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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 · 5 marks

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1Short recall1 markImages Swap Remove

A bitmap image uses one bit per pixel.

State the limitation this places on the number of colours in the image.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

  • Only two different colours can be represented/stored (1)
  • Each pixel can only be one of two values (1)
  • The image can only be shown in black and white (1)

Allow answers that give the number of colours, e.g. two colours, 2 colours

Allow any pair of two colours, e.g. black and white, black and grey

Do not accept low resolution/poor quality/lower quality

Do not accept only one colour/can only show black

Do not accept 2 bits/2^1 without a statement about the number of colours that can be represented

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Only two colours can be represented, such as black and white.

Why: States that only two different colours can be represented (1)

No marks0/1

The image will have a low resolution.

Why: Confuses colour depth with resolution; low resolution is not accepted

No marks0/1

The image can only show black.

Why: One colour is all a single value can give; the limitation is that only two colours can be represented, so this is not accepted

2Describe2 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 so that they use less storage space on the computer and more of them fit on the disk.

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.

3Convert2 marksDenary to Binary Conversion Swap Remove

Computer systems manipulate bit patterns.

Convert the denary number 140 to 8-bit binary.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • 1000 (1)
  • 1100 (1)

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

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

1000 1100

Why: 140 = 128 + 8 + 4: both nibbles are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

1000 1101

Why: Converts 141 instead (a slip in adding up the place values). The first nibble is correct (1); the second is not.

No marks0/2

0011 0001

Why: The bits are written in reverse, smallest place value first. 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

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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

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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

Build a paper on this topic 36
Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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