wrong way. 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

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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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