Cambridge IGCSE · 0478 · Paper 1 · Computer systems

Computer Science 0478/12 May/June 2021 past paper

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Paper 1 (Computer systems), variant 2, May/June 2021: the question paper and its official mark scheme, 8 questions worth 75 marks, with the grade thresholds. Free to open, no account needed.

Questions: 8
Marks: 75
Grade A from: 44

Open the question paper Mark scheme

File names: 0478_s21_qp_12 · 0478_s21_ms_12

Grade thresholds for 0478/12 May/June 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.

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
44	36	27	22	16	12	8

Topics in this paper

Which syllabus chapters 0478/12 May/June 2021 tested, by marks. Each chapter links to every past-paper question on it.

Chapter	Questions	Marks
The Internet and its Uses	4	37
Data Transmission	1	12
Boolean Logic	1	10
Automated and Emerging Technologies	1	10
Data Representation	1	6

Questions in 0478/12 May/June 2021

Question 1The Internet and its Uses · 11 marks
A denary value can be converted into hexadecimal and binary. (a) Complete the table to show the hexadecimal and 8-bit binary values of the given denary values. Denary Hexadecimal 8-bit binary …
Question 2The Internet and its Uses · 14 marks
Data storage can be magnetic, solid state or optical. (a) Six statements are given about data storage. Tick (3) to show if the statement applies to magnetic, solid state or optical storage. Some statements may apply to more than one …
Question 3Boolean Logic · 10 marks
Consider the logic statement: X = ((((NOT A AND B) OR C) AND B) NOR (B OR C)) (a) Draw a logic circuit to represent the given logic statement. Do not attempt to simplify the statement. All logic gates must …
Question 4Data Transmission · 12 marks
Three types of Internet security risk are virus, spyware and denial of service (DoS) attack. (a) Six statements are given about Internet security risks. Tick (3) to show whether the statement applies to virus, spyware or denial of service. Some …
Question 5Automated and Emerging Technologies · 10 marks
A security light system is used by a factory. The light only comes on when it is dark and when movement is detected. The light will stay on for 1 minute before switching off. Sensors and a microprocessor are used …
Question 6The Internet and its Uses · 7 marks
Cookies can be used to store a user’s personal data and online browsing habits. (a) A cookie could be used to automatically enter a user’s payment details when the user makes a purchase online. Describe how cookies can be used …
Question 7The Internet and its Uses · 5 marks
Jolene uses HTML to create a website. She separates the HTML into structure and presentation. (a) (i) Give one example of HTML structure. (ii) Give two examples of HTML presentation. …
Question 8Data Representation · 6 marks
A keyboard is a type of input device that can be used to enter data into a computer. Complete the paragraph that describes one method of operation for a keyboard, using the most appropriate terms from the given list. Not …

Other Computer Science papers from May/June 2021

Questions students ask

Where can I get the 0478/12 May/June 2021 mark scheme?

Open the mark scheme above - it is the official Cambridge scheme for this exact paper (0478_s21_ms_12), and on a wide screen it sits beside the question you are reading.

What was the grade threshold for an A in 0478/12 May/June 2021?

44 marks out of 75, a C needed 27.

Which topics came up in 0478/12 May/June 2021?

Mostly The Internet and its Uses, Data Transmission, Boolean Logic. The full list is in the table above.

Do I need an account to open 0478/12 May/June 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.