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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 693 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 · 4 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markCharacter Sets Swap Remove

A text file stores each character using 7-bit ASCII.

Identify the denary ASCII code for the space character.

[1 mark]
  • A32
  • B33
  • C48
  • D65
Mark scheme
  • A 32 (1)
  • The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is 32.
  • B is not correct because 33 is the ASCII code for the exclamation mark (!)
  • C is not correct because 48 is the ASCII code for the character 0
  • D is not correct because 65 is the ASCII code for the uppercase letter A
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

A 32

Why: Correct option: the space character has the ASCII code 32 (1).

No marks0/1

C 48

Why: Near miss scoring 0: 48 is the ASCII code for the character 0, not the space character.

No marks0/1

D 65

Why: Misconception scoring 0: 65 is the ASCII code for the uppercase letter A, so a well-known code is given but not the code for a space.

2Short recall1 markImages Swap Remove

A bitmap image has a resolution.

State what is meant by the resolution of an image.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • The concentration/density of pixels in an area (1)
  • The number of pixels per inch (PPI) / pixels per unit area (1)
  • The width and height/dimensions of the image in pixels (1)

Do not accept the number of pixels in the image on its own, without dimensions or an area, e.g. 'the total number of pixels'

Do not accept colour depth / the number of bits used per pixel / the number of colours

Do not accept file size in bytes / the amount of storage the image uses / screen size / image quality

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The concentration of pixels in an area, such as the number of pixels per inch.

Why: Gives the density/concentration of pixels in an area, and pixels per inch (1)

No marks0/1

The number of pixels in the image.

Why: A bare total pixel count is not accepted without dimensions or an area

No marks0/1

The number of bits used to store each pixel's colour.

Why: Describes colour depth, not resolution, and colour depth is not accepted

3Explain2 marksCharacter Sets Swap Remove

ASCII uses a fixed number of bits to represent each character.

Explain one reason why ASCII uses 7 bits to represent each character.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • 7 bits give 128 different codes/combinations (1) which is enough to represent all the characters on a keyboard (1)
  • 7 bits allow 128 unique characters (1) so uppercase and lowercase letters, digits and punctuation can all be represented (1)
  • 6 bits give only 64 combinations (1) which is not enough for the number of characters on a keyboard (1)
  • A keyboard needs to represent more than 64 different characters (1) so 7 bits are needed to give the 128 combinations required (1)
  • A fixed number of 7 bits gives 128 possible codes (1) which is enough for the characters ASCII represents, so more bits are not needed (1)

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

Do not accept 'because ASCII is 7-bit' or 'because 7 bits is enough' as these repeat the question without giving the number of combinations or saying what they allow.

Do not accept '7 bits give 256 characters'; 256 combinations come from 8 bits (extended ASCII).

Allow 'ASCII has 128 characters/codes' for the 128 point.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

7 bits give 128 different codes, which is enough for every letter, digit and punctuation symbol on a keyboard.

Why: Gives the point that 7 bits give 128 codes (1) and links it to the reason that this is enough for all the characters on a keyboard (1).

Some marks1/2

7 bits give 128 different combinations.

Why: Gives the point that 7 bits give 128 combinations (1) but does not say what this number of combinations allows, so the linked reason (1) is not earned.

No marks0/2

Because ASCII uses 7 bits so it can store 256 characters.

Why: Repeats the question and gives the wrong number of characters (256 is 8-bit extended ASCII), so there is no creditworthy point.

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 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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