Free Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP1) Exam Questions and Answers
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP1) is Pearson Edexcel's GCSE Computer Science qualification, specification 1CP1, taken in England. The questions here come from Pearson Edexcel's published question papers from November 2021, with answers and marking guidance taken from Pearson Edexcel's own mark schemes. Written-answer questions let you work out your answer and then reveal what the mark scheme accepts; diagrams, graphs and source material appear with the questions that use them.
Looking for Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP1) exam dumps or ExamTopics questions? These practice questions cover the same ground with verified answers and explanations, a downloadable PDF and a full practice test, kept current as Pearson Edexcel updates the exam.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
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Question #1
Most programs are written using high-level languages. Identify one term used to describe a compiler.
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Only D is correct.
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Question #2
Most programs are written using high-level languages. State two types of utility software. 1 ____ 2 ____
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Any two: anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, file management, file repair/recovery, file conversion, compression, defragmentation, back up.
Explanation
One mark each for any two types. Accept 'anti-malware' if the mark for anti-virus/anti-spyware has not already been awarded.
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Question #3
Most programs are written using high-level languages. Complete this sentence. Instructions written in a high-level language must be converted to ____ , so that they can be executed by the ____ .
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Machine code / binary; processor / CPU
Explanation
One mark for machine code or binary. One mark for processor or CPU (accept 'computer').
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Question #4
Most programs are written using high-level languages. Explain one reason why compiled code helps protect intellectual property.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Two linked points, e.g. the source code is not available because the compiler converts it to machine code; or compiled code is not human readable so nobody else can alter it or sell it on; or it is difficult/impossible to reverse engineer so nobody else can alter or sell it.
Explanation
Two marks: one for the point and one for the linked reason/explanation.
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Question #5
Computers carry out comparisons. Complete the truth table.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Y AND Z column, top to bottom: 0,0,1,0,0,0,1,0 ... see rows (X,Y,Z → Y AND Z → X OR (Y AND Z)): 0,1,0 → 0 → 0; 0,1,1 → 1 → 1; 1,1,0 → 0 → 1; 1,1,1 → 1 → 1; 1,0,0 → 0 → 1; 0,0,0 → 0 → 0; 0,0,1 → 0 → 0; 1,0,1 → 0 → 1.
Explanation
Six marks across the completed Y AND Z and X OR (Y AND Z) columns. Y AND Z is 1 only when Y and Z are both 1. X OR (Y AND Z) is 1 when X is 1 or Y AND Z is 1. The row order in the original table is not fully clear from the text, so check each row against these rules.
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Question #6
Computers carry out comparisons. State the name of the component of the CPU that performs comparisons.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Arithmetic Logic Unit / ALU
Explanation
One mark for ALU or its full name.
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Question #7
Computers carry out comparisons. Complete this model, which is used by all computers. Input ____ Output
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Process
Explanation
One mark for Process.
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Question #8
Computers carry out comparisons. State the function of cache memory.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Any one: to store frequently used instructions; to act as a buffer; to make up the difference in speed between RAM and the CPU.
Explanation
One mark for any one.
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Question #9
Algorithms are used in the design of computer programs. Describe what is meant by the term ‘algorithm’.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: A sequence of instructions that solves a problem.
Explanation
One mark for a sequence of instructions, one mark for solving a problem.
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Question #10
Algorithms are used in the design of computer programs. Draw a straight line to match each use to the correct term.
Work out the matching from the exhibit, then reveal.
Correct answer: The matching answers are not given in text, so they cannot be reproduced here.
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