Information and Communication Technology 0417/11 October/November 2019: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417), Paper 1 Written, October/November 2019. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
(a) Tick whether the following are examples of System software or Applications software.
System Applications
() ()
A linker
A database
An operating system
An applet
[2]
(b) Tick whether the following are examples of Internal hardware or External hardware.
Internal External
() ()
A monitor
RAM
Printer
Mouse
[2]
Mark scheme
1(a) 2
System Applications
(3) (3)
A linker 3
A database 3
An operating system 3
An applet 3
4 correct ticks = Two marks
2 or 3 correct ticks = One mark
1 or 0 correct = Zero marks
1(b) Internal External 2
(3) (3)
A monitor 3
RAM 3
Printer 3
Mouse 3
4 correct ticks = Two marks
2 or 3 correct ticks = One mark
1 or 0 correct = Zero marks
The introduction of computers into the workplace has had an effect on working patterns.
Name the most appropriate working pattern that matches the descriptions given below.
(a) Working fewer hours a week than full-time staff.
…… [1]
(b) Workers have some say in when they start and finish work but must work a full day.
…… [1]
(c) One full-time job is divided between two workers.
…… [1]
(d) A worker works the required hours but in a fewer number of days.
…… [1]
A manager of a company based in North America is planning a meeting with colleagues in
Australia. He could hold a video-conference or a face-to-face meeting. A face-to-face meeting is when the colleagues attending the meeting are all together physically in one room.
(a) Give three advantages of holding a video-conference rather than a face-to-face meeting.
1 ……
2 ……
3 ……
[3]
(b) Give three disadvantages of holding a video-conference rather than a face-to-face meeting.
1 ……
2 ……
3 ……
[3]
Mark scheme
3(a) Three from: 3
Documents do not need to be taken to a central meeting; they would not be
lost in transit
No need to transport heavy documents
The conference can be held at short notice
Reduces the cost of travelling to the meeting
Reduces the cost of venue hire
Reduces the cost of hotel accommodation
Reduces the time lost in working due to travelling
Safer than travelling
Reduces the cost of paying workers whilst they are travelling
3(b) Three from: 3
There could be time lag in the responses
Time lag in pictures producing jerky images
Lip Sync can be an issue/matching sound and image
Explanation of time zone differences
Training of staff to use the new equipment can be costly/time consuming
Requires good network connection/good strength of signal
Power outages have a greater effect with two venues
Additional hardware needed is expensive//cost of set up
Difficult to sign documents/contracts
Physical objects cannot be examined/handled
A public garden in Canada has a computerised greenhouse to grow rare plants.
(a) Name three sensors which would be used in a computerised greenhouse.
1 ……
2 ……
3 ……
[3]
(b) To maintain the environment the sprinkler system sprays water on the plants for four hours each day.
Describe how a microprocessor uses the data from a timer to control the sprinklers in the computerised greenhouse.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
4(a) Three from, for example: 3
Temperature sensor
Humidity/moisture sensor
Light sensor
Pressure sensor
4(b) Six from: 6
Microprocessor stores start time/time the sprinkler turns on as a preset value
Microprocessor stores end time/time the sprinkler turns off as a preset value
Microprocessor compares current time with end time/start time/preset value
If the current time and the start time are the same, microprocessor turns on
the sprinkler
If current time is less than end time/preset value, then sprinkler remains on
If the time has been reached/exceeded the microprocessor turns off the
sprinkler
Continual process
People are buying smartphones rather than desktop computers.
Describe the differences between using a smartphone compared to a desktop computer.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
5 Four from: 4
Smartphones are more portable
Smartphones are lighter in weight
Desktops cannot be used on the move//desktops need surfaces to work on
Smartphones have integral devices//desktops have separate keyboard/monitor
Smartphones can use 3G/4G/5G communications link
Smartphones are battery powered//Desktops require a constant power supply
Desktop requires extra hardware/software
Desktop computers have a larger screen
Desktop computers have a larger keyboard
Desktop the footprint is larger
Desktops more powerful
Smartphones have more chance of being damaged/stolen as they are portable
Smartphones tend to use modified websites//desktop can access more
websites
6 Maximum four from: 6
Similarities
Both WiFi and Bluetooth use wireless communications
Both WiFi and Bluetooth use radio frequencies for communication/radio waves
Both WiFi and Bluetooth allow several devices to be connected
Both use security when sending data
Maximum five from:
Differences
WiFi has faster data transfer rate
WiFi has a greater range of transmission
WiFi uses key matching encryption
Bluetooth uses WEP and WPA security together
WiFi can be broadcast
Bluetooth has more channels
Wifi connects more devices
You have been asked by your teacher to use a word processor to create a brochure for a new intake of pupils. The brochure will consist of:
• Images of the school taken from a digital camera.
• Printed archive photographs.
• Information about the school already stored as text files.
• Information to be typed directly into the brochure.
(a) Describe the steps which you will need to take to create the brochure.
…… [6]
(b) When the brochure is being created, the word processing software automatically checks the spelling of the text as it is typed in and may suggest alternative words.
Explain why the suggestions may not always be appropriate.
…… [3]
The teacher wishes to send the brochure as an email attachment to all the head teachers of the local primary schools.
(c) Explain why she would create an email group to include all the email addresses of the head teachers.
…… [3]
(d) The head teacher has purchased a computer with a large monitor and speakers to display information about the school. It is placed in the entrance of the school where visitors wait. You have been asked to produce a set of presentation slides to show features of the school.
The head teacher has recorded an audio message which is to be included in the presentation.
Describe the steps that you would take to set up the audio message so that it plays as the presentation runs.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
7(a) Six from: 6
Open the word processor
Take photos/search for images
Upload the images from the camera/HDD/CD ROM/memory card
Scan photos from the archive material
Save the photos to a folder/file
Open the text files
Import the photos into the document
Crop/edit/resize the photos
Import the previously saved text
Position/place the photos
Wrap the text
Proofread the document
Save the completed document
7(b) Three from: 3
The language/dialect used in checking the spelling could be different, e.g.
English (US)
Names/proper nouns might be highlighted as an error but are acceptable if no
suggestions are given
Similar sounding words need to be checked, i.e. where, were, wear
The spell checker may not understand the word if it is very badly misspelt
The word may not exist in the spell checker dictionary/dictionary might not be
up to date
7(c) Three from: 3
The teacher only needs to type in the name of the group/saving time rather
than typing out all the email addresses
Less likely that a head teacher is omitted
Fewer errors
The headteacher does not have to remember individual email addresses
Less likely to send the same email twice to one headteacher
7(d) Six from: 6
Open presentation software
Open the presentation
Open Slide master
Select Audio from file
Load/import/insert the audio file
Convert the audio file to a suitable format
Choose ‘play across slides’
Choose ‘play in background’
Test/run the presentation/audio file
Save the file
A company is planning to improve its computer system. They have employed a systems analyst who is recording and analysing information about the current system.
(a) Describe why he needs to identify the inputs, processing and outputs of the current system.
…… [2]
The systems analyst recommends that new software is required. The analyst could either write the software or purchase it off the shelf.
(b) Give two advantages to the company of purchasing off the shelf software for the new system.
1 ……
2 ……
[2]
Mark scheme
8(a) Two from: 2
Helps the systems analyst to understand how the system works
The new system that is designed will have to deal with similar inputs and
outputs as the current system
You would need to have the inputs/outputs to show the input/output devices
that are needed
You would need to have the processing to show the processing devices that
are needed
You would need to have the processing to show the storage/disk space that
are needed
8(b) Two from: 2
Cheaper to purchase as there are no development costs
More reliable as the any errors will have been located/tested
Regular upgrades/improvements more easily obtained
More support as many users
Fabian runs a film club. He has created a spreadsheet to display information about the films he shows. Part of the spreadsheet is shown.
A B C D
1 Searches Year 2000 =COUNTIF(B6:B11,C1)
2 Director
3 Film Type
4
5 Film_Title Year_Released Director Film_Type
6 La Ba Land 2009 David Challe Musical
7 Wizard of Down under 1937 Stanley Leving Musical
8 The Turfs 6 2018 Jane Banbury Childrens
9 Illusion 5 2018 Jason Blair Action/Animation
10 How to Train your Cat 3 2019 Sean Bluel Action
11 Lost City of C 2000 Steven Red Action
12
(a) Using the example of COUNTIF(B6:B11,C1), explain how a COUNTIF function works.
…… [4]
(b) There are more than 50 rows in the spreadsheet. Fabian needs to be able to see the top five rows at all times as he is scrolling down the spreadsheet.
State the steps he needs to take to ensure this happens.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
9(a) Four from: 4
In this example the range is B6:B11
The criterion cell reference C1
It searches through the range B6:B11
Counts the number of cells/values «
« that have a value equal to contents of C1/number of times C1 occurs
Returns/displays that count.
9(b) Highlight/select the 6th row 2
Select freeze rows
E-safety is very important when using the internet. It is very easy to accidentally reveal personal data to others when using social networking sites.
(a) Describe three strategies, giving reasons for each one, which you would take to avoid revealing personal information when using social networking sites.
Strategy 1 ……
Reason 1 ……
Strategy 2 ……
Reason 2 ……
Strategy 3 ……
Reason 3 ……
[6]
(b) Confidential personal data is sensitive data.
Name three items of personal data that could be sensitive data.
1 ……
2 ……
3 ……
[3]
Mark scheme
10(a) Maximum three Strategies and Maximum three matching Reasons: 6
Don’t give out personal information to people you do not know «
« they could use it for identity theft
Don’t send photos of yourself to people you do not know «
« these could be used to impersonate/identity theft
Don’t post photos of yourself on the social media without privacy settings
being set «
« anyone you don’t know could see the images
Don’t post photographs that could be linked to you «
« showing images of your school/school uniform could attract strangers
Maintain privacy settings «
« to stop non-friends from contacting you/control of who sees your
information
Only make friends with people you know/known to other friends «
« this stops ‘others’ gaining access to your personal information
Don’t enter private chat rooms «
« stops the stranger writing inappropriate messages (as other people are
watching)
Do not post email addresses/real addresses/real name, etc. «
« these could be used to find information about you/identity theft/stalk
you/break in
Do not reply to or communicate with people you do not know «
« they could extract personal information from you
10(b) Three from: 3
Ethnic/racial origin
Religion/philosophical beliefs
Political views/opinions
Member of a political party
Member of a trade union
Sexual orientation/gender
Criminal record
Health/medical record
Genetic data/DNA
Biometric data
When a student has finished working on an existing file, the software gives her two options, Save and Save As.
(a) Explain two differences between Save and Save As.
1 ……
2 ……
[2]
When files are saved on a computer they can be saved in other formats that can reduce their file size.
(b) Give reasons why file sizes may need to be reduced.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
11(a) Two from: 2
Save – saves the current file with the same file name, Save As – saves the
current file with a new name/selected file name
Save – saves the current file in the same location/folder, Save As – saves the
current file in a different folder/location
Save – saves the current file with the same file type, Save As – saves the
current file with a new file type
11(b) Two from: 2
To save/lack of storage space/memory in the computer/storage device
Reduces the time to transmit the data
Some email systems only allow smaller attachments/too big to send as an
email
A company’s employees can have access to the internet and the company intranet.
Describe the differences between an intranet and the internet.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
12 Six from: 6
Intranet has restricted access/its private//Internet is world-wide/everywhere
Intranet is used only within a company/organisation/school
Intranet access has more control of data whereas the internet access is
open/public access//the internet anyone can add material
Intranet is policed/moderated/managed
The intranet has reduced unauthorised access to material whereas the
internet has content that is general
Intranet can restrict access to some websites//internet has no restrictions on
websites
Data on the intranet is more reliable/relevant//anyone can add material to the
internet
Intranet sits behind a firewall
Intranet is protected by passwords/has an extra layer of security/more
secure//more chances of hacking on the internet
Intranet is used to give information relating to the company whereas the
internet gives general information
Internet has more information
Tick whether the following statements refer to 3D printers, Laser printers or Dot matrix printers.
3D Laser Dot matrix
() () ()
This printer prints layer by layer
This printer is an impact printer
This printer is a form of ink jet printer
This printer produces high quality output quickly
[4]
Mark scheme
13 4
3D Laser Dot matrix
(3) (3) (3)
This printer prints layer by layer 3
This printer is an impact printer 3
This printer is a form of ink jet printer 3
This printer produces high quality output
3
quickly
Applications software can be installed on a computer’s hard disk but companies are increasingly selling applications software that is stored in the cloud.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the cloud rather than a hard disk for applications software.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
14 Maximum five from each of: 6
Advantages:
Regular automatic upgrades of the applications software on the cloud//On
HDD the user may have to upgrade manually
Application software can be used on other devices, automatically, from same
subscription//With HDD application software has to be installed manually on
each computer
All devices tend to work with the cloud, but some devices may not contain a
HDD
Saves hard disk space
Software in the cloud is stored externally, only program data stored on hard
disk
Access software anywhere
Applications software is centrally stored
Software is automatically backed up//Applications stored on the HDD needs to
be backed up manually
Some software can run offline if the connection is unstable
Applications on the cloud tend not to be lost whereas you could
lose/damage/corrupt your computer and HDD
Disadvantages:
Must be connected to the internet for it to operate
If the network connection breaks as data is being saved/loaded it may be
corrupted
If the internet crashes, then any data may not save
Can be difficult to locate an up to date copy
Annual subscription cost for software, may be more expensive than buying a
copy of the software on a CD
You never own the product
Product is leased from the company/if the user does not pay then the product
is locked out
State two benefits to a company of using robots on car production lines.
1 ……
2 ……
[2]
Mark scheme
15 Two from: 2
Greater productivity
Cheaper in the long run
Standard of the product is more consistent
Robots work 24/7
Robots can work in hostile/dangerous environments/dangerous to humans
Expert systems are used to diagnose illness in patients.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using an expert system to diagnose illness.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
16 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 benefits/drawbacks. 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 benefits/drawbacks 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
benefits and drawbacks. 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.:
Advantages
They provide more consistent answers
Do not forget to ask a question
Can reduce the time to find the solution/get results/to obtain a diagnosis
They give a number of different possibilities
Less need for specialists/doctors therefore reduces the cost of finding a
solution
Allows the system to be used in parts of the world where experts/medical
specialists not available
Use the collective wisdom of more than one expert//it contains more
information than one doctor
Can be used online/24/7
Disadvantages
They are machines therefore lack common sense
If the knowledge base contains errors then incorrect decisions can be made
Expensive to set up in the first place/purchase
The need for training for operators
Cost of training for operators
Expensive to maintain
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On this page, free: the mark scheme for IGCSE Information and Communication Technology 0417/11, October/November 2019 (0417_w19_ms_11), and the question paper (0417_w19_qp_11), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
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Information and Communication Technology 0417/11 for October/November 2019 is out of 100 marks, with 2 hours to answer it.
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