Edexcel International GCSE Computer Science –
Question Paper
Total Marks: 30
Time: Suggested 45–60 minutes
Instructions:
- For Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), circle the correct option.
- For Fill in the Blanks, write the correct term in the space provided.
- For Standard Questions, answer in full sentences or provide diagrams/code as
required.
- Use the relevant scenario for each section.
1 Scenario 1 – Library Book Checkout System (10 marks)
A library uses an algorithm to check if a book is available for borrowing. The al-
gorithm takes a book ID and checks it against a list of available books, returning
”Available” or ”Not Available.”
1.1 Question 1: MCQs (3 marks)
1. What is an algorithm?
a) A programming language
b) A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem
c) A hardware component
d) A data storage method
2. Which programming construct allows the library algorithm to repeat a check
for multiple book IDs?
a) Sequence
b) Selection
c) Iteration
d) Output
3. What is used to identify errors in the library algorithm?
a) Flowchart
b) Trace table
c) Database
d) Compiler
1.2 Question 2: Fill in the Blanks (2 marks)
1. The library algorithm uses to decide if a book is available or not.
2. A represents an algorithm using symbols and arrows.
1
1.3 Question 3: Standard Question (5 marks)
The library algorithm checks if a book ID matches an available book in a list. Write
pseudocode for this algorithm, using selection and iteration constructs. Explain
one way the choice of a list data structure influences the algorithm.
2 Scenario 2 – Student Grade Calculator (10 marks)
A school uses an algorithm to calculate a student’s average grade from a list of
test scores and assign a pass/fail status (pass if average ≥ 50).
2.1 Question 4: MCQs (3 marks)
1. Which construct ensures the grade calculator processes scores in order?
a) Iteration
b) Selection
c) Sequence
d) Input
2. What is the purpose of a trace table in the grade calculator algorithm?
a) Stores final grades
b) Tracks variable values during execution
c) Designs the algorithm
d) Compiles the code
3. How is the output of the grade calculator determined?
a) By compiling the code
b) By running the algorithm with input data
c) By designing a flowchart
d) By selecting a data structure
2.2 Question 5: Fill in the Blanks (2 marks)
1. The grade calculator uses to repeat calculations for each score.
2. An error in the algorithm can be corrected using a table.
2.3 Question 6: Standard Question (5 marks)
Given test scores [60, 40, 80], complete a trace table to determine the output of
the grade calculator algorithm (average ≥ 50 for pass). Explain one error that
could occur in this algorithm and how to fix it.
2
3 Scenario 3 – Online Store Discount System (10 marks)
An online store applies a 10% discount to orders over $100 using an algorithm
coded in a high-level language.
3.1 Question 7: MCQs (3 marks)
1. Which tool is used to represent the discount algorithm visually?
a) Pseudocode
b) Flowchart
c) Trace table
d) Program code
2. Which construct applies the discount only if the order exceeds $100?
a) Sequence
b) Iteration
c) Selection
d) Output
3. Why is a high-level language used to code the discount algorithm?
a) It is machine-readable
b) It is easier for humans to understand
c) It directly controls hardware
d) It stores data
3.2 Question 8: Fill in the Blanks (2 marks)
1. The discount algorithm is coded in a language like Python.
2. The choice of a data structure affects the algorithm’s efficiency.
3.3 Question 9: Standard Question (5 marks)
Write a flowchart for the discount algorithm that applies a 10% discount to orders
over $100. Explain how the choice of a single variable for order total influences
the algorithm’s design.
4 Mark Scheme
4.1 Section A: Scenario 1 – Library Book Checkout System (10 marks)
Question 1: MCQs (3 marks)
1 mark per correct answer:
1. b) A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem
2. c) Iteration
3
3. b) Trace table
Question 2: Fill in the Blanks (2 marks)
1 mark per correct term:
1. Selection
2. Flowchart
Question 3: Standard Question (5 marks)
- 1 mark: Pseudocode includes iteration (e.g., loop through book list).
- 1 mark: Pseudocode includes selection (e.g., IF book ID matches).
- 1 mark: Correct output (e.g., ”Available” or ”Not Available”).
- 1 mark: List influence (e.g., linear search is simple but slow for large lists).
- 1 mark: Explanation (e.g., array allows sequential checking).
4.2 Section B: Scenario 2 – Student Grade Calculator (10 marks)
Question 4: MCQs (3 marks)
1 mark per correct answer:
1. c) Sequence
2. b) Tracks variable values during execution
3. b) By running the algorithm with input data
Question 5: Fill in the Blanks (2 marks)
1 mark per correct term:
1. Iteration
2. Trace
Question 6: Standard Question (5 marks)
- 1 mark: Trace table headers (e.g., Score, Sum, Count, Average, Status).
- 1 mark: Correct values (e.g., Average = 60, Status = Pass).
- 1 mark: Error (e.g., incorrect average calculation).
- 1 mark: Fix (e.g., ensure division by correct count).
- 1 mark: Explanation (e.g., trace table identifies miscalculation).
4.3 Section C: Scenario 3 – Online Store Discount System (10 marks)
Question 7: MCQs (3 marks)
1 mark per correct answer:
1. b) Flowchart
2. c) Selection
3. b) It is easier for humans to understand
Question 8: Fill in the Blanks (2 marks)
1 mark per correct term:
1. High-level
4
2. Numeric
Question 9: Standard Question (5 marks)
- 1 mark: Flowchart includes start/end symbols.
- 1 mark: Flowchart includes selection (e.g., IF total > 100).
- 1 mark: Flowchart shows discount calculation (e.g., total * 0.9).
- 1 mark: Variable influence (e.g., single numeric variable simplifies logic).
- 1 mark: Explanation (e.g., avoids complex data structures).
