An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the Jun 2025 (V2) Cambridge International A Level Information and Communication (ICT) paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from Cambridge.
Section Question 1
Answer all parts. Consists of short-response, matching, and direct explain questions on networks, storage, and copyright.
14 Question · 23 marks
Question 1 · multiple-choice
1.5 marks
A small office wants to connect five computers together in a star topology. The office administrator wants a central device that directs data packets specifically to the destination computer rather than broadcasting them to all connected computers. Which device is most appropriate for this purpose?
A.Hub
B.Switch
C.Router
D.Bridge
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
A switch is a smart device that learns the MAC addresses of connected devices and directs data frames/packets only to the specific port of the intended recipient. A hub, on the other hand, broadcasts data to all ports, which increases network traffic and reduces security. A router is used to connect different networks, and a bridge is used to connect two separate network segments.
Marking scheme
1.5 marks for the correct option (b). 0 marks for any incorrect option.
Question 2 · multiple-choice
1.5 marks
A school needs to implement a backup strategy for archiving large volumes of student records at the end of every academic year. The storage medium must be highly durable, have a very low cost per gigabyte, and provide high capacity, while rapid access to individual files is not a priority. Which storage medium is most suitable?
A.Solid State Drive (SSD)
B.Magnetic Tape
C.CD-ROM
D.RAM
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Magnetic tape is the traditional and highly effective medium for archiving because it has an extremely low cost per gigabyte and very high storage capacity. It uses sequential access, which is slow for individual file retrieval but perfect for large, chronological backups where rapid random access is not required.
Marking scheme
1.5 marks for the correct option (b). 0 marks for any incorrect option.
Question 3 · multiple-choice
1.5 marks
A web designer copies a copyrighted image from a photographer's website and uses it as the background for a commercial online store without obtaining a license or permission. Which of the following describes why this is a violation of copyright law?
A.The designer did not pay the web hosting provider for the bandwidth used by the image.
B.The designer redistributed copyrighted material without authorization from the copyright holder.
C.The designer altered the file format of the image when downloading it.
D.The designer did not credit the camera manufacturer used by the photographer.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Copyright law protects original creative works, such as photographs, from unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and public display. Using a copyrighted image for commercial purposes without a license or direct permission from the copyright owner (the photographer) is a direct infringement of their rights.
Marking scheme
1.5 marks for the correct option (b). 0 marks for any incorrect option.
Question 4 · multiple-choice
1.5 marks
When customers enter their credit card details on an online shopping website, the data is encrypted during transmission to prevent interception. Which protocol is responsible for securing this web communication?
A.HTTP
B.HTTPS
C.FTP
D.SMTP
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) uses encryption protocols (SSL or TLS) to secure communication over the internet, ensuring that sensitive data such as login credentials or credit card numbers cannot be easily intercepted or read by unauthorized parties.
Marking scheme
1.5 marks for the correct option (b). 0 marks for any incorrect option.
Question 5 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
Explain one reason why a solid-state drive (SSD) is more suitable than an optical disc for backing up data on a laptop while travelling.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Unlike optical discs, which use a spinning disc and laser that can easily skip or get damaged by movement, solid-state drives (SSDs) contain no moving parts. This makes SSDs much more durable and reliable when used in a moving vehicle or while travelling. They are also smaller and do not require an external disc drive.
Marking scheme
1 mark for identifying that an SSD has no moving parts or is more durable. 0.5 marks for linking this to why it is beneficial while travelling (e.g., won't get damaged by movement/shocks).
Question 6 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
State the main difference between a public IP address and a private IP address.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
A public IP address is assigned by an ISP and is unique across the entire global internet, enabling communication with external servers. A private IP address is assigned by a local router to devices within a LAN and is only unique inside that network, meaning it cannot be directly routed over the internet.
Marking scheme
1 mark for identifying that public IPs are globally unique and used on the internet, while private IPs are used inside local networks. 0.5 marks for noting the routing difference (e.g., private IPs cannot route directly on the internet).
Question 7 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
Describe what is meant by a 'Creative Commons' licence.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Creative Commons is a standard licensing system that enables creators of intellectual property to grant permissions to the public to use their work freely under certain restrictions, such as requiring attribution, preventing commercial use, or forbidding modifications, without losing their copyright.
Marking scheme
1 mark for stating that it allows creators to give public permission to use/share their work while retaining copyright. 0.5 marks for mentioning that this usage is subject to specific conditions or rules set by the creator.
Question 8 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
A school connects computers across multiple classrooms in its main building. State whether this network is a LAN or a WAN, and justify your choice.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
The network is a Local Area Network (LAN). LANs are designed to connect devices over a limited geographical distance, such as a single building, home, or campus. Since the school network is confined to its main building, it fits the definition of a LAN rather than a wide-area network.
Marking scheme
0.5 marks for correctly identifying LAN. 1 mark for justifying with reference to the small geographical area or single building/site.
Question 9 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
Explain one potential security risk of storing personal files using third-party cloud storage.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
When using third-party cloud storage, personal data is uploaded to remote servers. This introduces the risk of unauthorized access. If a hacker guesses a weak password or intercepts the login details, they gain full access to the files. Additionally, the cloud provider's database could be targeted in a cyberattack, leading to a massive data breach.
Marking scheme
1 mark for identifying a valid security risk (e.g., unauthorized access, data breach, account compromise, data intercept). 0.5 marks for explaining how the risk occurs or its consequence on the personal files.
Question 10 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
Explain the difference between plagiarism and copyright infringement.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work, ideas, or words as your own without giving proper credit (acknowledgement). This is primarily an academic or ethical issue. Copyright infringement, however, is a legal violation where protected creative works are reproduced, distributed, or adapted without the copyright holder's explicit permission, regardless of whether credit is given.
Marking scheme
1 mark for defining plagiarism (falsely claiming authorship/failing to cite). 0.5 marks for distinguishing copyright infringement (unauthorised use of copyrighted materials/legal violation).
Question 11 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one benefit of using a Local Area Network (LAN) instead of standalone computers in an office.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
In a LAN, devices are connected together, allowing resources to be shared. Sharing peripherals like high-quality printers means the office does not need to buy a printer for every single employee, saving money and physical office space.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying a benefit and 1 mark for a developed explanation of that benefit. Possible answers: Resource sharing (1 mark) such as printers or internet connections, which reduces hardware costs (1 mark). Centralized storage (1 mark) allowing staff to collaborate on files from any workstation (1 mark). Centralized backup (1 mark) ensuring important work is not lost if a local machine fails (1 mark).
Question 12 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one reason why solid-state storage (SSD) is more suitable than a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) for a laptop computer.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Laptops are portable devices and are frequently moved, which increases the risk of being dropped or bumped. Because SSDs use flash memory and have no moving parts, they are highly durable and less likely to suffer physical damage or data loss compared to magnetic HDDs, which rely on delicate read/write heads and spinning platters.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying a characteristic of SSDs and 1 mark for explaining why this makes it suitable for a laptop. Possible answers: No moving parts / highly durable (1 mark) which prevents physical damage to data when the laptop is moved or dropped (1 mark). Lower power consumption (1 mark) which extends the laptop battery life (1 mark). Faster read/write speeds (1 mark) which allows the operating system and applications to boot up quickly on a portable device (1 mark).
Question 13 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one way a content creator can use a Creative Commons licence to protect their digital work.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Creative Commons licences allow creators to select specific conditions under which their work can be legally shared. For example, by selecting the 'No Derivatives' or 'Non-Commercial' condition, they can ensure that others cannot modify their work or use it for commercial gain, whilst still allowing free public distribution.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying a mechanism/condition of Creative Commons and 1 mark for explaining how it protects the work. Possible answers: Setting an Attribution (BY) clause (1 mark) ensuring they always get credit for their work even when shared (1 mark). Setting a Non-Commercial (NC) clause (1 mark) which prevents others from making money from their creative content without a separate agreement (1 mark). Setting a No-Derivatives (ND) clause (1 mark) which prevents others from altering their original design or artwork (1 mark).
Question 14 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one reason why a wireless network connection (Wi-Fi) is generally less secure than a wired ethernet connection.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Wi-Fi transmits data packets using radio waves, which propagate through walls and open spaces. This means unauthorized individuals located nearby can intercept the transmission data if the network is not properly secured. In contrast, wired networks require a physical connection to a port, meaning data cannot be easily intercepted from outside the building.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying the transmission medium difference and 1 mark for explaining the security implication. Possible answers: Radio waves are broadcast through the air (1 mark) which means they can be intercepted by unauthorized devices within range of the signal (1 mark). Wired connections require physical access to cables (1 mark) making it much harder for someone outside the premises to connect or intercept data packets (1 mark).
Section Question 2
Focuses on device hardware, system software, RAM, CPU speed, storage media, and security practices.
17 Question · 27 marks
Question 1 · multiple-choice
1 marks
Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a computer system?
A.It provides non-volatile long-term storage for user files and application programs.
B.It is a high-speed, volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions currently being used by the CPU.
C.It contains the permanent startup instructions (BIOS) for the computer.
D.It is a secondary storage device used to back up critical system configurations.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Random Access Memory (RAM) is volatile primary memory. It temporarily stores data and instructions currently in use by the central processing unit (CPU). This allows fast read and write access. Once the computer is powered off, the data in RAM is lost.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying the correct statement. B: It is a high-speed, volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions currently being used by the CPU. Reject all other options.
Question 2 · multiple-choice
1 marks
A graphic designer wants to upgrade their computer's storage device to improve system boot times and file access speeds. Which type of storage media should they choose and why?
A.A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) because it has no moving parts and consumes less power.
B.A Solid State Drive (SSD) because it uses magnetic platters to read/write data at faster speeds.
C.A Solid State Drive (SSD) because it uses flash memory which provides faster read/write access times with no moving parts.
D.A Magnetic Tape drive because it offers the fastest direct access to high-resolution graphic files.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
A Solid State Drive (SSD) uses flash memory to store data. Because it has no moving parts, it can read and write data significantly faster than a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) which relies on spinning magnetic platters and a physical read/write head.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying the correct storage type and justification. C: A Solid State Drive (SSD) because it uses flash memory which provides faster read/write access times with no moving parts. Reject all other options.
Question 3 · multiple-choice
1 marks
Which of the following tasks is carried out by utility software rather than application software?
A.Designing a database to track customer sales.
B.Formatting a hard disk drive to prepare it for use.
C.Creating an interactive slide presentation for a business meeting.
D.Editing digital photographs to remove red-eye.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Utility software is system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer. Formatting a disk drive is a system maintenance task, whereas database design, word processing, presentation creation, and photo editing are tasks performed by application software to help users complete specific end-user tasks.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying the task carried out by utility software. B: Formatting a hard disk drive to prepare it for use. Reject all other options.
Question 4 · multiple-choice
1 marks
Which statement best describes the primary purpose of a firewall in a network security setup?
A.To detect and remove existing viruses and worms from a computer's local hard drive.
B.To monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
C.To encrypt data stored on portable storage devices to prevent unauthorized physical access.
D.To automatically back up system files to a secure cloud server at scheduled intervals.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
A firewall acts as a barrier between an internal network and external networks (such as the Internet). It monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules to prevent unauthorized access.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying the correct purpose of a firewall. B: To monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Reject all other options.
Question 5 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
State one primary purpose of device driver software.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Device drivers act as a translator interface between the computer's operating system and physical hardware peripherals, converting generic OS commands into instructions that the specific hardware device can understand and execute.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for stating that it enables communication or translation between the OS and the hardware device. Award 0.5 marks for explaining that this allows the operating system to recognize or use the peripheral correctly.
Question 6 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
Explain how the amount of RAM installed in a personal computer affects its overall performance.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
RAM holds data and programs currently in active use by the CPU. When physical RAM is insufficient, the operating system must use slower virtual memory on the secondary storage device. More RAM prevents this bottleneck, ensuring faster multi-tasking and improved system responsiveness.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying that more RAM allows more programs/data to be open at once or reduces reliance on virtual memory. Award 0.5 marks for linking this directly to faster data retrieval speeds or prevention of system lag.
Question 7 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
State one reason why a solid-state drive (SSD) is more suitable for a rugged outdoor laptop than a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD).
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Unlike magnetic hard drives, which use physical read/write heads and spinning platters, SSDs use flash memory and contain no moving parts. This makes them highly durable and far less likely to suffer physical damage or data loss when dropped or shaken during outdoor use.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for stating that SSDs have no moving parts or are shock-resistant. Award 0.5 marks for linking this to increased durability or reduced risk of physical damage/data loss when dropped or used on the move.
Question 8 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
State how the clock speed of a CPU affects its execution performance.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), defines the rate at which the CPU can perform fetch-decode-execute cycles. A higher clock speed directly increases the rate at which instructions are processed, leading to shorter processing times for tasks and applications.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for stating that higher clock speed allows more instructions or cycles to be processed per second. Award 0.5 marks for stating this leads to faster application execution or task completion.
Question 9 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
Give one advantage of using biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint scanner, over a traditional alphanumeric password.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Biometric authentication relies on unique physical traits (such as fingerprint or iris patterns) which cannot easily be guessed, forgotten, or shared. This is significantly more secure than passwords, which users often write down, forget, or share with unauthorized persons.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying a valid advantage (e.g., unique to the user, cannot be forgotten, difficult to share or copy). Award 0.5 marks for explaining how this makes it more secure or convenient compared to an alphanumeric password.
Question 10 · Short Answer
1.5 marks
Describe the function of disk defragmentation utility software.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Over time, files stored on a magnetic hard drive become fragmented (split into parts and scattered across different sectors). Defragmentation utilities rearrange these scattered sectors so that the parts of each file are stored in continuous, contiguous blocks, minimizing read/write head movement and speeding up file access.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for stating that it rearranges fragmented or scattered file parts into continuous or contiguous blocks. Award 0.5 marks for explaining that this speeds up file retrieval or reduces read/write head movement. Do not award marks for references to SSD optimization.
Question 11 · Explain / Describe (Medium)
2 marks
Explain the purpose of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a desktop computer.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
RAM is used to temporarily store data, programs, and the operating system currently in use. This allows the CPU to access this data much faster than retrieving it from secondary storage.
Marking scheme
1 mark for identifying that RAM stores data, instructions, or programs currently in use. 1 mark for explaining that this allows fast or direct access by the CPU, which improves system performance compared to reading from secondary storage.
Question 12 · Explain / Describe (Medium)
2 marks
Describe how the clock speed of a CPU affects the performance of a personal computer.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
The clock speed, measured in Gigahertz (GHz), determines how many fetch-decode-execute cycles the CPU can perform per second. A higher clock speed means the processor can run more instructions every second, resulting in faster execution of programs.
Marking scheme
1 mark for identifying that clock speed determines the number of cycles or instructions executed per second. 1 mark for linking a higher clock speed to faster processing of programs or tasks.
Question 13 · Explain / Describe (Medium)
2 marks
Explain one reason why a solid-state drive (SSD) is preferred over a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) for use in a portable laptop.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
An SSD does not contain moving parts, which makes it much more robust and less likely to fail if the laptop is dropped or bumped. Additionally, it consumes less power, extending the laptop's battery life.
Marking scheme
1 mark for identifying a key characteristic (e.g., no moving parts, lower power consumption, or faster read-write speeds). 1 mark for explaining how this benefits a portable laptop (e.g., less damage when dropped, longer battery life, or faster boot times on the go).
Question 14 · Explain / Describe (Medium)
2 marks
Describe the role of utility software in a computer system.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Utility software is system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer. Examples include disk cleanups, defragmenters, and antivirus software, which keep the system running efficiently and securely.
Marking scheme
1 mark for identifying that utility software maintains, optimizes, configures, or secures the system. 1 mark for providing an appropriate example or explaining how a specific utility performs this maintenance.
Question 15 · Explain / Describe (Medium)
2 marks
Explain the purpose of a device driver in a computer system.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
A device driver is a specialized program that allows the operating system to communicate with a specific hardware device, such as a printer or graphics card. It translates the operating system's generic commands into instructions that the specific hardware can understand.
Marking scheme
1 mark for stating that it acts as a translator or interface between the operating system and the hardware. 1 mark for explaining that it enables the operating system to control, recognize, or communicate with the peripheral device.
Question 16 · Explain / Describe (Medium)
2 marks
Describe how a firewall protects a computer system connected to the internet.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
A firewall acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network like the internet. It inspects data packets entering or leaving the system and filters or blocks any traffic that does not meet pre-defined security criteria.
Marking scheme
1 mark for stating that it monitors or filters incoming and outgoing network traffic. 1 mark for explaining that it blocks unauthorized access or malicious data packets based on security rules.
Question 17 · Explain / Describe (Medium)
2 marks
Explain one reason why a biometric security system is more secure than using a traditional password.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Biometric systems use unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or iris patterns, to verify identity. These features cannot easily be guessed, written down, shared, or forgotten like a standard text-based password, making unauthorized access much harder to achieve.
Marking scheme
1 mark for identifying that biometric features are unique to an individual and cannot be easily shared, lost, or forgotten. 1 mark for explaining how this prevents common password security risks like guessing, shoulder surfing, or keylogging.
Section Question 3
Focuses on output peripherals, internet impacts on organizations, local vs online storage, malware protection, and workspace collaboration.
8 Question · 16 marks
Question 1 · Short Answer
2 marks
A construction company needs to print large-scale, high-precision architectural blueprints. State two reasons why a plotter is more suitable than a standard desktop inkjet printer for this task.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Plotters are designed to print large-scale vector graphics. Standard desktop inkjet printers are limited to smaller paper sizes (usually up to A4 or A3) and print in raster format, which can lose quality when scaled up. Plotters use pens to draw continuous, highly accurate lines, making them perfect for technical blueprints.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for each valid reason up to a maximum of 2 marks. Reasons include: Can print on large paper formats (A1/A0) (1); Uses vector lines/continuous lines which provide high precision/accuracy (1); Does not pixelate when drawing long continuous lines (1). Reject: Just 'prints faster' or 'prints in color' without qualification.
Question 2 · Short Answer
2 marks
A global software development team uses online collaborative workspaces to manage their projects. Describe two ways that online collaborative workspaces improve productivity for remote team members.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Online collaborative workspaces (like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, or Trello) provide features such as real-time co-authoring, which prevents team members from working on outdated versions of files. They also centralize communication and task management, ensuring everyone has immediate access to the latest updates regardless of their physical location.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for each valid description up to a maximum of 2 marks. Descriptions include: Real-time editing/simultaneous document collaboration (1); Centralized storage/easy access to the latest file versions (reduces version conflicts) (1); Integrated communication/task tracking tools that keep everyone updated instantly (1). Reject: Answers only mentioning 'saves money on travel' (as this is cost, not direct workspace collaboration productivity) unless linked to work efficiency.
Question 3 · Short Answer
2 marks
A professional photographer needs to choose between saving their high-resolution photos on local external hard drives or using online cloud storage. State one advantage and one disadvantage of using online cloud storage compared to local external hard drives for this purpose.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Cloud storage offers the advantage of universal access and automatic backups, which protects against local hardware failure. However, it heavily relies on internet connectivity, meaning slow connection speeds will delay the transfer of large files, and subscription fees can accumulate over time.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for a valid advantage and 1 mark for a valid disadvantage (Max 2 marks). Advantage: Accessible from any location/device with internet (1); Easier to share files with clients via links (1); Automatic backup/protection against local physical damage (fire/theft) (1). Disadvantage: Requires a constant/reliable internet connection (1); Can be slow to upload/download very large files (1); Ongoing subscription costs/fees (1); Security/privacy concerns of storing data on third-party servers (1).
Question 4 · Short Answer
2 marks
A school network administrator wants to protect the school's computer systems from malware infections. State two measures, other than installing anti-malware software, that the administrator should implement to protect the network.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
While anti-malware software is crucial, comprehensive security requires other measures. A firewall acts as a barrier to block unauthorized access to the network. Educating users (students and staff) helps prevent social engineering attacks, such as phishing, which are common ways malware enters a network. Other methods include keeping operating systems updated (patching) and restricting user access privileges.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for each valid measure up to a maximum of 2 marks. Measures include: Set up/configure a firewall (1); Educate/train users to recognize phishing/suspicious links (1); Keep operating systems and applications updated with security patches (1); Restrict user access privileges (least privilege principle) / block USB ports (1); Implement email filters to block spam and suspicious attachments (1). Reject: 'Install antivirus/anti-malware' (as this is excluded by the question).
Question 5 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one reason why a construction company would use a plotter rather than a standard desktop inkjet printer to produce architectural plans.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
1 mark for identifying a key capability of a plotter (e.g., printing on large-format media or continuous rolls). 1 mark for explaining how this meets the company's needs (e.g., ensuring detailed drawings and blueprints remain readable and to scale).
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for a valid feature/reason and 1 mark for explanation/contextualization. Accept: Ability to print continuous line drawings without breaks, printing on A0/A1 sizes. Reject: Just 'it is better' or 'it is faster' without elaboration.
Question 6 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one benefit to a multinational project team of using online collaborative documents rather than emailing attachments.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
1 mark for identifying a feature of online collaborative documents (e.g., simultaneous editing / real-time updates). 1 mark for explaining why this benefits a multinational team (e.g., prevents multiple conflicting versions being emailed back and forth across different time zones).
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying the benefit/feature and 1 mark for explaining how it helps the team. Accept: Single source of truth, no need to merge changes manually. Reject: 'It is cheaper' or 'It is easier' without a clear reason why.
Question 7 · Describe
2 marks
Describe one security risk associated with storing sensitive company data in online cloud storage rather than on local storage media.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
1 mark for describing a valid security risk (e.g., data interception in transit or server hacking). 1 mark for explaining the impact on the company (e.g., unauthorized third parties gaining access to sensitive corporate information).
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for describing the risk and 1 mark for explaining how it arises or its consequence. Accept: Data transmission interception, cloud provider security breach, unauthorized credential access. Reject: 'Losing internet connection' as this is an availability issue, not a security risk.
Question 8 · Explain
2 marks
Explain why an organization should use both a firewall and anti-malware software rather than relying on a firewall alone.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
1 mark for explaining the limitation or specific role of a firewall (e.g., blocks external network intrusions). 1 mark for explaining how anti-malware complements this (e.g., detects and removes malicious files that bypass the firewall via email attachments or USB drives).
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for explaining the function/limitation of a firewall and 1 mark for how anti-malware addresses this gap. Accept: Malware can bypass firewalls via removable storage (e.g., USB), firewalls do not clean infected files. Reject: Answers that treat them as doing the exact same thing.
Section Question 4
Covers web page design, cookie usage, network architectures, and a major discussion essay on homeworking.
6 Question · 17 marks
Question 1 · Short Answer
1 marks
State one purpose of using a cookie when a user visits an e-commerce website.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
When a user browses an e-commerce website, a cookie is used to store state information, such as remembering the items that have been added to the shopping cart, keeping the user logged in, or storing site preferences like language or currency.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for any correct purpose of a cookie on an e-commerce site, such as: - Tracking items in a shopping basket/cart. - Keeping a user logged in/remembering login status. - Storing user preferences (e.g. currency, theme, language). - Tracking user browsing habits to recommend products.
Do not accept: 'To store password' (without qualification of security) or general terms like 'to save data' without context.
Question 2 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one reason why using consistent navigation on every page of a website is important for the user experience.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Consistent navigation (such as keeping the main menu bar in the exact same position with the same links on every page) reduces the cognitive load on visitors. Once a user learns how to navigate the site on the homepage, that knowledge applies to all other pages, making the website faster and more intuitive to use, which prevents frustration.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying a reason (e.g. increases familiarity / reduces cognitive load / makes the site intuitive) and 1 mark for an explanation linking this to user experience (e.g. so users can locate information quickly without getting confused or lost).
Question 3 · Explain
2 marks
Explain how a web server uses a cookie to personalize a user's experience when they return to a website.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
When a user returns to a website, their web browser automatically sends the previously stored cookie file containing a unique identification number back to the web server. The server reads this unique ID, matches it against its database, and retrieves personal preferences or shopping cart state associated with that user to render a customized interface.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for describing how the cookie/ID is sent from the browser back to the web server (1) and 1 mark for explaining how the server uses this ID to retrieve and apply personalized data (e.g. account settings, saved cart, language preferences) (1).
Question 4 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one advantage of using a client-server network architecture rather than a peer-to-peer network architecture for a growing business.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
In a client-server network, resource management, backups, and user access permissions are centralized on a dedicated server. This makes it highly scalable for growing businesses, as administrators only need to configure security settings and perform backups once on the central server rather than manually visiting and configuring each individual client workstation.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying an advantage of centralization (e.g. centralized backups / central security administration / centralized storage) (1) and 1 mark for explaining why this scales better or is more efficient than a peer-to-peer network (e.g. avoids needing to configure each node individually as the network grows) (1).
Question 5 · Describe
2 marks
Describe how the widespread use of homeworking can impact the environment.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
The environmental impact of homeworking is twofold. Positive: Since workers perform their duties from home, there is a substantial reduction in daily travel using cars and public transport, leading to lower carbon dioxide emissions. Negative: Heating, cooling, and powering many individual homes throughout the day can consume more total energy than heating and lighting a single centralized office building.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for describing a positive environmental impact (e.g. reduced car commuting leads to less air pollution / lower carbon footprint) (1) and 1 mark for describing a negative environmental impact or a detailed trade-off (e.g. increased domestic electricity/gas consumption for multiple homes / increase in electronic waste from duplicate home office setups) (1).
Question 6 · Extended Response
8 marks
Many organizations now allow their employees to work from home (homeworking) using collaborative ICT systems. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of homeworking for both the employer and the employee.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
To achieve high marks, the discussion must be balanced, covering both advantages and disadvantages for both stakeholder groups. Employers benefit from lower operational costs as smaller physical offices are needed. They can also hire staff from anywhere in the world. However, they may find it harder to supervise staff and must address security vulnerabilities caused by employees using home internet connections to access sensitive company data. Employees benefit from the elimination of travel time and expense, allowing for a better lifestyle balance. Conversely, they may suffer from isolation due to a lack of face-to-face social contact with colleagues, and find it hard to 'switch off' from work when their office is in their home space.
Marking scheme
Level 1 (1-3 marks): The candidate identifies basic points with little or no explanation. There may be a focus on only one stakeholder (e.g., just the employee) or only advantages. The writing lacks structure and uses minimal technical terminology. Level 2 (4-6 marks): The candidate explains some advantages and disadvantages for both employers and employees. There is some analysis of the impact of ICT, and the discussion is mostly balanced. The answer is structured and uses some appropriate terminology. Level 3 (7-8 marks): The candidate provides a detailed, fully balanced discussion covering both advantages and disadvantages for both parties. There is a clear, analytical understanding of how ICT enables this transition and the associated risks. The response is well-structured, coherent, and uses precise ICT terminology throughout.
Section Question 5
Covers digital divide causes and impacts, environmental e-waste, search engine design, and a major discussion essay on data protection.
6 Question · 18 marks
Question 1 · Short Answer
2 marks
State two ways in which individuals can reduce the environmental impact of disposing of redundant digital devices.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
To reduce the environmental impact of disposing of redundant digital devices, individuals can: 1. Donate or sell older, still-functioning devices to charities, schools, or other users so they continue to be used instead of being discarded. 2. Take broken or obsolete devices to specialized, certified electronic waste (e-waste) recycling facilities where hazardous materials can be safely extracted and useful components recovered.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for each valid method stated, up to a maximum of 2 marks.
Suggested answers include: - Donating working devices to charity/schools/others. - Selling working devices for reuse. - Taking devices to official/specialist e-waste recycling centres. - Returning devices to manufacturers/retailers via trade-in or take-back schemes. - Repairing or upgrading existing devices rather than disposing of them.
Do not accept: - Just 'throwing them away' or 'putting them in the bin'. - Unsafe disposal methods such as 'burning them' or 'burying them'.
Question 2 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one way that a lack of infrastructure can contribute to the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Rural areas are often less populated, making it expensive for telecommunications companies to install high-speed fiber-optic cables or 5G masts (1 mark). Consequently, rural residents are left with slow or unreliable internet access, which prevents them from accessing educational, financial, or employment opportunities online that urban residents can easily access (1 mark).
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying the cause related to lack of infrastructure (e.g. high cost of laying cables in rural areas / lack of high-speed connection towers). Award 1 mark for explaining how this leads to the digital divide (e.g. results in slow/no internet, limiting access to essential online services compared to urban areas).
Question 3 · Explain
2 marks
Explain one environmental impact of disposing of obsolete digital devices in landfill sites.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Obsolete electronic devices contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as lead and mercury (1 mark). When buried in a landfill, these harmful substances can leach out into the surrounding soil and contaminate local groundwater supplies, harming ecosystems (1 mark).
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for identifying that electronic devices contain toxic chemicals/metals that can leak/leach out. Award 1 mark for explaining the impact of this leakage on the environment (e.g. contamination of soil/groundwater, harming plants or wildlife).
Question 4 · Describe
2 marks
Describe how a search engine uses web crawlers to build its database of web pages.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Web crawlers are automated programs that travel the internet by following hyperlinks from one web page to another (1 mark). As they visit each page, they copy the text and metadata and send this information back to the search engine's servers to be indexed (1 mark).
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for describing how crawlers navigate (following hyperlinks from page to page automatically). Award 1 mark for describing the collection of data (sending page content/text/keywords back to the search engine to be indexed/saved).
Question 5 · Explain
2 marks
Explain how data protection legislation protects individuals through the 'right to be forgotten' (right to erasure).
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
The right to erasure allows individuals to demand that an organisation permanently delete their personal data if it is no longer required for the purpose it was gathered (1 mark). This protects individuals by ensuring that outdated, sensitive, or irrelevant personal information is not stored indefinitely, reducing the risk of a data breach or identity theft (1 mark).
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for explaining the action allowed by the right (requesting the deletion of personal data when no longer needed). Award 1 mark for explaining how this benefits/protects the individual (e.g. reduces risk of data leaks, stops unnecessary storage of personal information, prevents identity theft).
Question 6 · Extended Response (Discuss)
8 marks
Many organisations now collect, store, and process vast amounts of personal data from their customers to provide personalised online experiences. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this practice to both individuals and organisations. In your response, you should refer to data protection principles.
Show answer & marking schemeHide answer & marking scheme
Worked solution
Indicative content for the discussion:
Benefits to Individuals: - More convenient, personalised user experiences (e.g., recommended products, saved preferences). - Streamlined services (e.g., autofill shipping/payment details leading to faster transactions).
Drawbacks to Individuals: - Serious privacy risks if data is misused or shared without consent. - Increased vulnerability to identity theft, financial fraud, or phishing attacks if the organisation suffers a security breach. - Unwanted targeted advertisements that can feel intrusive.
Benefits to Organisations: - Ability to perform deep data analytics to understand customer trends, improve products, and increase sales. - Targeted marketing campaigns that yield higher conversion rates. - Customer loyalty through personalised rewards and engagement.
Drawbacks/Responsibilities for Organisations: - High cost of implementing and maintaining robust cybersecurity systems to prevent unauthorized access. - Liability to severe legal fines and loss of consumer trust if they fail to protect customer data. - Resource-heavy requirement to keep data accurate and up-to-date.
Integration of Data Protection Principles: - Security: Organisations must use technical measures (encryption, access controls) to protect personal data. - Minimisation: Organisations should only collect data that is strictly necessary for their stated purpose, limiting unnecessary risk. - Purpose Limitation: Data collected for one reason cannot be used for unrelated marketing purposes without explicit consent.
Marking scheme
This question is assessed using a levels-of-response marking grid (8 marks total):
Level 1 (1–3 marks): - Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of data storage, privacy, or security. - Points made are likely one-sided or structured as a simple list of pros/cons. - Reference to data protection principles is superficial or absent. - The language is descriptive rather than analytical.
Level 2 (4–6 marks): - Demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of both benefits and drawbacks. - Addresses both the individual and the organisation, though one may be treated in more depth. - Makes explicit reference to relevant data protection concepts (e.g., security, accuracy, consent). - The response has some structure and shows a logical chain of reasoning.
Level 3 (7–8 marks): - Demonstrates thorough, detailed, and balanced knowledge of the topic. - Well-structured discussion covering both benefits and drawbacks for both individuals and organisations. - Accurately and naturally integrates key data protection principles (e.g., data minimisation, storage limitation, security/integrity). - Offers a clear, reasoned conclusion or balanced summary of the trade-offs involved.
Wondering how well you actually know this?
Thinka is an AI practice app for DSE students — unlimited questions, instant auto-marking, and detailed step-by-step solutions. 100,000+ students use it to confirm they actually know it, not just think they do.