A Level Computer Science 9618 Paper 12, May/June 2023

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9618/12 · May/June 2023

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1

A company has a LAN (local area network).

a

Give two benefits of connecting computers to a LAN.

[2]
b

Give two characteristics of a LAN.

[2]
c

One of the company’s offices has one server and four computers connected in a star topology. Draw a diagram to show the layout of the office’s star topology.

[2]
d

Computers can be connected using Ethernet. Describe what is meant by Ethernet.

[3]
e

The network runs as a thick-client model. Describe what is meant by a thick-client model.

[2]
2

A horse riding school uses a database, Lessons, to store data about lesson bookings. This database is created and managed using a Database Management System (DBMS).

a

The table contains names and descriptions of DBMS features and tools. Complete the table by writing down the missing names and descriptions.

NameDescription
Data dictionary
Query processor
A model of a database that is not specific to one DBMS.
A software tool that allows the user to create items such as tables, forms and reports.
[4]
b

Explain the reasons why referential integrity is important in a database.

[3]
c(i)

The database Lessons has the following tables: HORSE(HorseID, Name, Height, Age, HorseLevel) STUDENT(StudentID, FirstName, LastName, RiderLevel, PreferredHorseID) LESSON(LessonID, Date, Time, StudentID, HorseID, LessonContent) Dates in this database are stored in the format #DD/MM/YYYY#. The fields RiderLevel and HorseLevel can only have the values: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced. Describe two methods of validating the field RiderLevel.

[2]
c(ii)

Write a Structured Query Language (SQL) script to return the names of all the horses that have the horse level intermediate or beginner.

[4]
c(iii)

The following SQL script should return the number of riders that have the rider level beginner and have a lesson booked on 09/09/2023. SELECT SUM(STUDENT.RiderLevel) AS NumberOfRiders FROM STUDENT, LESSON WHERE StudentID = StudentID OR Date = #09/09/2023# AND STUDENT.RiderLevel = Beginner; There are four errors in the script. Identify and correct each error.

[4]
3

A program is written in assembly language.

a

The program is converted into machine code by a two-pass assembler. Draw one or more lines to identify the pass or passes in which each action takes place.

[3]
b

Assembly language statements can use different modes of addressing. Complete the following description of addressing modes. ............................................ addressing is when the operand holds the memory address of the data. ............................................ addressing is when the operand holds a memory address that stores the memory address of the data. ............................................ addressing is when the operand is the data.

[3]
4

Data in a computer is stored in binary form.

a

State the number of unique binary values that can be represented in 16 bits.

[1]
b

Give the 8-bit one’s complement representation of the denary number −120. Show your working.

[2]
c

Convert the hexadecimal number A04 into denary. Show your working.

[2]
d

Show the result of a 2-place left logical shift on the binary number: 01001111

[1]
5

A student has purchased a new laptop.

a

The laptop is designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system. Identify two types of signal that a control bus can transfer.

[2]
b

Describe two ways the hardware of a laptop can be upgraded to improve the performance and explain how each upgrade improves the performance.

[4]
c(i)

Peripherals are connected to the laptop using ports. A printer is connected to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Describe how data is transmitted through a USB port.

[1]
c(ii)

A monitor is connected to the laptop using a different type of port. Identify one other type of port that can be used to connect the monitor.

[1]
d(i)

The laptop has systems software. Describe how the Operating System (OS) manages processes in the computer.

[5]
d(ii)

Describe the purpose of utility software in a computer.

[2]
6
a

Draw the logic circuit for this logic expression: Z = (R XOR S) AND (NOT T NOR P)

[2]
b

Complete the truth table for this logic expression: Z = (NOT P OR Q) XOR (R NOR Q)

PQRWorking spaceZ
000
001
010
011
100
101
110
111
[2]
7

A software developer is working in a team writing a program for a client.

a(i)

The developer is writing a new program library to be used by the other team members. Define the term program library.

[2]
a(ii)

Explain two benefits to the developer of choosing to create a Dynamic Link Library (DLL).

[4]
b

The development team needs to use a translator whilst writing the program for the client. Identify whether an interpreter or a compiler would be more appropriate at this stage of the program development. Justify your choice. Translator .................................................................................................................. Justification

[3]
c

The development team uses an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Complete the table by describing the typical features found in an IDE.

FeatureDescription
Breakpoints
Dynamic syntax checks
Context-sensitive prompts
Single stepping
[4]
d

One section of the program being developed will convert user’s speech into commands. Explain how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used in this program.

[3]

Mark scheme

9618/12 · May/June 2023

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1a · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Allows the sharing of files/data // Allows communication between the devices

  • 1 mark

    Allows the sharing of resources e.g. hardware / software (applications)

1b · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Covers a small geographical area

  • 1 mark

    The infrastructure is privately owned // not controlled by external organisations

1c · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Each computer directly connected only to the server ...

  • 1 mark

    ... all components correctly labelled

1d · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    A protocol (suite)

  • 1 mark

    For data transmission over standard / universal wired / cabled network connections

  • 1 mark

    Uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)

1e · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    The server performs minimal / some processing for the client

  • 1 mark

    The clients also do most of their own processing/work independently // most of the resources are installed locally

2a · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    Data dictionary: Data about the data in the database // data about the structure of the database // metadata for a database

  • 1 mark

    Query processor: Software that allows the user to enter criteria, then finds and returns the appropriate result // software that processes and executes queries written in SQL

  • 1 mark

    Logical schema: A model of a database that is not specific to one DBMS

  • 1 mark

    Developer interface: A software tool that allows the user to create items such as tables, forms and reports

2b · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    Referential Integrity makes sure data is consistent

  • 1 mark

    Referential Integrity makes sure all data is up-to-date

  • 1 mark

    Referential integrity ensures that every foreign key has a corresponding primary key

2c(i) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Presence check to make sure that the (rider level) is entered

  • 1 mark

    Look-up / Existence check to make sure the rider level is only Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced

2c(ii) · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    SELECT field Name

  • 1 mark

    FROM table HORSE

  • 1 mark

    WHERE with Intermediate / Beginner

  • 1 mark

    OR with Beginner / Intermediate

2c(iii) · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    SUM should be COUNT // SELECT COUNT(STUDENT.RiderLevel)

  • 1 mark

    The WHERE statement needs the table names before each field name // WHERE STUDENT.StudentID = LESSON.StudentID

  • 1 mark

    The OR should be AND // AND Date = #09/09/2023#

  • 1 mark

    Beginner is missing the speech marks // STUDENT.RiderLevel = "Beginner";

3a · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    generates object code to second pass

  • 1 mark

    reads source code one line at a time to both boxes

  • 1 mark

    removes white space and adds labels to first pass

3b · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    Direct addressing

  • 1 mark

    Indirect addressing

  • 1 mark

    Immediate addressing

4a · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    2^16 // 65536

4b · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Working: +120 = 0111 1000

  • 1 mark

    Answer: 1000 0111

4c · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Working: A04 = (10 * 16^2) + 4 // A04 = (10 * 256) + 4 // A04 = 1010 0000 0100

  • 1 mark

    Answer: 2564

4d · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    0011 1100

5a · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Interrupt

  • 1 mark

    Timing

5b · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    Increase number of cores

  • 1 mark

    Each core can independently carry out a process at the same time // so that more instructions are performed in parallel

  • 1 mark

    Increase RAM capacity

  • 1 mark

    ... allowing more applications to reside in memory at the same time, saving disk access times

5c(i) · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    1 bit is transferred at a time // Can be synchronous or asynchronous // USB-3 is full duplex and earlier versions are half-duplex

5c(ii) · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    HDMI // DisplayPort

5d(i) · 5 marks

  • 1 mark

    Manages the scheduling of processes // decides which order to run processes

  • 1 mark

    Manages which resources the processes require

  • 1 mark

    … such as allocating memory

  • 1 mark

    Enables processes to share data

  • 1 mark

    Prevents interference between processes // resolution of conflicts

5d(ii) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    To help users to set-up / configure / analyse / optimise / maintain the computer ...

  • 1 mark

    ... by for example, making memory allocation more efficient // ... by for example, checking the system for faults

6a · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    correct XOR and AND gates, with correct inputs

  • 1 mark

    correct NOT and NOR gates with correct inputs

6b · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    first 4 rows (0, 1, 1, 1)

  • 1 mark

    last 4 rows (1, 0, 1, 1)

7a(i) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Set of pre-written / pre-compiled / pre-tested subroutines

  • 1 mark

    ... which can be called in other programs

7a(ii) · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    (main) memory requirements for program is reduced

  • 1 mark

    ... as dynamic link library is loaded only once / when required

  • 1 mark

    the executable file size of the program using the DLL will be smaller

  • 1 mark

    ... because the executable does not contain (all) the library routines

7b · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    Allows the developer to make real-time changes // so the program can be debugged at each stage // the effect of any changes made by the developer can be seen immediately

  • 1 mark

    The developer can test when incomplete // so small parts can be tested without having to test the rest of the program // if one section does not work others can still be tested // To avoid dependent errors

  • 1 mark

    The developer can debug multiple errors simultaneously // Produces an executable file // so that the developer can test the program multiple times without recompiling

7c · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    Breakpoints: Stop the code at a specific line to check the current progress / values

  • 1 mark

    Dynamic syntax checks: Highlight / underline / colour syntax errors as the code is entered

  • 1 mark

    Context-sensitive prompts: Suggest the code to add // automatically complete statements

  • 1 mark

    Single stepping: Run the code one line at a time so the values can be checked

7d · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    Uses speech recognition

  • 1 mark

    ... which identifies key phrases / words spoken

  • 1 mark

    … and matches these to a database

Questions

  1. 1
    Question 111 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  2. 2
    Question 217 marks
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  3. 3
    Question 36 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  4. 4
    Question 46 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  5. 5
    Question 515 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  6. 6
    Question 64 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  7. 7
    Question 716 marks
    Mark scheme ›

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