2024 Edexcel IGCSE Information and Communication (ICT) Practice Paper with Answers

A router is a network device that forwards data packets between computer networks using IP addresses. Hubs and switches operate primarily within a single local area network (LAN) using MAC addresses, and a bridge connects two LAN segments.

1 mark for correct answer: C

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions currently in use by the CPU to provide fast access. ROM, flash memory, and SSDs are non-volatile.

1 mark for correct answer: B

Ransomware is a specific type of malware that restricts access to the computer system or files and demands a ransom payment to unlock them.

1 mark for correct answer: B

A disk defragmenter reorganizes fragmented data on a magnetic hard drive so that files are stored in contiguous sectors, which speeds up access times.

1 mark for correct answer: C

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts communication between the web browser and the web server to ensure secure transfer of web pages.

1 mark for correct answer: C

Cloud storage requires an active and stable internet connection to upload, download, or edit files. Local storage can be accessed offline.

1 mark for correct answer: B

Data protection principles require that personal data must be processed securely and only collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes.

1 mark for correct answer: C

A graphics tablet (or digitizer) allows designers to use a stylus to draw natural strokes directly into digital art or vector graphics software.

1 mark for correct answer: B

In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, there is no central server. Each computer (peer) has equal status, acts as both a client and a server, and can share its own files and resources directly with other peers.

1 mark for the correct option (b). Reject all other options.

SSDs have no moving parts, allowing them to read and write data much faster than HDDs, which rely on spinning magnetic platters and read/write heads. HDDs generally have a lower cost per gigabyte and greater maximum capacity, while SSD flash memory has a limited number of write cycles.

1 mark for the correct option (c). Reject all other options.

Encryption is the process of encoding data using an algorithm so that it becomes unreadable (ciphertext) to anyone who does not possess the correct decryption key.

1 mark for the correct option (b). Reject all other options.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) affects the muscles, nerves, and tendons in the hands and wrists, caused by repetitive movements. An ergonomic keyboard supports natural wrist alignment, and regular breaks allow muscles to rest, reducing the risk of RSI. Eye level monitors reduce neck strain, screen filters reduce eye strain, and lumbar support reduces back pain.

1 mark for the correct option (b). Reject all other options.

A router is a network device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It directs traffic on the internet by examining the destination IP address of each packet and using routing tables to find the optimal path.

0.5 marks for identifying 'Router'. 1 mark for explaining its role in routing or forwarding data packets using destination IP addresses.

Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory and have no moving parts. This makes them highly durable and resistant to shock, vibration, and physical movement compared to Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which have spinning platters and read/write heads that can easily crash under vibration.

0.5 marks for selecting SSD. 1 mark for explaining that it has no moving parts and is therefore resistant to shock, vibration, or extreme movement.

Symmetric encryption is a type of cryptography where the sender and the recipient use the same shared secret key to encrypt and decrypt the message.

0.5 marks for mentioning a single or same shared key. 1 mark for explaining that this single key is used for both encryption (by the sender) and decryption (by the receiver).

A temperature sensor is used. If the measured temperature exceeds a pre-defined limit, the control system triggers an actuator to open the windows to cool the greenhouse.

0.5 marks for identifying a correct sensor (e.g., Temperature sensor / Humidity sensor). 1 mark for explaining the process of comparing data to a preset value and sending a signal to an actuator to open/close windows.

Multitasking allows a computer to run multiple applications apparently at the same time. The operating system manages this by scheduling CPU time and memory space for each task, rapidly switching between them (time-slicing).

0.5 marks for identifying 'Multitasking'. 1 mark for explaining how the CPU rapidly switches between tasks or allocates CPU time slices to each process.

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. The 'S' indicates that the connection is encrypted using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security), which encrypts data transmitted between the client and server to prevent eavesdropping and tampering.

0.5 marks for stating 'Secure' (SSL/TLS). 1 mark for explaining that it encrypts data during transmission to prevent interceptors/eavesdroppers from reading it.

The digital divide is the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology and those that don't. A social impact is that students struggle to complete homework or access remote learning platforms, leading to lower educational outcomes compared to urban peers.

0.5 marks for identifying the 'Digital Divide'. 1 mark for explaining a valid social impact on students, e.g., difficulty accessing online homework/educational platforms or educational inequality.

Open-source software licensing allows users to view, modify, and redistribute the source code. A benefit to the developer is community collaboration, where a global pool of programmers can contribute to improving, bug-fixing, and enhancing the software without the original developer having to pay them.

0.5 marks for identifying 'Open-source' (or 'Open-source software license'). 1 mark for explaining a benefit, such as receiving free community bug-fixes, rapid development, or widespread adoption/peer review.

Solid-state drives (SSDs) store data using flash memory, meaning they contain no moving mechanical parts. In contrast, traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) rely on spinning platters and delicate read/write heads. If a rugged laptop is dropped or shaken during outdoor use, the physical components of an HDD can easily fail, leading to data loss. The solid-state design of SSDs makes them highly durable and resistant to such physical shocks.

1 mark for identifying that SSDs have no moving parts or are highly shock-resistant. 0.5 marks for explaining how this prevents mechanical damage or data loss if the device is dropped or shaken during outdoor use.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) secures communication over a computer network. It encrypts all data transmitted between the client web browser and the web server. This ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment card details, is unreadable to attackers even if they manage to intercept the data packets.

1 mark for identifying that HTTPS encrypts data transmitted between browser and server. 0.5 marks for stating that this prevents eavesdropping, interception, or unauthorized reading of sensitive data.

A firewall acts as a security barrier between a private local network (LAN) and external networks like the internet. It continuously monitors incoming and outgoing traffic, inspecting data packets against a set of predefined security rules. If traffic does not meet these criteria, the firewall blocks it, stopping hackers, malware, or unauthorized access from penetrating the internal network.

1 mark for explaining that a firewall monitors/filters incoming and outgoing network traffic. 0.5 marks for mentioning that it blocks unauthorized access or malicious traffic based on predefined security rules.

Cache memory is a small, high-speed type of volatile memory integrated directly into or very close to the CPU. Its primary function is to store copies of data and instructions that the CPU is likely to reuse. Because accessing cache is significantly faster than retrieving data from the main system RAM, it reduces CPU wait time and increases overall processing speed.

1 mark for identifying that cache stores frequently used data/instructions closer to the CPU for faster access. 0.5 marks for explaining that this improves CPU performance by reducing wait times compared to retrieving from RAM.

A network hub is a basic hardware device that does not examine data packets; when it receives data on one port, it broadcasts it to all other ports, leading to network congestion and security risks. In contrast, a network switch is intelligent; it reads the destination MAC address of incoming data and routes the packets only to the specific port connected to the destination device, improving network efficiency and security.

1 mark for contrasting how they route data (hub broadcasts to all devices, switch sends to specific destination device). 0.5 marks for linking this to an advantage (e.g., switches reduce network congestion, improve security, or prevent packet collisions).

An economic factor contributing to the digital divide is the high cost of deploying broadband infrastructure (such as fiber cables or high-speed cellular towers) to sparsely populated rural areas. Because of these high setup costs, internet service providers charge high subscription fees. This makes reliable internet unaffordable for low-income individuals in rural communities, depriving them of modern educational, job, and public service opportunities.

1 mark for identifying an economic factor (e.g., high cost of infrastructure deployment, expensive device costs, or high internet subscription fees). 0.5 marks for describing the impact on individuals (e.g., lack of affordable connectivity leading to exclusion from online education, employment, or digital public services).

Virtual memory is a memory management technique. When the physical RAM becomes fully occupied, the operating system utilizes a designated section of secondary storage (such as a hard drive or solid-state drive) as temporary memory. The OS swaps inactive data pages from RAM onto the secondary storage, freeing up space in the fast physical RAM to run active processes. When the swapped data is needed again, it is loaded back into RAM.

1 mark for explaining that secondary storage is used as temporary RAM when physical memory is full. 0.5 marks for explaining the mechanism of swapping or paging inactive data to free up physical RAM space.

A gateway translates incompatible protocols between networks, repackages data headers, and routes traffic between a local LAN and the wider internet.

1 mark for identifying that the gateway acts as a translator between different network protocols. 1 mark for explaining the translation of packet headers between LAN and TCP/IP formats. 0.8 marks for explaining that this enables seamless communication between incompatible networks.

Lack of infrastructure in rural areas restricts access to education, employment, and digital public services, causing economic and social disadvantages.

1 mark for identifying poor broadband infrastructure or lack of access. 1 mark for explaining the impact on specific services like online education or remote work. 0.8 marks for linking this to long-term economic or social disadvantages.

Flash memory has no mechanical components, which increases durability, reduces energy consumption for longer battery life, and speeds up data access.

1 mark for explaining that the lack of moving parts increases durability and physical shock resistance. 1 mark for explaining the benefit of lower energy consumption or faster data transfer. 0.8 marks for explicitly connecting these benefits to portable laptops (e.g., battery life or safety on the move).

Transactional data is captured automatically at checkout and analyzed to target ads, recommend products, and optimize stock levels.

1 mark for explaining that the data is collected automatically during the digital transaction or checkout. 1 mark for explaining how the retailer uses the data (e.g., personalized recommendations or trend analysis). 0.8 marks for identifying the business benefit (e.g., increased sales, higher efficiency, or optimized inventory).

IP addresses identify network endpoints. Routers inspect packet headers for destination IPs and forward them along the best path using routing tables.

1 mark for explaining that IP addresses uniquely identify devices on a network. 1 mark for explaining that routers inspect the destination IP address in the packet header. 0.8 marks for explaining how routers use routing tables to forward the packet to the next hop.

Virtual memory extends physical RAM by using secondary storage, swapping inactive data to free up RAM and prevent system crashes.

1 mark for explaining that virtual memory is temporary space on secondary storage used when RAM is full. 1 mark for explaining the process of swapping/paging inactive data out of RAM. 0.8 marks for explaining the outcome (prevents crashing or allows running more applications).

Encryption scrambles plaintext into ciphertext, preventing interceptors on public Wi-Fi from reading the data without the decryption key.

1 mark for explaining that encryption converts plaintext data into ciphertext using an algorithm or key. 1 mark for explaining that intercepted data on public Wi-Fi remains unreadable to unauthorized users. 0.8 marks for stating that only the authorized recipient with the correct decryption key can restore and read the data.

A VPN encapsulates and encrypts data within a secure tunnel over the internet, blocking unauthorized surveillance and protecting internal data.

1 mark for explaining that a VPN establishes a secure, encrypted tunnel over the public internet. 1 mark for explaining that data passing through the tunnel is encrypted or encapsulated. 0.8 marks for explaining that this prevents unauthorized interception and protects private network resources.

Cache memory operates at much higher speeds than main memory (RAM) because of its physical proximity to the CPU cores. When the CPU executes instructions, it first checks the cache. If the required data is found, it is retrieved almost instantly, avoiding the slower system bus transfer from RAM. This significantly speeds up the instruction-fetch-execute cycle.

1 mark for identifying that cache memory is high-speed memory located close to or on the CPU. 1 mark for explaining that it stores frequently accessed data or instructions. 0.8 marks for explaining that this reduces the time the CPU spends waiting for data from slower main RAM.

In networking, a gateway is a node that connects two networks with different protocols. When data leaves a LAN destined for the wider internet, the gateway translates the protocols so that the external network can understand the data packets. It acts as the entry and exit point for the network.

1 mark for stating that a gateway connects two networks that use different protocols. 1 mark for explaining the translation of data packets between these protocols. 0.8 marks for describing the outcome of enabling communication between the LAN and the external internet.

A packet-filtering firewall acts as a barrier by examining each packet of data crossing the network boundary. It compares attributes such as the sender's IP address, the receiver's IP address, and port numbers against an Access Control List. If a packet violates a rule, it is rejected or dropped, shielding the internal network.

1 mark for stating that the firewall inspects the headers of incoming and outgoing packets. 1 mark for explaining that these headers are compared against a set of predefined security rules. 0.8 marks for explaining that non-compliant packets are blocked or discarded to prevent unauthorized access.

Virtual memory is a memory management capability of an operating system. When RAM is saturated, the operating system moves inactive blocks of data from RAM to a designated space on the secondary storage, like a swap file. This frees up physical RAM for the currently executing tasks. If the swapped-out data is needed again, it is loaded back into RAM.

1 mark for stating that a portion of secondary storage is allocated to act as temporary memory when RAM is full. 1 mark for explaining the process of swapping inactive data from RAM to secondary storage. 0.8 marks for explaining that this allows more programs to run simultaneously than physical RAM capacity would normally permit.

High bandwidth means a large volume of data can be transmitted per second, allowing high-resolution video. However, latency is the round-trip travel time of the data. If latency is high, packets take longer to arrive. This causes a lag in real-time communication, leading to participants talking over each other and delayed reactions, disrupting the real-time nature of the conference.

1 mark for defining latency as the time delay for data to travel across a network. 1 mark for explaining how this delay causes unsynchronized communication or lag in audio or video delivery. 0.8 marks for identifying that real-time interaction becomes disjointed, showing that high bandwidth alone cannot fix timing delays.

The 3-2-1 backup strategy ensures high data resilience. Having 3 copies reduces the chance of losing all copies. Using 2 different media types protects against specific media-type failures. Keeping 1 copy off-site ensures that local physical disasters, like fire, flood, or theft, do not destroy all backups simultaneously.

1 mark for explaining the components of the rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 off-site location. 1 mark for explaining how this protects against local disasters via the off-site copy. 0.8 marks for explaining how using multiple media types and redundant copies prevents data loss from single points of failure.

Electronic waste contains heavy metals and toxic chemicals. When left in unlined landfills, these elements seep into the ground, polluting soil and entering the water table. This can poison aquatic life and agricultural resources. Additionally, burning or improper handling of e-waste releases harmful carcinogens and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

1 mark for identifying that ICT devices contain toxic substances or heavy metals. 1 mark for explaining that these materials can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater or local ecosystems. 0.8 marks for explaining the wider consequence, such as health hazards to humans or animals who rely on these natural resources.

To provide a comprehensive answer, candidates should compare both storage methods across several categories relevant to a graphic design agency: 1. Performance and Bandwidth: Graphic design involves very large files. NAS operates over a local network (LAN) which typically offers much faster read/write speeds than standard internet connections used for cloud storage. Cloud storage can cause bottlenecks during large file uploads/downloads. 2. Collaboration and Remote Access: Cloud storage excels at allowing remote team members and clients to view, edit, and download assets from anywhere with an internet connection. NAS can be configured for remote access, but this requires more complex security setup (e.g., VPNs). 3. Cost Structure: Cloud storage is an operating expense (OpEx) with ongoing monthly subscription fees that scale as storage needs increase. NAS is a capital expense (CapEx) requiring a higher initial hardware investment, but with no ongoing subscription fees for the storage itself. 4. Security and Backups: With cloud storage, backups are usually automated and geo-redundant, meaning protection against physical disasters is handled by the provider, although data privacy depends on third-party security. NAS requires the agency to manage its own backup strategy (e.g., RAID and offsite copies) to protect against disk failure or physical disasters like fire.

Marks are awarded using a level-based marking grid: Level 1 (1-3 marks): Identifies simple advantages or disadvantages of either cloud storage or NAS. Analysis is basic and may not be clearly linked to a graphic design agency scenario. Level 2 (4-6 marks): Explains several advantages and disadvantages of both options, showing an understanding of technical constraints such as bandwidth for large files, cost structures, or accessibility. The discussion is partially balanced and applied to the scenario. Level 3 (7-8 marks): Provides a fully balanced, detailed discussion comparing both options. Explicitly links technical features (e.g., file sizes, collaboration, physical security) to the specific needs of a graphic design agency. Demonstrates a clear, logical structure with precise terminology and a reasoned conclusion or recommendation.

The transition to a permanent remote working model has wide-ranging implications: Impact on the Company: 1. Financial: Reduced spending on physical office spaces, energy bills, and office maintenance. However, there may be initial costs in supplying home office equipment and software licenses. 2. Recruitment: The company is no longer limited by geographic location and can hire top talent worldwide. 3. Management and Security: Difficulties in monitoring employee productivity and maintaining strong team cohesion. Security risks increase as employees access sensitive source code from home networks, necessitating investment in secure VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and endpoint security. Impact on the Employees: 1. Work-Life Balance and Well-being: Elimination of daily commutes saves time and money, reducing stress. Employees have more flexible schedules. Conversely, some face isolation, loneliness, and a lack of separation between home and work, potentially leading to burnout. 2. Productivity: Fewer office distractions can lead to deep focus, but home environments may introduce other distractions (family, chores). Reliable home internet becomes a critical requirement and point of failure.

Level-based marking grid: Level 1 (1-3 marks): Describes simple effects of working from home. Points may be generic and only focus on one side (either only the company or only the employee) without clear organization. Level 2 (4-6 marks): Explains both positive and negative impacts on both the company and the employees. Incorporates relevant technical and organizational aspects (e.g., security, commuting, costs, communication tools). The answer is structured but may lack depth in some areas. Level 3 (7-8 marks): A well-structured, comprehensive discussion that covers a range of balanced points for both the company and the employees. Uses appropriate terminology (e.g., security, VPN, overheads, isolation) to analyze the transition in the context of software developers. Reaches a clear, logical conclusion on how the impacts can be managed.

To reduce the file size of an image without changing its physical dimensions (width and height): 1. Increase JPEG Compression (Reduce Image Quality): By selecting a lower quality setting when saving, lossy compression is applied, which discards fine details that are less visible to the human eye, shrinking the file size. 2. Reduce Color Depth: By converting the image to use fewer colors (such as 8-bit color), the number of bits required to store the color of each individual pixel is decreased, which lowers the overall file size.

Award up to 4 marks for two explained methods (2 marks per method): Method 1 (Max 2 marks): 1 mark for identifying adjusting compression or quality settings (e.g. increase compression), and 1 mark for explaining that lossy compression discards less noticeable pixel detail. Method 2 (Max 2 marks): 1 mark for identifying reducing the color depth or bit depth, and 1 mark for explaining that fewer bits are needed to store the color information of each pixel. Note: Do not accept answers suggesting changing width, height, resolution (PPI/DPI), or cropping.

Creating a logo using vector graphics offers several advantages: 1. Infinite Scalability: Vector graphics are defined by mathematical formulas rather than a fixed grid of pixels. This means the logo can be scaled up to the size of a large outdoor banner without any loss of quality or pixelation, and scaled down to a small badge while remaining sharp. 2. File Size Efficiency: A vector file stores the mathematical instructions of shapes rather than the color values of millions of individual pixels. Thus, the file size remains very small and manageable even when scaled up to a massive size for printing.

Award up to 4 marks for two explained advantages (2 marks per advantage): Advantage 1 (Max 2 marks): 1 mark for stating that vector graphics can be scaled without losing quality, and 1 mark for explaining that this ensures the logo is sharp on both the small badges and large banners. Advantage 2 (Max 2 marks): 1 mark for stating that vector files have smaller or consistent file sizes, and 1 mark for explaining that they store mathematical formulas rather than individual pixels, making them easier to manage at large physical scales.

To make a form user-friendly, designers should: 1. Use a clear title and instructions. 2. Group related fields together and align them logically. 3. Add input masks or validation messages. A combo box ensures data integrity because users can only select from a predefined list, eliminating spelling variations and incorrect values.

3 marks: 1 mark for each of three valid design features explained (clear title, aligned fields, validation messages). 3.25 marks for combo box explanation: 1.25 marks for limiting choice to predefined values, 1 mark for explaining it prevents spelling mistakes, 1 mark for explaining how this leads to consistent data.

In a Query Design Grid, criteria placed on the same row are combined using logical AND, while criteria on different rows are combined using logical OR. Because the price and stock criteria must apply to both 'Sci-Fi' and 'Fantasy' books, they cannot just be entered once. The grid configuration must be: Row 1 (Criteria): Genre = 'Sci-Fi', Price = '<10', StockLevel = '>0'. Row 2 (or): Genre = 'Fantasy', Price = '<10', StockLevel = '>0'.

2 marks for identifying correct fields (Genre, Price, StockLevel). 2 marks for setting 'Sci-Fi' and 'Fantasy' on separate rows for OR logic. 2.25 marks for repeating '<10' and '>0' on both rows to ensure the AND conditions apply to both groups.

Grouping is used to categorize records with identical values, while sorting orders them within those groups. To set this up: 1. Group on 'MembershipType' to create a group section. 2. Sort on 'LastName' in Ascending order. 3. In the group footer, insert a text box with the Control Source set to '=Sum([UnpaidFees])' to calculate total unpaid fees for that specific group.

2 marks: 1 mark for explaining grouping (categorization) and 1 mark for sorting (logical order). 2 marks: 1 mark for describing the grouping setup on 'MembershipType' and 1 mark for sorting on 'LastName'. 2.25 marks: 1 mark for placing the calculation in the group footer, and 1.25 marks for the correct formula '=Sum([UnpaidFees])'.

Referential integrity ensures that any foreign key value in tblRentals must have a matching primary key value in tblCustomers. 1. Adding a rental: It rejects any CustomerID in tblRentals that does not exist in tblCustomers. 2. Deleting a customer: It blocks deleting a customer from tblCustomers if there are related records in tblRentals, preventing orphan records.

2 marks: 1 mark for defining referential integrity and 1 mark for mentioning it prevents orphan records. 2.25 marks: Explaining the addition restriction (cannot add rental for non-existent CustomerID). 2 marks: Explaining the deletion restriction (cannot delete customer with existing rentals).

(a) Five design features on the Master Slide: 1. A consistent background color or pattern (e.g., light blue themed for ocean conservation) to maintain continuity. 2. Company logo placed in a fixed position (e.g., top-right corner) on all slides. 3. Standardized font styles, sizes, and colors for slide titles (e.g., Arial, 36pt, Dark Blue) and body text. 4. Automatic slide numbering placed in the footer area (e.g., bottom-right). 5. Static footer text containing the company name or website URL (e.g., bottom-left). (b)(i) Suitable video formats: MP4 (.mp4) and WMV (.wmv) or MOV (.mov). (b)(ii) Optimization techniques: 1. Compress and resize all image files to web resolution (e.g., 96 dpi or 150 dpi) instead of print resolution before saving. 2. Trim the video clip to include only the essential footage, or re-encode the video at a lower resolution (e.g., 720p instead of 1080p) to reduce file size. (c)(i) Creating a 'Home' button: Insert a shape (such as a house icon or custom rectangle) on the master slide, right-click and select 'Action' or 'Hyperlink', then choose 'Hyperlink to:' and select 'First Slide'. (c)(ii) Preventing background click: Go to the Transitions ribbon, locate the 'Advance Slide' section on the far right, and uncheck/deselect the 'On Mouse Click' option, then click 'Apply to All' to enforce navigation via action buttons only. (d) Visual impairment choices: 1. Color contrast: Use a high-contrast color scheme (e.g., dark blue text on a white or light yellow background) so low-vision readers can distinguish text easily. Avoid red-green combinations to assist color-blind users. 2. Alternative text (Alt Text): Add meaningful alt text descriptions to all graphic elements and video placeholders so screen-reading software can read aloud the contents to visually impaired students.

Part (a) [5 marks total]: Award 1 mark for each valid design feature described up to 5 marks. Must specify its role in consistency or professional identity (e.g., logo placement, uniform font size, consistent background, slide numbers, footer text). Part (b)(i) [2 marks total]: Award 1 mark for each correct, modern video format (Accept: MP4, WMV, MOV, AVI. Reject: MP3, JPG). Part (b)(ii) [2 marks total]: Award 1 mark for explaining image compression/resizing to standard resolution, and 1 mark for explaining video trimming or reducing video resolution. Part (c)(i) [2 marks total]: Award 1 mark for identifying the insertion of a shape/button, and 1 mark for linking/using Action settings to set the destination to 'First Slide'. Part (c)(ii) [2 marks total]: Award 1 mark for identifying the Transitions tab, and 1 mark for specifying the removal/unchecking of the 'On Mouse Click' transition setting. Part (d) [4 marks total]: Award 1 mark for identifying each design choice (up to 2 choices) and 1 mark for explaining how it assists visually impaired or color-blind users. Choice 1: High contrast / Color-blind friendly combinations (1 mark) + Explanation of readability (1 mark). Choice 2: Alternative text/Alt text (1 mark) + Explanation of screen reader support (1 mark).

(a) The total cost is found by multiplying Days in Shelter by Daily Cost. In spreadsheet formulas, multiplication uses the asterix (*). Hence, =C2*D2. (b) The IF function takes the structure =IF(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false). Here, the condition is G2="Yes". If true, the fee is reduced by 20% \( (1 - 0.2 = 0.8) \), which means multiplying E2 by 0.8. If false, it is just E2. Thus, =IF(G2="Yes", E2*0.8, E2). (c) Currency formatting displays £ signs and decimal consistency. Column headers and numbers should be right-aligned so they match up visually. (d) Turn on the auto-filter, then click the filter arrow for Animal Type and tick only Dog. Click the filter arrow for Days in Shelter, select Number Filters, choose Greater Than, and type 30.

(a) [2 marks] 1 mark for correct multiplication operator (*) or PRODUCT function. 1 mark for correct cell references (C2 and D2). (b) [3.6 marks] 1 mark for correct IF syntax: =IF(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false). 1 mark for correct logical test: G2="Yes". 0.8 marks for correct value_if_true calculation: E2*0.8 or E2-(E2*20%). 0.8 marks for correct value_if_false: E2. (c) [2 marks] 1 mark for currency formatting (e.g., £ symbol, 2 decimal places). 1 mark for layout alignment (e.g., right-aligning numerical data). (d) [3 marks] 1 mark for turning on filters on column headers. 1 mark for selecting 'Dog' in the Animal Type filter. 1 mark for setting 'Greater than 30' on the Days in Shelter filter.

(a) Order of operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS) ensures multiplication is done before addition. Hence, =C2+D2*E2 correctly calculates the total training cost before adding the monthly fee. (b) The formula evaluates the cell G2. If G2 contains 'Frozen', it applies 10% \( (F2 \times 0.1) \). If G2 is anything else, it returns F2. The correct formula is =IF(G2="Frozen", F2*0.1, F2). (c) Conditional formatting dynamically colors cells based on rules. By highlighting column D, going to Highlight Cells Rules, choosing Greater Than, setting it to 5, and choosing light green fill, the rule is applied. (d) When formulas are copied down, relative references automatically adjust (e.g. C2 becomes C3, C4). Absolute references (using $) lock the cell reference so it does not shift (e.g., $E$1 remains $E$1).

(a) [2 marks] 1 mark for correct mathematical operators (+ and *). 1 mark for correct cell references (C2, D2, E2). (b) [3.6 marks] 1 mark for IF syntax. 1 mark for logical condition G2="Frozen". 0.8 marks for true value F2*0.1. 0.8 marks for false value F2. (c) [2 marks] 1 mark for selecting column D and opening conditional formatting. 1 mark for setting the rule to 'Greater Than 5' and choosing a light green fill. (d) [3 marks] 1.5 marks for relative referencing explanation (adjusts when copied). 1.5 marks for absolute referencing explanation (uses dollar signs to lock values when copied).

(a) Multiplying Stock Level (D2) by Unit Price (E2) gives the correct inventory value of cell F2. (b) The comparison operator for 'strictly less than' is <. The IF function uses =IF(D2

(a) [2 marks] 1 mark for correct references (D2, E2). 1 mark for correct operator (*). (b) [3 marks] 1 mark for correct logical operator (<). 1 mark for correct value_if_true ("Reorder"). 1 mark for correct value_if_false ("OK"). (c) [3.6 marks] 1 mark for correct function AVERAGEIF. 1 mark for correct search range (C2:C100). 0.8 marks for criteria ("Dairy"). 0.8 marks for range to average (E2:E100). (d) [2 marks] 1 mark for explaining gridline readability (tracing rows/columns). 1 mark for explaining alignment readability (easier comparison and clean look).

Part (a):
1. Open PERFORMANCE.xlsx, select the summary chart, and copy it (Ctrl+C).
2. Open FLYER_TEMPLATE.docx and position the insertion point where the chart is required.
3. Go to the Home tab, click the drop-down arrow under 'Paste', select 'Paste Special...', choose 'Paste Link', select 'Microsoft Excel Chart Object', and click OK (or choose the 'Use Destination Theme & Link Data' / 'Keep Source Formatting & Link Data' paste option).

Part (b):
- Reduce the page margins (e.g., from Standard/Normal 2.54cm to Narrow 1.27cm).
- Adjust line spacing (e.g., change from 1.5 to 1.15 or 1.0) and reduce 'Space After' paragraph settings.
- Resize the imported chart or other images to make them smaller, allowing text to reflow upwards.

Part (c):
- Advantage: Dynamic updates (changes made to the spreadsheet automatically reflect in the document) AND smaller Word file size (since data is stored in the external spreadsheet file, not duplicated inside Word).
- Disadvantage: Dependency/Broken Links (if the spreadsheet is deleted, renamed, or moved to another folder, the link will break and the Word document will fail to update or display correctly).

Part (a) [Max 3 marks]:
- 1 mark for copying the chart from the source Excel file.
- 1 mark for navigating to Paste Special / Paste Options in Word.
- 1 mark for specifying 'Paste Link' or linking option to maintain the connection.

Part (b) [Max 3 marks]:
- 1 mark for suggesting margin reduction (must specify margins or page setup).
- 1 mark for suggesting paragraph/line spacing adjustments.
- 1 mark for suggesting resizing of graphics/charts/tables.
(Accept other valid layout techniques like multi-column layout for lists, but reject reducing body font below 10pt as per question constraints).

Part (c) [Max 3 marks]:
- 1 mark for a clear advantage of linking (e.g., automatic update, smaller file size).
- 1 mark for a clear disadvantage of linking (e.g., file path dependency, broken links if shared without the spreadsheet).
- 1 mark for technical description / explanation of the difference between link and embed.

Part (a):
- Wrap Style: Select the image, go to Wrap Text options, and choose 'Square' (or 'Tight') wrapping.
- Alignment: Go to Position/Alignment settings and set the horizontal alignment to 'Right' relative to the margin.
- Text Flow: This ensures the text flows naturally around the left side of the rectangular boundary of the image, keeping the layout clean and readable.

Part (b):
- Apply a light background fill color (shading) to the text box to separate it from the white background.
- Add a thick, colored left-border or full border around the text box.
- Format the text inside the box with a different style (e.g., italicize it, increase the font size slightly, or use a contrasting font color/sans-serif typeface).

Part (c):
- Formula: `=B2 * (1 - C2)` (or `=B2 - (B2 * C2)`).
- Formatting Steps: Select the cell containing the result, go to the Number Format settings, choose 'Currency', set the currency symbol to '$', and set the decimal places to 2 (resulting in $170.00).

Part (a) [Max 3 marks]:
- 1 mark for identifying 'Square' or 'Tight' text wrapping.
- 1 mark for specifying horizontal 'Right' alignment.
- 1 mark for explaining that text will wrap around the left edge/boundary of the image.

Part (b) [Max 3 marks]:
- 1 mark for suggesting background fill / shading.
- 1 mark for suggesting borders (color, thickness, or left-border style).
- 1 mark for suggesting text formatting changes (size, italicization, distinct font, or color).

Part (c) [Max 3 marks]:
- 1 mark for the correct formula: `=B2*(1-C2)` or `=B2-(B2*C2)` (accept lowercase, reject if missing '=').
- 1 mark for selecting/applying the 'Currency' formatting style.
- 1 mark for specifying two decimal places and correct symbol ($).