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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.
0417_w23_qp_130417_w23_ms_130417/13/O/N/23
Each question as it's printed, and the mark scheme's points for it, as text. Diagrams, tables and graphs are in the PDFs above.
Question
Peter needs to create a validation check for product numbers. Three examples of product numbers he needs to check are: 977135120127916 976143148163921 845132120651166 Identify two validation checks he could use to check the numbers. 1 …… 2 …… [2]
Mark scheme
1 Two from: 2 • Check digit • Range check • Character/type check • Length check • Type check
Question
A student has created a document with images for her geography project. (a) The layout of page one is portrait orientation. The student needs to set page two as landscape orientation. Before she can set the landscape orientation she needs to insert a break. State the type of break that is needed. …… [1] (b) The student has placed images in the document. State two file formats she could have used for the images. 1 …… 2 …… [2] (c) Each page of the document includes a footer. Explain why a footer is used. …… [3]
Mark scheme
2(a) Section break 1 2(b) Two from, for example: 2 • Png • Gif • Jpg/Jpeg • Bmp • PDF • IMG 2(c) Three from: 3 • Information is repeated on each page • Allows easier navigation in the document • Saves time for the user to add information manually • Information only needs to be entered once
Question
A teacher is setting up a school shop. The teacher is setting up a spreadsheet to keep the accounts of the shop. (a) Fig. 3.1 shows a box containing 50 Choco Bars to sell in the shop. The information on the box will be entered into the spreadsheet. A Choco Bars B Contains: D Special Price 50 Only $1.20 Sell by: C 1/4/2025 Fig. 3.1 State the most appropriate display format in the spreadsheet for each piece of data shown on the box. Your answer must be different in each case. A …… B …… C …… D …… [4] (b) Each box delivered to the school shop includes a QR code. Explain why QR codes are used. …… [4] (c) The teacher has created a formula in the spreadsheet that calculates the cost of purchasing a number of different items. She has created a formula that: • subtracts the discount per item from the price of the item to find the cost of the item • then multiplies the cost of the item by the quantity. A B C D E F 1 Product Price of item Discount per item Quantity Total 2 Choco Bar $1.20 $0.20 15 –$1.80 The formula she enters into cell E2 is: =B2-C2*D2 When this formula is entered into cell E2 the result is not what she expected. The result should be $15.00 Explain why the result was not $15.00 …… [2]
Mark scheme
3(a) A Text 4 B Number/Integer C Date D Currency 3(b) Four from: 4 • They can be read from many angles • The physical size of the QR can be small therefore takes up less space on the box • Can be used to track stock • Can contain links to more information about the products • It contains information about the product • Can be read by any device with a camera and suitable software 3(c) Two from: 2 • Brackets/parentheses missing around B2-C2 • Multiplication was carried out first then the subtraction • The order of calculation should follow BODMAS/BIDMAS/PENDAS
Question
A company’s computer system is protected by both a user ID and a password. (a) Explain how a user ID and a password are used to increase the security of data. …… [6] (b) The company plans to improve the security of its computer system by using biometric methods. Describe what is meant by biometric methods. Give two examples of biometrics. Description …… Example 1 …… Example 2 …… [4]
Mark scheme
4(a) Six from: 6 • User IDs and passwords combined protect against unauthorised access Combined user ID and password is unique to the computer system. • The user ID ensures the correct account is accessed, the password then protects the account • If someone knew the user ID they could only gain access with the correct password • Typing in incorrect user ID/password a number of times could lock the user out • User IDs give different access levels in the computer system • User IDs are unique and allow the system manager to monitor usage on the system • The password is masked and displayed as stars • A strong password is a combination of upper and lower case characters/numbers/symbols • Passwords could be biometrics ensuring greater security • Passwords increase security as they are only known by the user 4(b) Description 4 Two from: • Uses parts of the body/physical attributes as a password • Unique to the user • Form of authentication Examples Two from, for example: • Fingerprint • Retina • Voice • Face
Question
A student needs to purchase a new computer for use on his university course. The laptop computers available to him are one that contains a solid-state drive (SSD) or one that only stores data on the internet, using the cloud. Evaluate these two types of laptop computer. …… [6]
Mark scheme
5 Six from: 6 Laptop with SSD • Data can only be accessed on the laptop if laptop breaks there is no access • The user retains control over the data stored • Greater security as data is always with you • After the initial cost of the laptop there is nothing else to pay for storage Cloud storage laptop • Requires an internet connection to store/read/access data the internet connection should be stable • More storage available • Can be more expensive as storage needs to be bought • The data is available on other devices if the laptop breaks • Automatic backup of data so less chance of losing data • Can be issues if the internet drops during storing of data To gain full marks the evaluation must have both Laptop with SSD and Cloud storage laptop
Question
A computer model can be used to design and test a bridge before it is built. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a computer model before building a bridge. …… [6]
Mark scheme
6 Six from: 6 Benefits • Cheaper than building a physical bridge • Safer as the bridge could collapse if not tested properly • Safer to check environmental factors • Tests can be carried out with extreme weather conditions Drawbacks • Too many variables to cover them all • Requires programmers/hardware/software to create the model can increase costs • Requires extra skilled staff to maintain the model • Errors in the software can cause catastrophic effects To gain full marks the discussion must have both benefits and drawbacks If a list give five marks maximum
Question
Rockit Aircraft manufactures and flies aeroplanes. (a) The pilots at Rockit Aircraft are trained using extended reality. Describe what is meant by extended reality. …… [2] (b) Some of the components used in the manufacture of aircraft are produced using a 3D printer. Analyse the use of a 3D printer to make the components rather than making the components by hand. …… [6]
Mark scheme
7(a) Two from: 2 • Mixture of Virtual reality and Augmented reality • Combines real/physical world with digital world and interacts with each • Allows seamless interaction between the real and virtual worlds 7(b) Six from: 6 The manufacture of components is cheaper The whole process of setting up and printing the components can be quicker Quality is consistent Minimises waste Fewer sub-components making it stronger and safer The size of the component is limited to the size the 3D printer can product If the initial design is incorrect it is harder to correct Initial cost of the printer could be more costly Requires skilled programmers/operators therefore the initial costs could be higher
Question
Many devices in the home can be connected to the internet so they can be controlled remotely. These devices are called smart devices. A house contains a smart security system. (a) Describe the benefits and drawbacks of using a smart security system. …… [4] (b) Identify two sensors that could be used with the smart security system. 1 …… 2 …… [2] (c) Part of the smart security system involves an automatic gate for vehicles approaching the house. There is a CCTV camera at the gate and the smart security system has software for recognising each vehicle’s number plate. Explain how automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems work. …… [4] (d) Describe three problems that could occur when the ANPR system reads a vehicle number plate. …… [3]
Mark scheme
8(a) Four from: 4 Benefits • Cameras can be viewed from the smartphone so intruders can be seen/reported • Increased sense of security • You receive immediate alerts if there is a security breach Drawbacks • You may not be able to deal with the intruders if you are a long way away • The wireless technology/data could be accessed by hackers • If access to the internet is lost then control of the system is lost To gain full marks there needs to be both benefits and drawbacks 8(b) Two from: 2 • Light • Temperature • Motion • Proximity/Passive Infra-red/PIR • Pressure pads • Acoustic/Sound 8(c) Four from: 4 • An image is taken of the front of the vehicle • The image is sent to the software • The software isolates the number plate from the image • Colour brightness and contrast are changed this makes the plate easier to read • Each character is read/decoded using OCR software • The number plate is searched in the database • Comparison is made with number plates stored in the database • If the number plate is identified it allows the gate to open 8(d) Three from: 3 • Another vehicle/pedestrian could obstruct the view of the camera • The number plate may be too dirty to read • The number plate may be in low light/poor weather conditions • The number plate may use illegal characters/font • The number plate could be in a different position than where it should be • Characters are misread • Position of characters/grouping of characters • The number plate has not been added to the system
Question
The secretary of Tawara University has created web pages for former students. The former students are adults. (a) State the design features of the web pages that would meet the needs of this target audience. …… [6] (b) The web pages conform to the university’s corporate house style. Describe why a corporate house style is used. …… [3] (c) Give four design features of a corporate house style. 1 …… 2 …… 3 …… 4 …… [4]
Mark scheme
9(a) Six from: 6 Age: • Balance of text and images to attract older audience • Uncluttered // Use of white space // Organised layout • Don’t use childish language Consistent design Interests: • Interesting content • Keep on topic • Knowing the audience’s interests and writing about them Accessibility: • Contrasting colours to make it easier to read • Clear (readable) fonts • Larger fonts to help those with visual impairments • Keep the content simple • Interactivity • Don’t use red and green due to colour blindness 9(b) Three from: 3 • Provides consistency • Allows all documentation to contain the same header/footer information • Saves money/time on producing new documentation details • People using the web pages know it is part of the university website • Relates to the university identity/brand image 9(c) Four from: 4 • Corporate colours used • Corporate font style • Corporate font size • Inclusion of the logo • Position of the logo • Position of text • Layout of address
Question
A school has employed a systems analyst to help update its computerised examination system. (a) The systems analyst researches the current system to see what will be required in the new system. State the methods of researching the current system that are described: (i) talking to the network manager and examinations officer about the current system …… [1] (ii) watching the users operating the current system …… [1] (iii) forms sent out to all users to complete and return. …… [1] (b) After completing the analysis, the new system needs to be designed. One item that needs to be designed is a file structure. Identify three other items that would need to be designed. 1 …… 2 …… 3 …… [3]
Mark scheme
10(a)(i) Interview 1 10(a)(ii) Observation 1 10(a)(iii) Questionnaires 1 10(b) Three from: 3 • Data structure • Input format • Output format • Validation routine
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On this page, free: the mark scheme for IGCSE Information and Communication Technology 0417/13, October/November 2023 (0417_w23_ms_13), and the question paper (0417_w23_qp_13), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
Information and Communication Technology 0417/13 for October/November 2023 is out of 100 marks, with 1 hour 30 minutes to answer it.
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