Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Paper 1: Challenging
Exam Questions
Topic 1: Problem Solving
Question 1:
Describe how trace tables can be used to debug an algorithm. Construct a trace table
for the following algorithm and identify the output when the input is 5: (6 marks)
INPUT n
SET total = 0
FOR i = 1 TO n
total = total + i
ENDFOR
OUTPUT total
Tips for Answering:
1. Explain the role of trace tables in identifying logic errors.
2. Construct a table showing each variable’s value at each step.
3. Ensure the final output is correctly calculated and identified.
Question 2:
Design an algorithm using pseudocode to determine whether a number is prime. (8
marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Define the conditions for a number to be considered prime.
2. Include steps for iterating through potential factors and checking divisibility.
3. Clearly show input, output, and any loops or conditions.
Question 3:
Evaluate the efficiency of the bubble sort algorithm compared to merge sort in terms of
time complexity and practical usage. (8 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. State the time complexity of both algorithms (O(n^2) for bubble sort, O(n log n) for
merge sort).
2. Discuss scenarios where each might be more appropriate.
3. Provide examples of data sets to illustrate your points.
Topic 2: Data Representation
Question 1:
Convert the denary number 255 into an 8-bit binary number and a 2-digit hexadecimal
number. Explain your working. (5 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Show the method for converting denary to binary step by step.
2. Convert the binary result into hexadecimal.
3. Explain why 8 bits and 2 digits are required.
Question 2:
Explain the difference between lossy and lossless compression. Provide one example of
when each would be used and justify your choice. (7 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Define lossy and lossless compression with examples.
2. Compare their impacts on file size and quality.
3. Justify examples, such as MP3 for lossy and ZIP for lossless.
Question 3:
A 16-color bitmap image has a resolution of 800x600 pixels. Calculate the file size in
kilobytes (KB), assuming no compression. Show your working. (8 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Determine the number of bits needed per pixel for 16 colors.
2. Calculate the total number of pixels and multiply by the bits per pixel.
3. Convert the result from bits to bytes and then to kilobytes.
Topic 3: Computer Systems
Question 1:
Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle in detail, including the role of key components
such as the control unit, ALU, and registers. (8 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Outline each stage of the cycle clearly.
2. Explain how components interact during each stage.
3. Include examples of specific instructions to illustrate the process.
Question 2:
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using virtual memory in a computer
system. (6 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Define virtual memory and explain how it works.
2. Discuss benefits, such as extending available memory, and drawbacks, like slower
performance.
3. Provide scenarios where virtual memory is crucial.
Question 3:
Explain how multicore processors improve the performance of a computer system.
Include the challenges associated with their use. (7 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Describe how multiple cores enable parallel processing.
2. Highlight performance benefits for multitasking and complex computations.
3. Discuss challenges, such as software optimization and increased power consumption.
Topic 4: Networks
Question 1:
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using wired versus wireless networks in
a business environment. (8 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Define both wired and wireless networks.
2. Discuss factors such as speed, security, and scalability.
3. Provide examples of businesses that might prefer one over the other.
Question 2:
Explain how packet switching works and why it is essential for data transmission across
the internet. (7 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Describe the process of breaking data into packets.
2. Explain routing and reassembly of packets at the destination.
3. Highlight the benefits, such as efficient use of network resources.
Question 3:
Discuss the impact of bandwidth and latency on the performance of online applications.
Provide examples of applications affected by these factors. (7 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Define bandwidth and latency and how they influence performance.
2. Discuss their effects on specific applications, like video streaming and online gaming.
3. Provide strategies to mitigate performance issues.
Topic 5: Ethical, Legal, and Environmental Impacts
Question 1:
Evaluate the ethical implications of autonomous vehicles making decisions during
emergencies. Use examples to support your argument. (8 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Outline ethical dilemmas, such as prioritizing lives.
2. Use real-world examples to illustrate potential impacts.
3. Discuss the role of regulation and public trust.
Question 2:
Explain how organizations can minimize the environmental impact of their IT
infrastructure. Include examples of specific practices and technologies. (7 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Discuss practices like server virtualization and energy-efficient hardware.
2. Highlight the benefits of cloud computing and recycling programs.
3. Provide examples of organizations leading in sustainability.
Question 3:
Analyze the legal challenges associated with enforcing intellectual property rights in the
digital age. (8 marks)
Tips for Answering:
1. Define intellectual property and its significance.
2. Discuss challenges like piracy and jurisdiction issues.
3. Suggest solutions, such as international agreements and digital rights management
systems.
