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2021

Cambridge A Level · 9618 · Paper 3 · Advanced theory

Computer Science 9618/31 Oct/Nov 2021 past paper

Cambridge A Level Computer Science (9618) Paper 3 (Advanced theory), variant 1, Oct/Nov 2021: the question paper and its official mark scheme, 10 questions worth 75 marks, with the grade thresholds. Free to open, no account needed.

Questions
10
Marks
75
Grade A from
49
Open the question paperMark scheme

File names: 9618_w21_qp_31 · 9618_w21_ms_31

Grade thresholds for 9618/31 Oct/Nov 2021

The minimum raw marks Cambridge set for each grade on this component (out of 75). Thresholds change every session and variant, so always compare your score with the paper you actually sat.

ABCDE
4942352719

Topics in this paper

Which syllabus chapters 9618/31 Oct/Nov 2021 tested, by marks. Each chapter links to every past-paper question on it.

ChapterQuestionsMarks
Data Types and Structures327
Further Programming210
Artificial Intelligence (AI)110
Communication and internet technologies18
Data Representation17
System Software (A Level)17
Security (A Level)16

Questions in 9618/31 Oct/Nov 2021

  1. Question 1Data Representation · 7 marks

    (a) Numbers are stored in a computer using floating-point representation with: • 12 bits for the mantissa • 4 bits for the exponent • two’s complement form for both the mantissa and exponent. (i) Write the normalised floating-point representation of …

  2. Question 2Further Programming · 4 marks

    Draw one line from each programming paradigm to its most appropriate description. Declarative Imperative Low-level Object-oriented Programming paradigm Programs using the instruction set of a processor Programs based on events such as user actions or sensor outputs Programs with an …

  3. Question 3Data Types and Structures · 4 marks

    Enumerated and pointer are two non-composite data types. (a) Write pseudocode to create an enumerated type called Parts to include these parts sold in a computer shop: Monitor, CPU, SSD, HDD, LaserPrinter, Keyboard, Mouse (b) Write pseudocode to create a …

  4. Question 4System Software (A Level) · 7 marks

    The following syntax diagrams for a particular programming language show the syntax of: • a digit • a capital letter • a character. 0 digit …

  5. Question 5Further Programming · 6 marks

    (a) Compare sequential and serial methods of file organisation. (b) State the most suitable method of file access when a record is referenced by a unique address on a disk-type storage medium. (c) State the most suitable method of file …

  6. Question 6Communication and internet technologies · 8 marks

    (a) Explain how packet switching is used to transfer messages across the internet. (b) Outline the function of a router in packet switching.

  7. Question 7Data Types and Structures · 10 marks

    (a) Write the Boolean expression that corresponds to the given truth table as a sum-of-products. INPUT OUTPUT …

  8. Question 8Security (A Level) · 6 marks

    (a) Describe the purpose of the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. (b) Explain how SSL/TLS protocols are used when a client-server communication is initiated.

  9. Question 9Artificial Intelligence (AI) · 10 marks

    (a) The diagram shown represents an artificial neural network. Input Layer Hidden Layer 1 Hidden Layer 2 Hidden Layer 3 Output Layer (i) State the reason for having multiple hidden layers in an artificial neural network. (ii) Explain how artificial …

  10. Question 10Data Types and Structures · 13 marks

    (a) State three essential features of recursion. …

Other Computer Science papers from Oct/Nov 2021

Questions students ask

Where can I get the 9618/31 Oct/Nov 2021 mark scheme?
Open the mark scheme above - it is the official Cambridge scheme for this exact paper (9618_w21_ms_31), and on a wide screen it sits beside the question you are reading.
What was the grade threshold for an A in 9618/31 Oct/Nov 2021?
49 marks out of 75, a C needed 35.
Which topics came up in 9618/31 Oct/Nov 2021?
Mostly Data Types and Structures, Further Programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI). The full list is in the table above.
Do I need an account to open 9618/31 Oct/Nov 2021?
No. Every paper opens for free without signing in. A free account also saves your pen marks and records your score against the grade thresholds.