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GCSE Computer Science (Edexcel)

Algorithms, programming, data, systems, networks. Edexcel board.

Pass mark 24/40 60 minutes Edexcel How many can I get wrong?
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Try 3 real GCSE Computer Science (Edexcel) questions
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Q1. What is 'decomposition' in computational thinking?
  • A.  Breaking a complex problem down into smaller, more manageable sub-problems
  • B.  Removing unnecessary detail from a problem to focus on what matters
  • C.  Writing a program in a low-level language
  • D.  Testing a program with a range of different inputs
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Breaking a complex problem down into smaller, more manageable sub-problems
Decomposition means splitting a large problem into smaller parts that are easier to design, code and test individually. Abstraction (option B) is a different technique — it means ignoring irrelevant detail, not splitting the problem up.
Q2. A program contains the line: age = int(input("Enter your age: ")). What is the purpose of int() here?
  • A.  It rounds the age to the nearest ten
  • B.  It casts the text entered by the user into an integer data type
  • C.  It checks that the age entered is a positive number
  • D.  It converts the age into a string for display
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. It casts the text entered by the user into an integer data type
input() always returns a string, so int() casts (converts) that string into an integer so it can be used in numeric calculations or comparisons. int() does not validate or round the value, and it converts to a number, not to a string.
Q3. A student adds the binary numbers 00000001 and 11111111 using 8-bit registers. What problem occurs?
  • A.  Rounding error
  • B.  Truncation error
  • C.  Overflow error
  • D.  Parity error
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C. Overflow error
Adding 1 and 255 gives 256, which needs 9 bits to store correctly, but the register only holds 8 bits, so the result cannot be represented accurately. This is called an overflow error, not a rounding error, since no fractional values are involved.
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Algorithms & computational thinking · 36
Programming fundamentals · 36
Data representation & binary · 35
Computer systems & architecture · 37
Networks & security · 38
Ethical, legal & environmental issues · 36
GCSE Computer Science (Edexcel) — common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the GCSE Computer Science (Edexcel)?
The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
What is the pass mark for the GCSE Computer Science (Edexcel)?
You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with Edexcel.