Master Exam Questions with Confidence
Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)These command words require recall of one or more items. Simply provide the answer without explanation.
A hotel chain has hotels in several countries and a head office in England.
State the type of network needed to connect these hotels to the head office.
WAN / Wide Area Network (1)
WAN (Wide Area Network)
Don't waste time explaining why - just give the answer.
Computer systems topic.
State one characteristic of an embedded system.
Forms part of another device/system (1), OR Performs a single/dedicated/specific task (1)
Performs a single dedicated task
Embedded = inside another device, does ONE specific job (washing machine, microwave).
State two methods of translating high-level code into machine code.
Compile/Compilation (1), Interpret/Interpretation (1), Assemble (1)
1. Compilation
2. Interpretation
Three translators: Compiler, Interpreter, Assembler.
State one wireless protocol used to connect devices.
Wi-Fi (1), Bluetooth (1), ZigBee (1)
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi (internet), Bluetooth (short range), ZigBee (IoT devices).
Selection of the correct answer from items in the question, or selection from given options.
Identify where an instruction is held during execution.
A. ALU B. Clock C. Main memory D. Register
D - Register (1). ALU does operations, Clock is a signal, Main memory is outside CPU.
D - Register
During execution: Instructions held in registers (CIR, MAR, MDR, ACC).
Identify the computational thinking technique that involves breaking a problem into smaller parts.
A. Abstraction B. Computation C. Decomposition D. Evaluation
C - Decomposition (1). Abstraction = hiding detail. Evaluation = reaching conclusions.
C - Decomposition
DE-compose = break DOWN. Abstraction = hide details.
Identify which statement about overflow errors is correct.
A. All overflow errors cause programs to crash
B. Overflow errors occur when a result exceeds the maximum value
C. Computers use hexadecimal to prevent overflow
D. Indexing outside an array causes overflow
B (1). D is a runtime error (index out of bounds), not overflow.
B - Overflow errors occur when a result exceeds the maximum value
Overflow = result too big for available bits. Array index error = runtime error.
When the meaning of a term is requested. Include key technical terms that demonstrate understanding.
Define what is meant by a syntax error.
Code that breaks/violates the rules/grammar of the programming language (1). Do not award for example alone.
A syntax error is code that breaks the rules or grammar of the programming language.
Syntax = rules/grammar. Examples alone won't get the mark!
Define the term 'bandwidth'.
The maximum volume/amount of data that can be transmitted in one second/unit of time (1)
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time.
Bandwidth = MAXIMUM capacity. Like pipe width - how much CAN flow, not IS flowing.
Define what is meant by sample interval.
The time/gap between samples/measurements (1). Do not accept sampling frequency.
Sample interval is the time gap between each sample taken from an analogue signal.
Sample interval = TIME between. Sample rate = NUMBER per second. Don't confuse!
Give an account of something. Statements need to be developed and linked, but don't need justification.
Describe how a router forwards data packets.
Reads destination IP address (1), Uses routing table (1), Forwards to next router (1), Uses fastest route (1)
The router reads the destination IP address in each packet. It uses a routing table to find the best path and forwards the packet to the next router.
Router process: Read address → Check routing table → Forward to next hop.
Describe what is meant by penetration testing.
An authorised attack on a network/system (1) to identify security vulnerabilities (1)
Penetration testing is an authorised attack on a computer system, carried out with permission, to identify security vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.
Key word: AUTHORISED. Legal hacking to find weaknesses before criminals do.
Describe how a hierarchical file system organises files.
Uses tree structure (1) with root directory (1). Each file has unique path (1)
A hierarchical file system uses a tree structure with a root directory at the top. Files and folders are organised into subdirectories, each with a unique path from the root.
Like a family tree: root at top, branches (folders) leading to leaves (files).
Requires justification/exemplification. Must contain reasoning using 'because', 'therefore', 'this means'.
Explain what happens when a runtime error occurs.
The program crashes/stops (1) because the operation is impossible (1)
The program crashes or stops unexpectedly because the CPU encounters an operation it cannot execute, such as dividing by zero.
Runtime = happens while running. Causes: divide by zero, file not found, out of memory.
Explain one benefit of using IMAP for email.
Emails can be accessed from multiple devices (1) because IMAP doesn't delete emails from server (1)
Emails can be accessed from multiple devices because IMAP keeps emails stored on the server rather than deleting them after download.
IMAP = emails stay on server (access anywhere). POP3 = downloads and removes.
Explain one benefit of using subprograms.
Code only written once (1) because it can be called many times (1). Easier to debug (1) because code is separated (1)
Subprogram code only needs to be written once because it can be called multiple times, saving development time.
Benefits: reusability, easier debugging, abstraction, team working, smaller code.
Extended response. Explore all aspects, investigate by reasoning, reach a conclusion.
Students creating a game in groups, developing different parts.
Discuss how decomposition and abstraction can benefit the students and appear in code.
Level 3 (5-6): Comprehensive, well-developed with context application. Level 2 (3-4): Adequate with some linkages. Level 1 (1-2): Basic points.
Decomposition benefits: Breaking the game into smaller parts (score, movement, sounds) makes it easier to solve. Different team members can work on different parts simultaneously.
Abstraction benefits: Students working on character movement don't need to understand how sound code works internally. Library routines hide complexity.
In code: Decomposition = separate subprograms for different features. Abstraction = calling functions by name without knowing internals.
Conclusion: Both techniques make the project manageable and produce maintainable code.
Structure: Define → Benefits → In code → Link to context → Conclusion.
Smartphone with built-in devices (camera, microphone) and applications (email, image editing).
Discuss the use of high-level and low-level languages for developing the devices and applications.
Low-level for devices: Microprocessor dependent, efficient for specific chipsets. Can manipulate hardware directly for device drivers. Smaller executables for limited RAM. Optimised for real-time operations.
High-level for applications: Portable across phone versions. Development tools make coding faster. Libraries provide specialised functions.
Conclusion: Low-level for time-critical device control, high-level for user applications where portability matters.
Always link advantages to the SPECIFIC CONTEXT in the question.
Create an artefact using subject-specific notation. Show components - don't calculate unless asked.
Construct an expression for transmission time: 1.4 GiB file at 13 Mbps. Don't calculate.
1.4 × 8 × 1024³ (file in bits) (1)(1), 13 × 1000² (speed in bps) (1), Correct expression (1)
(1.4 × 8 × 1024³) ÷ (13 × 1000²) seconds
• 1.4 × 1024³ = GiB to bytes
• × 8 = bytes to bits
• 13 × 1000² = Mbps to bps
⚠️ CRITICAL: GiB/MiB use 1024. Mbps/Gbps use 1000. Never mix them!
Construct an expression: 100×600 pixels, 32-bit colour, 1024 bytes metadata.
100 × 600 (1), × 32 and ÷ 8 (1), + 1024 (1)
(100 × 600 × 32) ÷ 8 + 1024 bytes
• 100 × 600 = total pixels
• × 32 = bits per pixel
• ÷ 8 = convert to bytes
• + 1024 = metadata
Image size = width × height × colour depth ÷ 8. Don't forget metadata!
Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. Include units if applicable.
Convert 0101 1011 to hexadecimal.
5B (1 mark per correct digit)
0101 = 5 (4+1)
1011 = B (8+2+1 = 11)
Answer: 5B
Split into nibbles. Each nibble → one hex digit. 10-15 = A-F.
Calculate logical shift left by 3 on 1010 0011.
0001 1000 (2 marks)
1010 0011 → shift left 3
Fill gaps with zeros
Answer: 0001 1000
Logical shift: fill with 0s. Left shift by n = multiply by 2ⁿ.
Calculate arithmetic shift right by 2 on 1100 1010.
1111 0010 (2 marks)
MSB is 1, so fill with 1s
1100 1010 → 1111 0010
Answer: 1111 0010
Arithmetic shift preserves sign bit. Fill with copies of MSB, not zeros!
Fill in a table/diagram/algorithm. Use the same style as existing content.
Complete the table matching buses to their roles in fetching.
Control - Carries read signal (1). Address - Carries memory location (1). Data - Carries instruction (1)
Control → Carries read signal to memory
Address → Carries memory location
Data → Carries instruction from memory to CPU
Address = WHERE, Data = WHAT, Control = WHEN/HOW (signals).
Complete the truth table for S AND M.
0 AND 0 = 0
0 AND 1 = 0
1 AND 0 = 0
1 AND 1 = 1
AND = both must be 1. OR = either can be 1. NOT = flips value.
Produce a diagram with correct symbols. Label/annotate as required.
Draw a flowchart showing how anti-virus software scans files.
Load virus database (1). Scan file (1). Decision: virus found? (1). Quarantine if found (1). No action if clean (1). All decisions have Yes/No labels (1)
[Start] → [Load virus database] → [Scan file] → <Virus found?>
→ Yes → [Quarantine/delete]
→ No → [File is clean]
→ [Stop]
Every decision diamond needs TWO labelled arrows. Every path must reach terminator.
Change information from one representation to another. Show the process clearly.
Convert 0100 1000 + 0010 1000 to 8-bit binary.
0100 1000 (72) + 0010 1000 (40) ----------- 0111 0000 (112)
Binary: 0+0=0, 0+1=1, 1+0=1, 1+1=10 (write 0, carry 1).
How many bits are used in standard ASCII?
7 (1). Do not award 8 - that's Extended ASCII.
7 bits
Standard ASCII = 7 bits (128 chars). Extended = 8 bits (256 chars).
Make changes, additions, deletions or rearrangements to code.
Fix the syntax and logic errors in the rainbow program.
Remove extra quote (1). false→False (1). Fix 0123 (1). Add bracket (1). Fix spelling (1). Fix print (1). and→or (1). 1→0 (1)
wavelengths = [380, 450] # Removed quote
found = False # Capitalised
index = 0 # Fixed octal
index = int(input("Enter:")) # Added bracket
colour = rainbow[index] # Fixed spelling
if wavelength < 380 or wavelength > 622: # and→orPython: True/False/None must be capitalised! Check colons after if/for/while.
Create code/algorithm using subject-specific notation. Meet ALL requirements.
Write a program: take 3 inputs, validate positive, calculate area and volume, format output.
Inputs (1), Float conversion (1), Validation (1), Logical operator (1), Error message (1), Area formula (1), Round (1), Volume formula (1), Formatting (1), Meaningful names (1), Functionality (3)
# Inputs
base = float(input("Base: "))
height = float(input("Height: "))
length = float(input("Length: "))
# Validation
if base <= 0 or height <= 0 or length <= 0:
print("Invalid input")
else:
area = round(0.5 * base * height, 2)
volume = area * length
print(f"Volume: {volume:.2f} cubic units")
print("Goodbye")Check EVERY requirement. Validation, meaningful names, correct formulas, formatting.