Information and Communication Technology 0417/12 May/June 2019: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417), Paper 1 Written, May/June 2019. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
A computer consists of hardware and software.
(a) State what is meant by hardware.
…… [1]
(b) State what is meant by software.
…… [1]
(c) There are two types of software.
Name one of the two types of software used by a computer.
…… [1]
(d) Name the piece of hardware found in a tablet computer that is both an input and output device.
…… [1]
Mark scheme
1(a) Physical components of a computer system 1
1(b) One from: 1
Programs for controlling the operation of a computer
Programs for processing of data
1(c) One from: 1
System
Applications
1(d) Touchscreen 1
There are many types of data storage.
Tick whether the following statements are examples of read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM) or a hard disk drive (HDD).
ROM RAM HDD
(✓) (✓) (✓)
It loses its data when the computer is switched off.
It is classed as backing storage.
It stores the start-up instructions of the computer.
It temporarily stores the current work of the current user.
[4]
Mark scheme
2 4
ROM RAM HDD
It loses its data when the computer is
9
switched off.
It is classed as backing storage. 9
It stores the start-up instructions of the
9
computer.
It temporarily stores the current work of the
9
current user.
Alpine slalom skiing involves a number of skiers racing down a mountain negotiating obstacles.
The time it takes each skier to complete the course is measured. The fastest skier is awarded first place. This involves the use of a number of different sensors to monitor variables.
Using words from the list below, complete the following statements.
Humidity Light Motion pH
Pressure Sunlight Temperature Turbidity
(a) This sensor is used to measure how cold it is on the course.
…… [1]
(b) This sensor is used to stop the clock when a skier crosses the finish line.
…… [1]
(c) This sensor is used to measure the altitude (height above sea level) at the top of the course.
…… [1]
(d) Skiers take part in two separate races. The fastest thirty skiers qualify for the second race.
Thirty skiers have already completed the course. In order for the next skier to qualify he has to beat the race time of the skier currently in 30th place.
Part of the spreadsheet showing the current standings is shown.
Write a formula that can be entered in cell E36 to display Y if the skier has qualified by beating the time of the skier currently in 30th place. If the skier has not qualified then N is displayed.
=……
…… [3]
(e) Just before the second run column E is deleted as it is no longer required. As the skiers in the second run complete the course their times are entered into the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet has been changed to display the second run times, as shown.
The combined times for the first and second runs need to be added to the spreadsheet in a new column between columns E and F.
Describe the steps you would take to add this new column with the heading Combined Time.
…… [3]
(f) Write a formula that can be entered in the new cell F3 that adds the time taken to complete the first run to the time taken to complete the second run.
=……
…… [1]
(g) When the overall race is completed the data is sorted into order based on the combined times.
The first place skier will be at the top of the list.
Part of the final spreadsheet before the data is sorted is shown.
The 30th place skier is on row 32.
Describe the steps you would take to sort the data to show each skier in their correct position, without using functions.
…… [4]
(h) Skiers throughout the season earn World Championship points. At the end of the race the points are calculated for each skier. The winner of the race gains 100 points. The other skiers have their points calculated by:
• subtracting the combined time of the winner from the combined time of the skier
• then subtracting this value from the winner’s points.
Write a formula to be placed in cell G4 to show the skier’s points for the race. The formula will be replicated to G32.
=……
…… [3]
Mark scheme
4(a) Temperature 1
4(b) Light 1
4(c) Pressure 1
4(d) IF(D36<D32,"Y","N") 3
1 mark for IF()
1 mark for (D36<D32,
1 mark for "Y","N")
4(e) Three from: 3
Select column F / any cell in column F
Click Insert...new column / Right click«select Insert«new column
Select cell F2 / F1
Type in Combined Time
Select text wrap
4(f) D3+E3 1
4(g) Four from: 4
Highlight B3 to F32
Click on sort
Click sort by Col F
Click on ascending order
4(h) G$3–(F4–F$3) 3
or
G$3+F$3–F4
Give 1 mark for G3
Give 1 mark for correct use of $//both values correct
Give 1 mark for –(F4–F3) / +F3–F4 / F3–F4+
Adinda is a marathon runner. She uses a smartwatch which is a smaller version of her smartphone.
She trains by running in areas near her home. She uses a smartwatch with an in-built GPS system to navigate the route she is running.
(a) Describe the disadvantages of using a smartwatch in this way.
…… [4]
(b) Name two other uses of GPS systems.
1……
2……
[2]
(c) Adinda also carries a smartphone strapped to her arm but finds this is difficult to use when running. A smartphone can be used for communication, either for making phone calls or text messaging. Adinda stops part way through her run for a rest and wishes to communicate with her friend using the smartphone.
Describe why text messaging is a better way for Adinda to communicate with her friend rather than making a phone call.
…… [3]
Mark scheme
5(a) Four from: 4
The software in the smartwatch needs to be kept up to date
Loss of satellite signal can be an issue
Problems with battery failure / empty battery
Allow example for problems with battery failure e.g. loses the route
Problems with electrical storms / weather
Problems with mugging
Sunlight making the device unreadable
Using / programming the smartwatch can slow the runner down
5(b) Two from: 2
Use in cars / lorries to calculate routes
Used in ships / aircraft to locate current position
Used in agriculture for tractor navigation
Example of Tracking systems
5(c) Three from: 3
She may be tired / breathless therefore text messaging is better than trying to
talk
A text message is sent quicker than the sending of an audio message
The text message is sent even though the receiver’s phone is turned off / out
of range / on the phone
A text message is more likely to connect as the data footprint is smaller than a
phone call
Tawara school uses both the internet and an intranet.
(a) Describe four disadvantages to students of using the internet compared with an intranet.
1……
2……
3……
4……
[4]
(b) Email is a service provided by the internet.
For each of the following problems, associated with email, describe methods of protecting your data.
(i) Spam
…… [4]
(ii) Viruses
…… [4]
Mark scheme
6(a) Four from: 4
Internet is not policed
Material on the internet can be biased
Material on the internet may not be reliable
Anyone can create a website on the internet so inaccurate information can be
posted
Can visit inappropriate sites on the internet
There are more security issues when using the internet
There are more distractions when using the internet
6(b)(i) Four from: 4
Do not reply to spam emails
Use a spam email filter
Block images in HTML messages as these are used as web beacons
Unclick check boxes when buying items online
Do not sign up to commercial mailing lists
6b(ii) Four from: 4
Scan emails / attachments before opening
Use up to date anti-virus software
Do not download attachments from unknown sources
Avoid opening spam emails
The introduction of computers into an organisation’s payroll department has affected employees’ working patterns. Two examples of this are part-time working and job sharing.
(a)
(i) Describe what is meant by part-time working.
…… [2]
(ii) Describe what is meant by job sharing.
…… [2]
(b) The introduction of these computers has had positive and negative effects on the payroll department’s workers.
Describe the benefits to workers of introducing computers into this department.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
7(a)(i) Two from: 2
Workers that work less than full time / limited number of hours
This could be for fewer hours than a full working day/week
This could be for fewer days than a full working week
7(a)(ii) Two from: 2
A full time job is shared between part time / two or more workers
One continues the work when the other has left
One could work in the morning and the other in the afternoon
One could work for 3 days and the other 2 other days
7(b) Four from: 4
Staff are kept more up to date with their work
Increase in job opportunities
More accurate calculation of wages / less errors made in the calculations
Manual tasks are reduced
1 mark can be awarded for an example of new jobs created
Internet banking is changing how we carry out banking transactions.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to the customers of the introduction of internet banking.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
8 Six from: 6
Advantages
Reduces the cost of travelling to the bank
Reduces the time wasted travelling to the bank / waiting in queues
The interest rates are usually better using internet banking
Easier to shop around for the better bank accounts
Disabled people do not have to travel to the bank in order to carry out
transactions
24/7 banking
People can spend more time doing other activities rather than travelling to the
bank
Less physical robberies
Disadvantages
Less physical banks which means that people have to travel further to go to
the bank
Health risks with using the computer
Security is an issue as transactions are carried out over the internet
The user needs a reliable internet connection
More risk of pharming / phishing/fraud
Easier to make errors whilst using internet banking e.g. incorrect input
If the internet connection drops during a transaction, then there may be issues
1 mark can be awarded for a reasoned conclusion
To gain full marks both advantages and disadvantages are required
Expert systems have many applications.
(a) Name two applications that use expert systems.
1……
2……
[2]
(b) Tick three components of an expert system.
Tick
(✓)
Interactive user interface
Spreadsheet
Motor
Printer
Knowledge base
Search engine
Actuator
Rules base
[3]
Mark scheme
9(a) Two from: 2
Mineral prospecting
Diagnostic systems
Chess games
Careers
Tax
9(b) 3
Tick
Interactive user interface 9
Spreadsheet
Motor
Printer
Knowledge base 9
Search engine
Actuator
Rules base 9
The systems life cycle is followed when a new computer system is being created.
Tick whether the following statements are examples of the Analysis stage, the Design stage or the Evaluation stage of the systems life cycle.
Analysis Design Evaluation
(✓) (✓) (✓)
Identifying the problems with the current system
Deciding on testing strategies
Observation of workers using the current system
Comparing the solution with the original task requirements
[4]
Mark scheme
10 4
Analysis Design Evaluation
Identifying the problems with
9
the current system
Deciding on testing strategies 9
Observation of workers using
9
the current system
Comparing the solution with
9
the original task requirements
A teacher is planning to develop a presentation to show his younger students, aged 5 to 6.
Describe the factors which need to be considered when designing the presentation for these students.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
11 Six from: 6
Use animation to keep their attention
Use sound to keep them interested
Use larger font size so the text is easier to read
Use a font that is easier to read
Use a font that is suitable to the age group
Make the presentation colourful to keep their attention
More vibrant colours used
The language used needs to be simple
Short sentences should be used
The words used need to be short and simple
More images than text is needed
Slide transitions need to be used/exciting
Generic file formats can be used when saving files.
(a) Tick three generic file formats.
Tick
(✓)
.xls
.pdf
.doc
.rtf
.sdc
.bcc
.csv
.accdb
[3]
(b) Explain why generic file formats are needed.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
12(a) 3
Tick
.xls
.pdf 9
.doc
.rtf 9
.sdc
.bcc
.csv 9
.accdb
12(b) Two from: 2
Generic file formats allow the user to save files so they can be opened in
other software
To create a standard so that other software can understand the contents
Example of a file saved on one type of device / software being used on
another type e.g. mobile phone to a PC
(a) Describe the following terms with reference to navigation from a web page.
(i) Hyperlink
…… [2]
(ii) href
…… [2]
(b) Explain the difference between the use of relative file paths and absolute file paths in navigation from a web page.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
13(a)(i) Two from: 2
Method of accessing other resources / webpages from the current webpage
Navigation by hovering / clicking on the link
Clicking on word / phrase / image / area of page
Links one webpage to part of the same webpage
13(a)(ii) Two from: 2
An attribute
Within a hyperlink / anchor
Can be used to specify the URL of the page / resource to be used
13(b) Four from: 4
Relative file paths only show the name or file path destination of the
file//Absolute file paths gives the full web address / full path
Absolute always has the domain name//Relative does not need the domain
name
Relative finds files in the current site
If you need to find files on a different website then absolute needs to be
used//absolute starts from the root
Relative does not require a path only sub-folders
Explain the difference between analogue data and digital data.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
14 Analogue data is variable/continuous // Digital data is discrete / 1 or 0 2
Analogue data can only be read by a sensor / Analogue data is the output
from a sensor // Analogue data cannot be understood by a computer //
Analogue data needs to be converted before it is read by the computer
As our use of the internet increases e-safety becomes essential.
Discuss why e-safety is needed.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
15 To be marked as a level of response: 8
The candidate must complete L1 to get into L2 and L2 to get into L3
Level 3 [7 – 8 marks]
Candidates will address both aspects of the question and discuss/consider
different points. The issues raised will be justified. There will be a reasoned
conclusion. The information will be relevant, clear, organised and presented in
a structured and coherent format.
Level 2 [4 – 6 marks]
Candidates will address both aspects of the question and discuss/consider
different points although development of some of the points will be limited to
one side of the argument. There will be a conclusion. For the most part the
information will be relevant and presented in a structured and coherent format.
Level 1 [1 – 3 marks]
Candidates may only address one side of the argument, and give basic points.
Answers may be simplistic with little or no relevance.
Level 0 [0 marks]
Response with no valid content
Answers may make reference to e.g.:
E-safety protects personal data from people who should not have access to it
Personal data needs to be kept safe so that others cannot use it against us
Protects sensitive data
Use of it e-safety protects vulnerable people
Protects other people’s views
Example of issues of access to personal data: blackmail / spreading rumours /
identity theft / stalking
E-safety reduces the risks when using ICT using social media sites, online
gaming users believe they are safe
E-safety trains users to be responsible on the internet
Giving out personal information can help predators to find out further details
about a person, such as where they live / where they go to school / used to
track the person
People on the internet may not be what they seem
Need to be able to block people on the internet
Need to know how to report problems on the internet
If we do not use e-safety then users are being put at risk as they will not know
the dangers
Freedom of speech can be affected Introduction of the ‘nanny’ state
If we do not apply e-safety approaches we open ourselves up to attack
Use of netiquette
Covers a number of electronic devices like, computers, tablets, mobile
phones, games consoles
An example of personal data
Example of sensitive data ethnic origin / religion / political / criminal records /
sexual orientation
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Where can I find the 0417/12 May/June 2019 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for IGCSE Information and Communication Technology 0417/12, May/June 2019 (0417_s19_ms_12), and the question paper (0417_s19_qp_12), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 0417/12 out of?+
Information and Communication Technology 0417/12 for May/June 2019 is out of 100 marks, with 2 hours to answer it.
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Yes. Upload your answers to 0417/12/M/J/19 as a PDF or photos, and CIE Buddy marks every question against this paper's official mark scheme, using Cambridge's marking rules. You get your score, each lost mark explained on your own script, and the topics to revise. It's a guide, not an official Cambridge grade.