2026 Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Practice Paper with Answers

In 8-bit two's complement, the most significant bit (MSB) has a weight of -128, while the remaining bits have positive place values (64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1).

11010110 = (-128 * 1) + (64 * 1) + (32 * 0) + (16 * 1) + (8 * 0) + (4 * 1) + (2 * 1) + (1 * 0)
= -128 + 64 + 16 + 4 + 2
= -128 + 86
= -42

Alternatively, invert all bits (00101001 = 41) and add 1 (00101010 = 42), giving -42.

1 mark for A (-42).

Accept: A only.

ARQ uses acknowledgements (positive/negative) and timeouts. If the sender receives a negative acknowledgement (NAK) or does not receive an acknowledgement within a specified timeout limit, the packet is automatically retransmitted.

1 mark for B.

Accept: B only.

In the standard fetch sequence: (1) PC contents are copied to MAR; (2) The PC is incremented by 1 so it points to the next instruction; (3) The instruction at the address in MAR is fetched across the data bus into MDR; (4) The instruction is copied from MDR to CIR.

1 mark for A.

Accept: A only.

Phishing involves sending legitimate-looking emails containing links to fake websites designed to trick users into disclosing sensitive information such as usernames and passwords.

1 mark for B.

Accept: B only.

Method 1 (Place values):
Place values for an 8-bit two's complement integer are: \(-128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1\).
\(-128 \times 1 + 64 \times 0 + 32 \times 1 + 16 \times 1 + 8 \times 0 + 4 \times 1 + 2 \times 0 + 1 \times 0\)
\(= -128 + 32 + 16 + 4 = -76\)

Method 2 (Invert and add 1):
Invert bits of `10110100` \(\rightarrow\) `01001011`
Add 1 \(\rightarrow\) `01001100`
Convert `01001100` to denary: \(64 + 8 + 4 = 76\)
Apply negative sign: \(-76\)

1 mark for correct method / working shown (e.g. \(-128 + 32 + 16 + 4\) OR inverting bits to `01001011` and adding 1 to get \(76\))
1 mark for correct final denary value: \(-76\)

(a) Hexadecimal digit \(\text{B} = 11 = 1011_2\), digit \(7 = 0111_2\).
Combining nibbles: `10110111`

(b) \(\text{B7}_{16} = (11 \times 16) + 7 = 176 + 7 = 183\)
(or from binary: \(128 + 32 + 16 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 183\))

(a) 1 mark for correct 8-bit binary representation: `10110111`
(b) 1 mark for correct denary integer: `183`

The packet header contains control data needed to route and reassemble the packet, including:
- IP address of the destination
- IP address of the sender / source
- Sequence / packet number
- Packet size

1 mark per valid item (max 2):
- Destination (IP / MAC) address
- Source / sender / originator (IP / MAC) address
- Packet / sequence number // packet order identifier
- Packet size / length
- Protocol type

Do not accept: payload, data itself, checksum / trailer items.

During the fetch stage, the Program Counter (PC) stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched from memory. This address is copied to the Memory Address Register (MAR), and the PC is then incremented by 1 to point to the memory address of the subsequent instruction.

1 mark per linked point (max 2):
- Holds / stores the (memory) address of the next instruction to be fetched / executed
- Copies / sends this address to the Memory Address Register (MAR)
- Increments (by 1) to point to the address of the following instruction

Solid-state storage uses flash memory and contains no moving parts, making it far more robust and shock-resistant against drops, bumps, and vibrations compared to magnetic HDDs. It also has lower power consumption, which is critical for prolonging the battery life of portable field devices.

1 mark per valid reason (max 2):
- No moving parts // less susceptible to physical shock / vibration / drops // more durable / robust
- Consumes less power // prolongs battery life
- Lighter in weight // more portable / compact
- Faster read / write access speeds
- Generates less heat
- Silent operation

Do not accept: cheaper (SSD is generally more expensive per GB).

1. Translation: A compiler translates the entire high-level program at once to produce an independent executable file, whereas an interpreter translates and executes source code line-by-line.
2. Error reporting: A compiler reports all syntax errors in an error list after scanning the entire program, whereas an interpreter halts execution immediately upon encountering an error and identifies that specific line.

1 mark per valid distinction (max 2):
- Compiler translates the whole program at once // Interpreter translates code line-by-line / one instruction at a time
- Compiler creates an executable file / object code // Interpreter does not produce an executable file (must interpret code each time it runs)
- Compiler generates an error report / list after scanning all code // Interpreter stops execution as soon as the first error is encountered
- Compiled code executes faster once translated // Interpreted code executes slower as translation occurs during runtime

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between client devices and the internet. It hides the internal IP addresses of client machines so they are not directly exposed to external threats, and it inspects inbound and outbound traffic to filter content, blocking access to unauthorized or malicious websites.

1 mark per valid function / protection mechanism (max 2):
- Hides / masks the internal (client) IP address(es) from external servers / internet
- Acts as a firewall / filters incoming and outgoing web traffic
- Blocks access to unauthorised / blacklisted / malicious websites
- Caches frequently accessed web pages to reduce external bandwidth and handle DDoS attacks
- Logs internet traffic / user activity to detect suspicious network behaviour

(a) A moisture sensor (or soil humidity sensor) directly measures the water content in the soil.
(b) An actuator is the output device that converts an electrical control signal from the microprocessor into mechanical motion to physically turn/open/close the water valve.

(a) 1 mark for: moisture sensor // humidity sensor // soil moisture sensor
(b) 1 mark for: actuator // motor (controlling the valve)

Method 1 (Place value method):
Place values for 8-bit two's complement: $-128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1$
$(-128 \times 1) + (32 \times 1) + (8 \times 1) + (4 \times 1)$
$= -128 + 32 + 8 + 4$
$= -84$

Method 2 (Invert and add 1):
1. Invert the bits: $01010011$
2. Add 1: $01010011 + 1 = 01010100$
3. Convert to denary: $64 + 16 + 4 = 84$
4. Apply negative sign: $-84$

1 mark for valid working showing correct place values (e.g. $-128 + 32 + 8 + 4$) OR inverting bits and adding 1 to obtain magnitude $84$.
1 mark for correct final answer: $-84$.

To convert mebibytes ($\text{MiB}$) to kibibytes ($\text{KiB}$), multiply by $1024$:
$$\text{File size} = 24 \times 1024 = 24576\text{ KiB}$$

1 mark for showing multiplication by $1024$ (e.g. $24 \times 1024$).
1 mark for the correct final answer: $24576$ ($\text{KiB}$).

(a) Step 1: Represent positive denary 43 in 8-bit binary:
\(43 = 32 + 8 + 2 + 1 = 00101011_2\)
Step 2: Invert all bits (one's complement):
\(11010100_2\)
Step 3: Add 1 to get two's complement:
\(11010100 + 1 = 11010101_2\)

(b) Performing a logical right shift of 2 places on `11010100`:
- Shift all bits right by 2 positions, filling the most significant bits with 0s:
`00110100` -> `00110101` (last two bits `00` discarded).
- Effect on unsigned value: Shifting right by 2 places divides the denary value by \(2^2 = 4\) (integer division).

(a) 2 marks total:
- 1 mark for correct method (e.g. converting 43 to binary `00101011` and inverting bits `11010100` // showing binary place values)
- 1 mark for correct final binary representation: `11010101`

(b) 2 marks total:
- 1 mark for correct shifted binary pattern: `00110101`
- 1 mark for explaining that a logical right shift of 2 places divides the number by 4 // integer division by 4 // discards least significant bits.

(a) Packet switching operates through several stages:
1. The original video data is split into small units called packets.
2. Each packet travels independently across the network; individual packets may take different routes depending on network traffic and router decisions.
3. Routers read the destination IP address in the header to forward each packet along the optimal path.
4. Once all packets reach the destination, they are checked for errors and reassembled into the correct order based on their packet numbers.

(b) Packet headers typically contain:
- Destination IP address
- Source / sender IP address
- Sequence / packet number
- Packet size / length

(a) Max 3 marks for:
- Data/file is broken down into small units / packets [1]
- Each packet travels independently across the network / can take different routes [1]
- Routers determine the route for each packet based on destination address [1]
- Packets are reordered / reassembled at the destination using sequence numbers [1]

(b) Max 1 mark (1 mark for both or 1 mark for any two correct items):
- Destination (IP) address [1]
- Source / Sender (IP) address [1]
- Packet sequence number / sequence ID [1]
- Packet size / total number of packets [1]

(a) In the fetch stage:
1. The Memory Address Register (MAR) holds the memory address currently being read from (copied from the Program Counter).
2. The Memory Data Register (MDR) holds the contents (data or instruction) read from the address in RAM, which is transferred across the data bus.

(b) Cache memory is situated directly on or very close to the CPU chip and has much faster access speeds than main memory (RAM). A larger cache allows a larger volume of frequently accessed instructions and data to be retained. This reduces the time the CPU spends waiting for data from RAM, thereby increasing execution speed.

(a) 2 marks:
- 1 mark: MAR holds the address of the memory location being read from / accessed / written to.
- 1 mark: MDR stores the data / instruction fetched from RAM // stores data waiting to be written to RAM.

(b) 2 marks:
- 1 mark: Cache stores frequently / recently used instructions and data.
- 1 mark: Cache operates at much higher speeds than RAM ...
- 1 mark: ... therefore fewer read/write cycles to RAM are needed, reducing CPU idle / waiting time.
(Max 2 marks for part b)

(a) Process of generating and handling an interrupt:
1. The peripheral device/hardware generates an interrupt signal and transmits it to the CPU.
2. The CPU finishes its current fetch-decode-execute cycle and checks interrupt priority.
3. The CPU saves the contents of its current registers / state to a stack.
4. The CPU calls and executes the appropriate Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) to process the condition (e.g., displaying 'Printer Offline' error message).
5. Once handled, the saved register states are restored, and the CPU resumes executing the interrupted program.

(b) Other key functions of an OS include:
- Memory management (allocating RAM to active programs)
- File management (directory structure, file permissions)
- Multitasking / process scheduling
- Device management (drivers for hardware peripherals)
- User access / security management

(a) Max 3 marks:
- Hardware / peripheral generates and sends an interrupt signal to the CPU [1]
- Current CPU state / register values are saved / pushed onto a stack [1]
- The CPU executes the specific Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) / interrupt handler [1]
- The saved state is restored and the original process resumes [1]

(b) 1 mark for any two valid functions (0.5 mark each / 1 mark for two):
- File management // Memory management // Multitasking / process scheduling // Peripheral / device management // User management / security // Providing a user interface.

(a) Breakdown of the URL:
- Protocol: `https` (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
- Domain name / Hostname: `www.example.org`
- File name / Path: `index.html`

(b) Role of DNS:
1. The browser queries a DNS server with the domain name `www.example.org`.
2. The DNS server looks up the domain name in its records to find the corresponding numerical IP address.
3. The DNS server sends this IP address back to the user's browser.
4. If the local DNS server does not have the record, it queries higher-level domain servers until the IP address is resolved.

(a) 2 marks:
- 1 mark for identifying protocol (`https`) and domain name (`www.example.org`)
- 1 mark for identifying file name / resource path (`index.html`)

(b) 2 marks:
- 1 mark: DNS stores a database of domain names and their matching IP addresses.
- 1 mark: DNS resolves / translates the domain name into an IP address and sends it back to the browser / client.

(a) Distinction:
- Phishing: Relies on social engineering; uses deceptive emails/messages containing links that trick users into navigating to spoofed websites and entering sensitive details.
- Pharming: Technical attack without requiring the user to click a link; modifies DNS settings or host files to automatically redirect requests for legitimate URLs to fraudulent websites.

(b) Role of a proxy server:
- Acts as a gateway / buffer between the local private network and public internet.
- Hides internal IP addresses of computers, making them invisible to potential external attackers.
- Can inspect and filter web requests/traffic against firewall rules to prevent malware downloads or data exfiltration.
- Can cache web pages to improve access speeds and reduce external bandwidth.

(a) 2 marks:
- 1 mark for phishing: Deceptive email / message sent to trick a user into clicking a link / revealing personal credentials.
- 1 mark for pharming: Malicious code redirects traffic to a bogus website / manipulates DNS records without the user's knowledge.

(b) 2 marks:
- 1 mark: Acts as an intermediary / buffer between internal network and internet // conceals internal private IP addresses.
- 1 mark: Filters incoming/outgoing web traffic / blocks unauthorized websites / inspects content for malicious data.

(a) Examples of suitable sensors:
1. Temperature sensor: measures ambient temperature / thermal energy.
2. Humidity sensor: measures the concentration of water vapour in the air.
(Other acceptable: Light sensor measuring illuminance, Soil moisture sensor measuring water content in soil).

(b) Feedback loop operation:
1. Sensors continuously measure environmental variables and send analogue data.
2. An Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC) converts the analogue signals into digital values readable by the microprocessor.
3. The microprocessor compares the digital readings against pre-programmed threshold parameters.
4. If the value falls outside acceptable limits (e.g., temperature is too high), the microprocessor sends a control signal to an actuator (e.g., motor to open vents / turn on fan).
5. If within limits, no action is taken.
6. The process loops continuously to maintain constant conditions.

(a) 1 mark for two valid sensors with matching physical properties (0.5 each):
- Temperature sensor (temperature / heat) [1]
- Humidity sensor (air moisture / water vapour) [1]
- Light / light intensity sensor (ambient light level) [1]
- Soil moisture sensor (soil water level) [1]

(b) Max 3 marks for:
- Sensor sends data to microprocessor (converted via ADC if analogue noted) [1]
- Microprocessor compares current readings with stored / preset threshold values [1]
- If reading is outside range, microprocessor sends a signal to an actuator (e.g., heater / vent motor) [1]
- Process repeats in a continuous loop [1]

(a) Sound sampling details:
- Analogue sound is continuous; to convert it to digital format, the sound wave's amplitude is measured at fixed intervals.
- Sample rate refers to how many sample measurements are captured per second (e.g., 44.1 kHz = 44,100 samples per second).
- Sample resolution (bit depth) refers to the number of binary bits used to represent the amplitude of each individual sample.

(b) Lossy vs Lossless:
- Advantage of lossy: Achieves a substantially higher compression ratio / much smaller file size compared to lossless, meaning files upload/download faster and take up less storage space.
- Disadvantage of lossy: Discards data permanently (e.g., frequencies inaudible or less noticeable to human hearing), resulting in a slight drop in audio quality that cannot be recovered.

(a) 2 marks:
- 1 mark: Sound sampling is measuring the amplitude of continuous analogue sound waves at regular time intervals.
- 1 mark: Sample rate is the number of samples recorded per second AND sample resolution is the number of bits used per sample.

(b) 2 marks:
- 1 mark for advantage: Produces significantly smaller file sizes // faster transmission/download speeds // saves storage capacity.
- 1 mark for disadvantage: Discards data permanently // some reduction in sound quality / fidelity // cannot reconstruct original file.

When a hardware interrupt is generated, the CPU completes its current instruction execution cycle before servicing the interrupt.

1. Detection: At the end of the current FDE cycle, the CPU checks if an interrupt flag is set.
2. State Saving: The current state of execution (including the values in the Program Counter and general-purpose registers) is copied and saved to a dedicated memory area (the stack) to allow resumption later.
3. Identification & Prioritisation: The CPU identifies the source of the interrupt (the scanner) and evaluates its priority level.
4. Servicing (ISR): The Program Counter is loaded with the memory address of the specific Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) / interrupt handler, and the ISR code executes to read and process the scanned barcode data.
5. Restoration & Resumption: After the ISR completes, the saved register contents and original Program Counter value are retrieved from the stack, allowing the CPU to resume execution of the interrupted process exactly where it left off.

Award 1 mark per valid point up to a maximum of 4 marks:
- The CPU checks for an interrupt at the end of the current (fetch–decode–execute) cycle
- The current contents of the registers / Program Counter / current state are saved (to a stack)
- The source / origin / priority of the interrupt is determined // higher-priority interrupts take precedence
- The address of the relevant Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) / interrupt handler is loaded (into the PC) // the ISR is executed
- The saved register values / previous state are restored (from the stack) once the ISR has finished
- The CPU resumes execution of the interrupted program / task

Guidance:
- Accept 'interrupt handler' in place of 'Interrupt Service Routine / ISR'
- Do not accept vague statements such as 'the CPU stops everything immediately' without stating that the current cycle completes or state is saved.

1. Ransomware is malicious software designed to lock or encrypt files, holding them hostage until a ransom is paid.
2. Pharming modifies DNS settings or host files to redirect a user visiting a legitimate URL to a fraudulent clone site.
3. A brute-force attack attempts all possible character combinations sequentially until the correct password/key is discovered.
4. Spyware covertly records user activities (such as keystrokes via keyloggers) and transmits this information to third parties.

1 mark for each correct term identified (maximum 4 marks):
1. Ransomware
2. Pharming
3. Brute-force attack // Brute-force
4. Spyware // Keylogger (BOD)

Reject:
- Phishing for item 2
- Hacking for item 3 (TV - too vague)
- Adware / Virus for item 4

To count the number of records meeting specific criteria, the `COUNT()` aggregate function is used in the `SELECT` clause. The condition requires both criteria to be satisfied simultaneously: the member must be strictly under 18 (`Age < 18`) and currently active (`Active = TRUE`), so the logical operator `AND` is required in the `WHERE` clause.

- Option A correctly uses `COUNT(MemberID)` with the conditions `Age < 18 AND Active = TRUE`.
- Option B incorrectly uses `SUM(MemberID)` and the `OR` operator.
- Option C uses `< = 18` and `Active = FALSE`.
- Option D uses `SUM(Age)`, which adds up the ages rather than counting the members.

1 mark for A.

[1 mark total]

In the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science syllabus:
- Extreme data refers to the minimum and maximum acceptable values (12 and 120).
- Boundary data consists of the values at the limits of acceptable ranges paired with the immediate invalid values just outside those limits (i.e. the smallest valid value paired with the largest rejected value below it: 11 and 12; and the largest valid value paired with the smallest rejected value above it: 120 and 121).

Therefore, the boundary test data set is 11, 12, 120, and 121.

1 mark for B.

[1 mark total]

A primary key is a field that uniquely identifies each individual record (or row) in a database table. A key characteristic of a primary key is that every value in this field must be unique (no duplicate values permitted) and it cannot contain a null value.

Award up to 1.5 marks:
• 1 mark for stating the purpose: To uniquely identify each record / row (in a table).
• 0.5 marks for one characteristic: Each value must be unique // cannot contain duplicate values // cannot be null / empty.

Normal test data is valid data that is accepted by the algorithm and tests that the program works under standard, everyday conditions. Extreme test data is valid data at the outermost acceptable limits (the maximum and minimum acceptable values) to verify that boundary values are handled correctly.

Award up to 1.5 marks:
• 0.75 marks: Normal data – valid / accepted data (within the expected range) to test normal operation.
• 0.75 marks: Extreme data – valid / accepted data at the largest or smallest (maximum/minimum) allowable boundary/limit.

Both functions and procedures are subroutines that contain a named block of code. The fundamental difference is that a function returns a value back to the calling statement (and is called within an expression), whereas a procedure executes a sequence of commands without returning a value (and is called using a CALL statement).

Award up to 1.5 marks:
• 1.5 marks for a complete distinction: A function returns a value (to the calling code / expression) (1) whereas a procedure does not return a value (0.5).
• Allow: Function is called as part of an expression / procedure is invoked via CALL.

A pre-condition loop (such as a WHILE loop) checks the test condition at the start before executing the loop body; if the condition is false initially, the statements inside may execute zero times. A post-condition loop (such as a REPEAT...UNTIL loop) checks the condition at the end after executing the body, ensuring the loop executes at least once.

Award up to 1.5 marks:
• 0.75 marks: Pre-condition loop tests the condition at the start / before loop body (may execute zero times).
• 0.75 marks: Post-condition loop tests the condition at the end / after loop body (always executes at least once).

Data validation is an automatic process performed by software to check that user input meets specific criteria or rules (e.g. sensible, valid data type, within allowed limits) before being accepted. Examples of standard validation checks include range check, length check, type check, presence check, format check, and check digit.

Award up to 1.5 marks:
• 1 mark for definition: Automated / computer check to ensure data is sensible / reasonable / meets specified rules or criteria (before processing).
• 0.5 marks for one valid named check: Range (check) // Length (check) // Type (check) // Presence (check) // Format (check) // Check digit.

A 2D array is a structured collection of items of the same data type arranged in a grid of rows and columns (requiring two index values to identify any single element). Indices (or subscripts) are integer values used to specify the exact position and access or modify a specific item in the array.

Award up to 1.5 marks:
• 0.75 marks for 2D array definition: A data structure storing elements of the same data type in a grid / rows and columns / requiring two dimensions to reference an element.
• 0.75 marks for indices purpose: To uniquely identify / access / locate / point to a specific element / position in the array.

Error 1 (Line 05): The loop counter was being accumulated rather than the input luggage mass. Corrected line: TotalMass <- TotalMass + ItemMass

Error 2 (Line 06): The condition incorrectly used '>=' which flags exactly 23.0 kg as overweight instead of exceeding it. Corrected line: IF ItemMass > 23.0 THEN

Error 3 (Line 10): The average calculation divided the total mass by HeavyCount instead of the total number of items (30). Corrected line: AverageMass <- TotalMass / 30

Line 06 amendment explanation: Replacing '>=' with '>' ensures items of exactly 23.0 kg are excluded from the overweight count.

1 mark for identifying Line 05 and writing 'TotalMass <- TotalMass + ItemMass'
1 mark for identifying Line 06 and writing 'IF ItemMass > 23.0 THEN'
1 mark for identifying Line 10 and writing 'AverageMass <- TotalMass / 30' // 'AverageMass <- TotalMass / Counter' (if counter stepped appropriately)
1.75 marks for stating the specific correction/explanation for boundary handling on line 06 (changing '>=' to '>' to exclude boundary value 23.0 from penalty).

To store the location and prevent index incrementing past the target position upon match:

DECLARE Found : BOOLEAN
DECLARE Index, FoundIndex : INTEGER
Found <- FALSE
FoundIndex <- -1
Index <- 1
WHILE NOT Found AND Index <= 80 DO
IF ScoreList[Index] = Target THEN
Found <- TRUE
FoundIndex <- Index
ELSE
Index <- Index + 1
ENDIF
ENDWHILE

By placing `Index <- Index + 1` inside an `ELSE` clause, `Index` accurately retains the matched position, and `FoundIndex` captures it while the loop condition `Found = FALSE` halts any subsequent execution.

1 mark: Correct declaration/initialisation of `FoundIndex <- -1`.
1 mark: Assigning `FoundIndex <- Index` inside the selection structure when match is true.
1.75 marks: Ensuring `Index` is only incremented when target is not matched (e.g. within `ELSE`) or loop stops immediately without off-by-one index increment.
1 mark: Valid overall logic maintaining standard pseudocode conventions.

(a) A minimum search algorithm must initialise the comparison variable to a value greater than or equal to any valid possible input (e.g., a very large number such as 999.9) or to the first element in the array (`RaceTime[1]`). When set to 0.0, any positive race time will fail `RaceTime[Index] < 0.0`, resulting in `FastestTime` remaining 0.0 and `WinnerIndex` remaining unassigned.

(b) Method 1:
INPUT RaceTime[1]
FastestTime <- RaceTime[1]
WinnerIndex <- 1
FOR Index <- 2 TO 40
INPUT RaceTime[Index]
IF RaceTime[Index] < FastestTime THEN
FastestTime <- RaceTime[Index]
WinnerIndex <- Index
ENDIF
NEXT Index

Method 2:
FastestTime <- 9999.0

1.75 marks: Clear explanation that setting initial minimum to 0.0 prevents any valid positive input from being smaller than `FastestTime` // condition `RaceTime[Index] < FastestTime` is never true.
1.5 marks: Giving a valid alternative initialisation (e.g., initialising `FastestTime` to a very high constant like `999.0` or reading first input before the loop).
1.5 marks: Adjusting loop index bounds (2 TO 40) if first element is used, or correctly structuring the updated pseudocode snippet.

The missing sections are:
(i) Selection condition to test for abnormal limits using logical OR: `Reading < 30 OR Reading > 70`
(ii) Incrementing the counter variable: `AbnormalCount <- AbnormalCount + 1`
(iii) Writing the abnormal value into the open output file: `WRITEFILE "Alerts.txt", Reading`
(iv) Closing the input file: `CLOSEFILE "Sensors.txt"`
(v) Closing the output file: `CLOSEFILE "Alerts.txt"`

0.75 mark: (i) `Reading < 30 OR Reading > 70` (reject AND)
1 mark: (ii) `AbnormalCount <- AbnormalCount + 1`
1 mark: (iii) `WRITEFILE "Alerts.txt", Reading`
1 mark: (iv) `CLOSEFILE "Sensors.txt"`
1 mark: (v) `CLOSEFILE "Alerts.txt"` (both close statements must be present to earn all file closing marks).

Step-by-step trace of the loop:

1. Initialisation (lines 09–10):
- `TotalWeight` = 0
- `HeavyCount` = 0

2. Iteration 1 (`Index` = 1):
- `Item` = `Weight[1]` = 14
- `Item > 10` is TRUE (14 > 10)
- `TotalWeight` = 0 + 14 = 14
- `HeavyCount` = 0 + 1 = 1

3. Iteration 2 (`Index` = 2):
- `Item` = `Weight[2]` = 7
- `Item > 10` is FALSE (7 <= 10)
- `TotalWeight` = 14 - 7 = 7
- `HeavyCount` remains 1 (no entry needed)

4. Iteration 3 (`Index` = 3):
- `Item` = `Weight[3]` = 22
- `Item > 10` is TRUE (22 > 10)
- `TotalWeight` = 7 + 22 = 29
- `HeavyCount` = 1 + 1 = 2

5. Iteration 4 (`Index` = 4):
- `Item` = `Weight[4]` = 9
- `Item > 10` is FALSE (9 <= 10)
- `TotalWeight` = 29 - 9 = 20
- `HeavyCount` remains 2

6. Iteration 5 (`Index` = 5):
- `Item` = `Weight[5]` = 18
- `Item > 10` is TRUE (18 > 10)
- `TotalWeight` = 20 + 18 = 38
- `HeavyCount` = 2 + 1 = 3

7. Iteration 6 (`Index` = 6):
- `Item` = `Weight[6]` = 5
- `Item > 10` is FALSE (5 <= 10)
- `TotalWeight` = 38 - 5 = 33
- `HeavyCount` remains 3

8. Outputs (lines 20–21):
- `Heavy packages: 3`
- `Final balance: 33`

1 mark for each of the following points (max 5):
- Correct `Index` column (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and `Item` column (14, 7, 22, 9, 18, 5)
- Correct updates to `HeavyCount` (1, 2, 3 entered at iterations 1, 3, and 5)
- Correct updates to `TotalWeight` for iterations 1 to 3 (14, 7, 29)
- Correct updates to `TotalWeight` for iterations 4 to 6 (20, 38, 33)
- Correct final outputs: `Heavy packages: 3` and `Final balance: 33` (accept outputs without string labels if numerical values 3 and 33 are present)

Step 1: Initialise Total <- 0 and Count <- 0 in the first row. Step 2: Index = 1 -> CurrentVal = 14. Since 14 > 10, Total becomes 0 + 14 = 14, Count becomes 0 + 1 = 1. Step 3: Index = 2 -> CurrentVal = 8. Since 8 > 10 is false, Total and Count remain unchanged. Step 4: Index = 3 -> CurrentVal = 22. Since 22 > 10, Total becomes 14 + 22 = 36, Count becomes 1 + 1 = 2. Step 5: Index = 4 -> CurrentVal = 15. Since 15 > 10, Total becomes 36 + 15 = 51, Count becomes 2 + 1 = 3. Step 6: Index = 5 -> CurrentVal = 9. Since 9 > 10 is false, Total and Count remain unchanged. Step 7: Index = 6 -> CurrentVal = 18. Since 18 > 10, Total becomes 51 + 18 = 69, Count becomes 3 + 1 = 4. Step 8: Final outputs are printed: 'Filtered Total: 69' and 'Count: 4'.

1 mark for initialising Total (0) and Count (0). 1 mark for correct Index values (1 to 6) and matching CurrentVal entries (14, 8, 22, 15, 9, 18). 1 mark for all correct updates to Total (14, 36, 51, 69) with no values entered on false conditions. 1 mark for all correct updates to Count (1, 2, 3, 4) with no values entered on false conditions. 1 mark for correct final output values ('Filtered Total: 69' and 'Count: 4' // '69' and '4').

The system requirements translate into the Boolean logic expression:
\(X = (\text{NOT } T \text{ AND } H) \text{ OR } (T \text{ AND } \text{NOT } W)\)

Circuit construction:
1. Place a NOT gate connected to input line \(T\).
2. Place a 2-input AND gate with inputs connected to the output of the first NOT gate (\(\text{NOT } T\)) and input line \(H\).
3. Place a NOT gate connected to input line \(W\).
4. Place a 2-input AND gate with inputs connected to input line \(T\) and the output of the second NOT gate (\(\text{NOT } W\)).
5. Place a 2-input OR gate with inputs connected to the outputs of the two AND gates, with its output connected to \(X\).

1 mark for each of the following (max 5 marks):
- 1 mark for correct NOT gate on input T.
- 1 mark for correct 2-input AND gate with inputs from (NOT T) and H.
- 1 mark for correct NOT gate on input W.
- 1 mark for correct 2-input AND gate with inputs from T and (NOT W).
- 1 mark for correct 2-input OR gate taking the outputs of both AND gates and connecting to X.

Notes:
- Accept standard logic gate symbols only.
- Deduct 1 mark if gates have more than two inputs.

(a) A primary key is a field (or attribute) that uniquely identifies each record (or row) in a database table.
(b) Field: `InstrumentID`
Reason: Every instrument has a distinct identifier code, ensuring that no two records contain duplicate values in this field (unlike `InstrumentType` or `YearManufactured` which can repeat).
(c) Data type: Real (or Currency / Decimal) because it stores numerical data with fractional / decimal values.

(a) 1 mark for:
- (A field that) uniquely identifies each record / row in a table // prevents duplicate records.

(b) 2 marks:
- 1 mark for identifying `InstrumentID`.
- 1 mark for valid justification (e.g. each instrument has a unique value / it contains unique data for every entry / other fields like `InstrumentType` can have duplicate values).

(c) 1 mark for:
- Real // Currency (accept Decimal / Float; reject Integer / String / Text).

The query requires four clauses:
1. `SELECT BookingID, ActivityName, Cost` to choose only the required fields.
2. `FROM BOOKING` to specify the table name.
3. `WHERE Participants > 8 AND EquipmentProvided = TRUE` to filter for bookings with more than 8 participants where equipment is provided.
4. `ORDER BY Cost DESCENDING` (or `DESC`) to sort the records in descending order of cost.

Award 1 mark for each correct clause (maximum 4 marks):
- 1 mark: `SELECT BookingID, ActivityName, Cost` (must have all three fields and no others)
- 1 mark: `FROM BOOKING`
- 1 mark: `WHERE Participants > 8 AND EquipmentProvided = TRUE` (accept `EquipmentProvided = True` // `EquipmentProvided`)
- 1 mark: `ORDER BY Cost DESCENDING` (accept `ORDER BY Cost DESC`)

Note: Keywords do not need to be uppercase. Semicolon at the end is optional.

// Array Declarations
DECLARE KayakerID : ARRAY[1:30] OF INTEGER
DECLARE KayakerName : ARRAY[1:30] OF STRING
DECLARE KayakerDivision : ARRAY[1:30] OF CHAR
DECLARE KayakerTime : ARRAY[1:30] OF REAL

// Variable Declarations
DECLARE TotalTime, AverageTime, FastestTime : REAL
DECLARE CountA, CountI, CountN : INTEGER
DECLARE SearchID, i : INTEGER
DECLARE Found : BOOLEAN

// Initialise totalling and counting variables
TotalTime <- 0.0
CountA <- 0
CountI <- 0
CountN <- 0

// Input and validation for 30 kayakers
FOR i <- 1 TO 30
// Input and range check for Kayaker ID
REPEAT
OUTPUT "Enter Kayaker ID (100 to 999): "
INPUT KayakerID[i]
UNTIL KayakerID[i] >= 100 AND KayakerID[i] <= 999

// Input and presence check for Kayaker Name
REPEAT
OUTPUT "Enter Kayaker Name: "
INPUT KayakerName[i]
UNTIL KayakerName[i] <> ""

// Input and check for valid Division
REPEAT
OUTPUT "Enter Division ('A', 'I', 'N'): "
INPUT KayakerDivision[i]
UNTIL KayakerDivision[i] = 'A' OR KayakerDivision[i] = 'I' OR KayakerDivision[i] = 'N'

// Input and range check for Completion Time
REPEAT
OUTPUT "Enter Completion Time in minutes (0 to 180): "
INPUT KayakerTime[i]
UNTIL KayakerTime[i] > 0.0 AND KayakerTime[i] <= 180.0

// Accumulate total time
TotalTime <- TotalTime + KayakerTime[i]

// Count division occurrences
IF KayakerDivision[i] = 'A' THEN
CountA <- CountA + 1
ELSE
IF KayakerDivision[i] = 'I' THEN
CountI <- CountI + 1
ELSE
CountN <- CountN + 1
ENDIF
ENDIF
NEXT i

// Calculate and output average time
AverageTime <- TotalTime / 30
OUTPUT "Average completion time: ", AverageTime, " minutes"

// Output counts for each division
OUTPUT "Advanced count: ", CountA
OUTPUT "Intermediate count: ", CountI
OUTPUT "Novice count: ", CountN

// Find the fastest (minimum) time
FastestTime <- KayakerTime[1]
FOR i <- 2 TO 30
IF KayakerTime[i] < FastestTime THEN
FastestTime <- KayakerTime[i]
ENDIF
NEXT i

// Output all kayakers who achieved the fastest time
OUTPUT "Fastest time: ", FastestTime, " minutes"
FOR i <- 1 TO 30
IF KayakerTime[i] = FastestTime THEN
OUTPUT "Fastest Kayaker - ID: ", KayakerID[i], ", Name: ", KayakerName[i]
ENDIF
NEXT i

// Linear search for a kayaker by ID
OUTPUT "Enter Kayaker ID to search: "
INPUT SearchID
Found <- FALSE

FOR i <- 1 TO 30
IF KayakerID[i] = SearchID THEN
OUTPUT "Record Found:"
OUTPUT "Name: ", KayakerName[i]
OUTPUT "Division: ", KayakerDivision[i]
OUTPUT "Time: ", KayakerTime[i], " minutes"
Found <- TRUE
ENDIF
NEXT i

IF Found = FALSE THEN
OUTPUT "Kayaker not found."
ENDIF

Award marks based on the following two criteria:

AO2: Application of programming concepts & techniques (Max 9 marks)
- 1 mark: Four 1D arrays correctly declared with appropriate data types and size 30.
- 1 mark: Loop running 30 iterations for data entry.
- 1 mark: Validation loop / check for Kayaker ID (range 100 to 999).
- 1 mark: Validation loop / check for Kayaker Name (non-empty) AND Division ('A', 'I', 'N').
- 1 mark: Validation loop / check for Time (> 0 and <= 180.0).
- 1 mark: Correct calculation of total and average completion time.
- 1 mark: Correct counting logic for all three divisions ('A', 'I', 'N').
- 1 mark: Correct algorithm to find minimum completion time (fastest) and display corresponding name/ID.
- 1 mark: Correct linear search algorithm comparing SearchID to stored IDs, outputting details if found and a 'not found' message otherwise.

AO3: Solution design, logic structure, and quality (Max 6 marks)
- Band 3 (5–6 marks): The algorithm provides a fully working, robust solution meeting all requirements. Logic is efficient, well-structured, syntax/conventions are consistent throughout, and meaningful identifiers and appropriate comments are present.
- Band 2 (3–4 marks): The algorithm covers most requirements with minor omissions or slight logic flaws. Reasonably structured with generally consistent identifiers.
- Band 1 (1–2 marks): The algorithm makes an attempt at several parts of the problem but contains substantial logic errors or omissions. Limited structure and clarity.
- 0 marks: No creditable response.