Information and Communication Technology 0417/11 October/November 2023: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417), Paper 1 Theory, October/November 2023. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
A newsagent has created a database with fields to store details of each newspaper and magazine he sells. Part of the database is shown.
Product_number Name_of_publication Selling_price Frequency Publisher
1001 Wireless Times $1.50 Daily Trinity Press
1015 The Daily Press $1.50 Daily H W Brown
1034 OME $2.00 Monthly Trinity Press
(a) Tick (✓) the field name that would be the most appropriate primary key for the database.
A Product_number
B Name_of_publication
C Selling_price
D Frequency
E Publisher
[1]
(b) The newsagent has added a field called Bar_code to store the bar code number of the product.
Explain why a presence check is not a suitable validation check for the Bar_code field.
…… [1]
(c) The newsagent could use a relational database rather than a flat file database.
Describe the advantages of using a relational database rather than a flat file database.
…… [4]
(d) From the data shown in the part of the database, identify the most appropriate data type for the:
(i) Selling_price
…… [1]
(ii) Name_of_publication
…… [1]
Mark scheme
1(a) Product_number 1
1(b) Not every publication has a bar code 1
1(c) Four from: 4
• Uses data integrity which means no discrepancies in the data
• Less memory used in the computer
• Data is not unnecessarily duplicated
• Queries can be created using many tables//Complex queries can be
created
• Reports can be created using many tables//Complex reports can be
created
• Only have to input the data once into a relational database therefore it
saves time
1(d)(i) One from: 1
Numeric: currency
1(d)(ii) Text/string/alphanumeric 1
State the most appropriate word or phrase to complete each sentence.
(a) The type of data output from a sensor is
…… [1]
(b) The type of data read by a microprocessor is
…… [1]
(c) The item of hardware that converts data from a sensor so a microprocessor can read it is
…… [1]
(d) The type of sensor that is used in a refrigerator is
…… [1]
Mark scheme
2(a) Analogue 1
2(b) Digital 1
2(c) Analogue to digital convertor/ADC 1
2(d) Temperature (sensor) 1
A group of students are carrying out a study of the quality of river water for a project. They can either use a tablet computer or a smartphone to monitor and record their findings.
(a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a tablet computer rather than a smartphone for this project.
…… [6]
(b) Identify two devices that could be used by the students to enter data.
1 ……
2 ……
[2]
Mark scheme
3(a) Six from: 6
Advantages
• Easier to connect devices onto a tablet
• Larger screen to see the findings
• Larger onscreen keyboard to enter the data
• Better software suited to the task
Disadvantages
• Smartphones are more portable and can be carried in a pocket
• Students are more likely to have smartphones with them
• If cameras are to be used then it is easier to use a camera with a
smartphone
To gain full marks the discussion must both advantages and
disadvantages
3(b) Two from: 2
• Keyboard
• Camera
• Touch screen
• Microphone
• Sensor
A headteacher is considering setting up a card system for students to buy food in the school canteen.
The headteacher is trying to decide whether to install a system that uses magnetic stripe card readers or one that uses chip and PIN card readers.
Compare the use of magnetic stripe card readers with the use of chip and PIN card readers. Your answer must include similarities and differences.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
4 Six from: 6
Similarity
• Both readers are in direct contact with the card
• Both readers can cause wear and tear on the cards
• Both are input devices
Difference
• Chip and PIN readers the user needs to know the PIN
• The chip and PIN reader is susceptible to shoulder surfing
• Chip and PIN reader prompts the user to enter a PIN
• It is more secure as a PIN is needed
• In the magnetic stripe reader the card can be used by anyone as no PIN is
needed
• The transaction is faster using a magnetic stripe reader
• Less data entry errors using a magnetic stripe reader as no manual input
To gain full marks the comparison must have both similarities and
differences
A bridge and a router are examples of networking devices.
(a) Explain the differences between a bridge and a router.
…… [2]
(b) IP addresses are used in computer networks.
Explain what is meant by an IP address.
…… [4]
(c) Explain the purpose of a routing table.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
5(a) Two from: 2
• A bridge connects two LANs that use the same protocol
• A bridge creates a single LAN from separate parts
• A router allows data packets to be sent to LAN/WAN
• A router connects a LAN to a WAN
5(b) Four from: 4
• Internet Protocol address
• Unique identifier
• IP addresses must be different for each device on a network
• All devices connected to the internet use IP addresses
• Determines the electronic location of the device
5(c) Two from: 2
• Used to determine where data packets will be directed
• Stores route information
• Stores IP addresses
A cricket club secretary saves a list of players as a PDF file.
(a) Describe two disadvantages of saving the list of players as a PDF file.
…… [2]
The cricket club has a junior team for 6−8-year-old players. The secretary has produced an ePublication to attract new members to the junior team.
(b) State two features of an ePublication that could not appear on a paper poster.
1 ……
2 ……
[2]
(c) Describe the features that could be used to make the ePublication attractive to a younger audience.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
6(a) Two from: 2
Mark the first two answers only
• More difficult to edit the PDF
• PDF sometimes render incorrectly
• Need PDF editor software to edit//Need PDF viewer
6(b) Two from: 2
• Audio
• Interactivity
• Ability to change to different languages
• Ability to change text flow left-to-right and right-to-left
• Text to speech
• Accessibility
• Video
• Animation
• Turning pages automatically
6(c) Six from: 6
• To interest/attract the younger audience the ePublication should use:
• Bright colours
• Animations
• Videos
• Sounds//sound effects
• Cartoons
• There should be more pictures than text
• The wording should be simple//Short sentences could be used
• Large text fonts so that it is easier to read
• Use of white space to break up the text and make it easier to read
• Games/activities for content can be used
If a list of points is given with no reasons then max 5 marks
An employee in a company has used QWERTY123 as his login password for some time.
(a) Give three reasons why this is not advisable.
1 ……
2 ……
3 ……
[3]
(b) Complete the sentences using the most appropriate data protection method from the list.
Your answers must be different in each case.
Anti-spyware Biometrics A digital certificate A dongle
Encryption A firewall Two-factor authentication User ID
(i) A method which scrambles the data so that it cannot be understood is
…… [1]
(ii) A fingerprint is an example of
…… [1]
(iii) A method of guaranteeing a website is authentic is
…… [1]
(iv) A hardware device that filters the information coming through the Internet connection into a LAN is
…… [1]
(c) An employee in the company uses his company password for other accounts.
Explain why this is not a good idea.
…… [1]
Mark scheme
7(a) Three from: 3
• Password is not strong
• It is easy to guess
• The letters and numbers are in sequence on the keyboard
• Easy to shoulder surf
• It should be changed regularly to secure his login
7(b)(i) Encryption 1
7(b)(ii) Biometrics 1
7(b)(iii) Digital certificate 1
7(b)(iv) Firewall 1
7(c) One from: 1
• If someone finds the password for one of the systems/accounts other
systems/accounts are compromised
• If someone finds the password for one of the systems/accounts then he
has gained the company password
Microprocessor-controlled devices are used in the home.
Describe, with examples, how using these devices can affect the health and fitness of their users.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
8 Six from: 6
This question is a cause and effect question
• Reduces the amount of time it takes to complete a task… (1st)
…therefore gives the user more leisure time/time to do other things (2nd)
• The user does not need to be present when the device is working…(1st)
…therefore gives the user more/less exercise (2nd)
• Allows the user to use interactive games devices…(1st)
…therefore helps improves their fitness (2nd)
• When the device does all the work…(1st)
…it makes the user lazy (2nd)
• Users are not doing as much manual work…(1st)
...this can cause [a valid named health issue] (2nd)
• Using computers/gaming machines/devices for long periods…(1st)
...this can cause [a valid named health issue] (2nd)
If the candidate does not give two named devices with effects then max
five marks
Rowena’s laptop computer contains a small capacity Solid State Drive (SSD) of 32Gb and a large capacity Hard Disk Drive (HDD) of 1024Gb.
(a) State, giving a reason for your choice, a use for the SSD and a use for the HDD in the laptop computer. Your answers must be different in each case.
(i) SSD
…… [2]
(ii) HDD
…… [2]
(b) The laptop computer also contains internal memory.
Give two examples of internal memory.
1 ……
2 ……
[2]
Mark scheme
9(a)(i) This is a use and reason question 2
To store the operating system/games
One from:
• Faster loading of the operating system/games
• The game/OS runs faster
9(a)(ii) This is a use and reason question 2
To store the apps/software/data/files/movies
One from:
• Can store more files
• Can store larger files
9(b) RAM 2
ROM
A teacher has set up a database for a class library. The data about the books in the class library will be entered by the teacher.
(a) The data can be verified by double data entry or visual verification.
Compare double data entry with visual verification. Your answer must include similarities and differences.
…… [4]
(b) When data is entered into a date field it is validated. An example of the data that could be entered is 01/04/2023
State two validation checks that could be used on this data.
1 ……
2 ……
[2]
Mark scheme
10(a) Four from: 4
Similarities
• Both are used to check that data has been entered correctly
• Both ensure that the data has been transferred correctly
• Both are used to check the data against the original data
Differences
• In visual verification the user compares the data
• Data is compared with the original data source
• In double data entry the computer compares the data
• In double data entry the data is compared with the previously entered
data
• In double data entry data is entered twice by the user(s)
In order to gain full marks the comparison must both similarities and
differences
10(b) Two from: 2
• Format (check)
• Length (check)
• Range (check)
• Type/character (check)
Many Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) allow customers to print out mini statements of their bank accounts.
Describe the inputs and processing involved in printing out a mini statement.
…… [6]
PLEASE TURN OVER.
Mark scheme
11 Six from: 6
Inputs
• Insert card
• System reads the details on the card
• Select the language you would like to use
• Enter PIN
• Select print (mini statement) option
• Select Account
• Select ‘confirm’
Processing
• Checks the card is correct/valid
• Checks the account number is correct
• Check the PIN is correct
• If incorrect three times then card is retained
• Checks the correct account selected
• Sends a signal to/communicates with the bank
• Bank computer creates the statement
• Details of the amount in the account are sent to ATM
• Details are sent to the printer
To gain full marks the description must have at least two answers for
inputs and at least two answers for processing
A student has produced some work for a school project. A page of the work is shown.
A Study of the English Wallaby
The Problem
Wild wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) con nue The Zoological Society of London keeps to be reported across the whole of England. up-to-date records of private collec ons of
Despite the harsh winter condi ons, these wallabies in England, and to date there are over animals have flourished in recent years. Many 100 such collec ons. people have contacted the police with reported sigh ngs in gardens, quiet country lanes and Many people ask why it ma!ers if these animals even alongside busy motorways. have escaped, as they are not dangerous. The problem is that the introduc on of invasive, non-
The original colony, thought to be the source of na ve species can have substan al impacts on the English wallaby, was first reported in na ve species, and wallabies are no excep on.
Derbyshire in England. These animals were believed to have been released in the 1940s from a private zoo. It is more likely that other private zoos and escapees from wallaby farms are to blame.
Fig. 12.1
(a) The student has placed a column break in his document.
Explain the purpose of setting a column break.
…… [2]
(b) After running a spell check and proofreading his document the student notices that one word is still showing an error.
Explain why this word has caused an error and how the student could ensure that the error does not reappear when this word is used in future.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
12(a) Two from: 2
• Places a hard break in the location selected
• Could remove widows/orphans
12(b) One from: 2
• The word does not appear in the dictionary
• The word is written in Latin and the dictionary is in English.
One from:
• Add the word to the dictionary
• Set the dictionary to allow scientific names/Latin
• Set (the dictionary) to ignore the word
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Where can I find the 0417/11 October/November 2023 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for IGCSE Information and Communication Technology 0417/11, October/November 2023 (0417_w23_ms_11), and the question paper (0417_w23_qp_11), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 0417/11 out of?+
Information and Communication Technology 0417/11 for October/November 2023 is out of 100 marks, with 1 hour 30 minutes to answer it.
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Yes. Upload your answers to 0417/11/O/N/23 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.