Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Paper 1 Sample 2023
Can you explain what happens when your phone processes a photo or stores a file, and why that design matters for speed and security? This sample paper takes you through the real exam questions you'll see on Paper 1 Theory: data representation and binary arithmetic, how computers talk to each other across networks, the hardware and software that make it work, and the security threats you face every day. You'll encounter multiple-choice questions that test quick recall, true/false statements that catch common misconceptions, and fill-in-the-blank prompts that force you to reason step-by-step rather than guess. Designed for Year 11 students aiming to master the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus, this paper mirrors the real exam's question styles, difficulty ramp, and time pressure. By working through it carefully and checking your reasoning against the solutions, you'll lock in the exact exam technique and conceptual clarity examiners are looking for.
Questions in this quiz
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- Question 1
A digital image file is stored in a computer's memory. Each pixel is represented by a 24-bit colour code. If the image contains 1920 × 1080 pixels, how many megabytes (MB) of memory does the image require? (Assume 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes and 1 byte = 8 bits.)
- Question 2
What is the hexadecimal equivalent of the binary number 10101011?
- Question 3
In the ASCII character encoding standard, which of the following is true?
- Question 4
A student claims that '1 kilobyte (KB) is always exactly 1000 bytes'. Which statement best explains why this is misleading in computing contexts?
- Question 5
In a packet-switched network, data is divided into small units called packets. Which of the following is an advantage of this approach compared to circuit switching?
- Question 6
A company uses a star network topology for its office computers. What is the main risk of this design?
- Question 7
A user receives an email claiming to be from their bank, asking them to click a link and verify their login details. This is an example of which type of cyber attack?
- Question 8
Which of the following best describes the difference between authentication and authorisation?
- Question 9
What is the primary function of the CPU's control unit?
- Question 10
A programmer is deciding whether to use a high-level language (like Python) or assembly language for a project. Which scenario best justifies choosing assembly language?
- Question 11
In modern operating systems, virtual memory allows a computer to use hard disk space as an extension of RAM. Which of the following is a drawback of relying too heavily on virtual memory?
- Question 12
An AI system is trained to recognise faces for a security camera. Which ethical consideration is most relevant when deploying this technology?
- Question 13
All programming languages must be compiled into machine code before a computer can execute them.