Cambridge IGCSE · Analysis & Prediction

2024 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Past Paper Analysis

An demanding and comprehensive dual-paper series covering classic architectural foundations alongside new-syllabus topics like Expert Systems and Blockchain, with Paper 21 emphasizing rigorous logic tracking and variable management.

Updated: 13 Jun 2026

Analysis Sample paper

Difficulty 3.5/5

Total marks

150

Duration

210 mins

Most tested

Algorithm design, trace tables, and programming array concepts

Paper breakdown

Paper 1 Computer Systems (0478/11): 75 marks · 105 minsPaper 2 Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/21): 75 marks · 105 mins

Top chapters

Algorithm design and problem-solving (Algorithm design and problem-solving) · 24 marksProgramming concepts (Programming) · 19 marksComputer architecture (Hardware) · 11 marksDatabases (Databases) · 10 marksNumber systems (Data representation) · 10 marks

Difficulty Verdict

The October/November 2024 series of the IGCSE Computer Science (0478) examination represents a balanced yet rigorous assessment. Paper 11 (Computer Systems) tested deep conceptual understanding rather than simple recall, particularly in sections covering the FDE cycle and automated technologies. Paper 21 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic) pushed candidates with detailed logic tracking in trace tables and a demanding 15-mark program design scenario.

Where the Marks Are

In Paper 11, heavy marks were concentrated in Computer Architecture (11 marks), Data Transmission (11 marks), and Number Systems (10 marks). In Paper 21, marks heavily favored Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving (24 marks) and Programming Concepts (19 marks). Securing high marks required precise phrasing in definitions, correct binary addition workings, and strict adherence to correct SQL constructs.

Examiner Pitfalls & Challenges

Vague Definitions: Many candidates lost marks on defining 'embedded systems' by failing to mention their dedicated/single-purpose nature.
Tracing and Logic: In Paper 21 Question 9, confusing exit conditions (using WHILE instead of UNTIL) was a common area where logical accuracy faltered.
Data Structures in Q11: Failing to utilize the exact variable and array names specified (e.g., MemberName, MemberTime, MemberCertificate) cost substantial marks.

Strategy for Success

To master upcoming series, students should focus on standard templates for FDE stage descriptions and practice drawing payment transaction sequences under blockchain systems. For Paper 2, practicing nested loops and array sorting algorithms (such as the Bubble Sort shown in the marking scheme) is absolutely vital.

Charts

Marks by chapter

See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.

Question type mix

Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.

Structured & Short Answer105 marks · 28 questions
Trace & Logic Tables8 marks · 3 questions
Drawings & Diagram Labeling8 marks · 2 questions
SQL Completion & Execution7 marks · 3 questions
15-Mark Coding Scenario15 marks · 1 questions

Mark accessibility

Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.

77%within easy or medium reach

easy: 52 marksmedium: 63 markshard: 35 marks

Difficulty trend

Compare difficulty across recent years.

Command word frequency

Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.

Skill weighting

Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.

Study ROI

Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.

Algorithm design and problem-solving

24 marks · Difficulty 3.8 · recurrence 5%

Number systems

10 marks · Difficulty 2.2 · recurrence 5%

Databases

10 marks · Difficulty 2.8 · recurrence 4%

Computer architecture

11 marks · Difficulty 3 · recurrence 4%

Programming concepts

19 marks · Difficulty 4.2 · recurrence 5%

Time vs marks

Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.

marksmins

Next-year prediction

Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.

Cyber security (phishing, pharming, firewalls)90%

Completely untested in these papers; standard topics like firewalls or DDoS are highly likely for the next sitting.

Robotics85%

Absent in this series, robotics remains a core syllabus element highly likely to appear in the next cycle.

Methods of error detection (Parity, Checksum)80%

No check digit, parity, or checksum questions occurred here, rendering this highly overdue.

Topic-year heatmap

Compare topic weight by year to spot recurring and returning areas.

Jun 2023 (V1)

Jun 2023 (V2)

Jun 2023 (V3)

Nov 2023 (V1)

Nov 2023 (V2)

Nov 2023 (V3)

Jun 2024 (V1)

Jun 2024 (V2)

Jun 2024 (V3)

Nov 2024 (V1)

Number systems

Text, sound and images

Types and methods of data transmission

Data storage

Types of software and interrupts

Automated systems

Network hardware

The internet and the world wide web

Types of programming language, translators and integrated development environments (IDEs)

Cyber security

Examiner insights

Official report

Common pitfalls

Vague explanations of embedded systems that omitted mention of a microprocessor integrated inside a larger mechanical/electrical system.
Failure to carry over binary bits during addition, resulting in calculations losing simple arithmetic marks.
Failing to map outputs clearly to the specific loop indexes and names required in Paper 21 Question 11.

Misconceptions

Believing that verification checks such as a visual check validate the correctness of data type or length.
Confusing the exact behavior of a 'WHILE' loop condition with an 'UNTIL' check inside post-assertion loop structures.
Misunderstanding the specific functional distinction between the components of an Expert System, namely confusing the Rule Base with the Knowledge Base.

Where marks are lost

Not writing clear error message strings as outputs when specified inside algorithm questions.
Incomplete SQL WHERE statements, such as missing single quotes on text conditions like 'ABC' or forgetting the semicolons.
Leaving out intermediate carries in binary mathematics when explicitly asked to show all workings.

Estimated grade cut-off

Updated: 13 Jun 2026

Source: Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official)

Level	Mark	Percentage
A*	107/150	71%
A	88/150	59%
B	69/150	46%
C	51/150	34%
D	42/150	28%
E	33/150	22%

Official grade boundaries published by Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official).

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