Information Technology 9626/11 May/June 2021: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626), Paper 1 Theory, May/June 2021. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
(a) Data can exist in two states, dynamic or static.
Tick the most accurate statement referring to dynamic data.
✓
A sentence in a textbook that says, ‘The American Declaration of Independence was in 1776’ is an example of dynamic data
Data that is read from and not written back to a file is called dynamic data
A hard copy newspaper is an example of a dynamic data source
Dynamic data can be updated quickly
[1]
(b) Tick the scenario that involves the use of an indirect data source.
✓
Handing out a questionnaire to factory workers to find out about working conditions
Using sensors to monitor pollution in a river
Asking businesses for their customers’ details to produce a mailing list
Observing the number of customers entering a store to see how busy it is
[1]
When data is entered into a database, verification is often used.
(c) Analyse, including their effectiveness, the different methods of verification that can be used when entering data into a database.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
1(a) 1
A sentence in a textbook that says, ‘The American Declaration of
Independence was in 1776’ is an example of dynamic data
Data that is read from and not written back to a file is called
dynamic data
A hard copy newspaper is an example of a dynamic data source
Dynamic data can be updated quickly Π
1(b) 1
Handing out a questionnaire to factory workers to find out about
working conditions
Using sensors to monitor pollution in a river
Asking businesses for their customers’ details to produce a mailing
Π
list
Observing the number of customers entering a store to see how
busy it is
1(c) Max four from: 6
Double data entry is where the data is entered twice by the same person…
… The computer stores the data on its hard disk/SSD…
… the two versions are compared by the computer…
… discrepancies are highlighted as the second copy is entered…
… the computer generates an error message/alerts the user if the second
entry does not match the first
Double data entry can be when two people enter the data simultaneously…
… the two versions are compared by the computer as they are entered…
… discrepancies are highlighted immediately…
The keyboard freezes if there is a difference
Visual verification is when a person compares the original source document
visually…
…with the data on screen/database printout
If mistakes are spotted, they can be corrected by the person
Sometimes the data entered is printed out…
…and the printout is compared to the original paper document for
differences/mistakes
Must have visual and double entry to gain these four marks
Max Six from:
With double data entry data, the second copy must be entered in exactly the
same order as the original data entry otherwise errors will occur
With visual check data is only entered once…
…so it is normally a quicker process than double data entry…
Visual check tends not to identify all errors unlike double data entry which is
much more reliable
A problem with double entry is that if the same error is made both times…
…the computer will not find a difference
Visual checking can be unreliable…
…as it is difficult to transfer attention between screen and paper
Must be a proper analysis to gain full marks
Max. five marks if bullets/list of points
Must have expansions to be a proper analysis
There are a number of different ways that data can be directly input to a computer.
(a) Tick the most accurate statement referring to the inputting of text using an Optical Character
Reader.
✓
It is a lot slower to enter large amounts of text than an inexperienced user typing it in
It can be used to read ordinary handwriting
It is always completely accurate, with no mistakes being made
It is more expensive to scan the text than to pay someone to type in the text
[1]
(b) Tick the most accurate statement referring to the inputting of examination paper answers using an Optical Mark Reader.
✓
It is very suitable for entering text
It can read marks made on an otherwise blank piece of paper
It is much more accurate than data being keyed in by a person
If the marks are not in a dark enough pencil, they are still always read correctly
[1]
(c) Evaluate, by weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, the use of MICR for inputting text.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
2(a) 1
It is a lot slower to enter large amounts of text than an
inexperienced user typing it in
It can be used to read ordinary handwriting Π
It is always completely accurate, with no mistakes being made
It is more expensive to scan the text than to pay someone to type in
the text
2(b) 1
It is very suitable for entering text
It can read marks made on an otherwise blank piece of paper
It is much more accurate than data being keyed in by a person Π
If the marks are not in a dark enough pencil, they are still always
read correctly
2(c) Eight from: 8
Advantages
MICR characters are readable even if a document is obscured by marks or
overprinted
MICR systems provide a high level of security…
…since MICR documents are difficult to forge
The error rate for reading MICR characters is small compared to other
character recognition systems
Data entry is quicker than typing the details
Disadvantages
Printing of MICR is demanding, requiring difficult-to-achieve standards…
…which causes it to be slower to print
MICR readers are expensive to purchase…
…whereas manual input of text can be used with a very cheap keyboard
MICR readers can only recognise MICR fonts/cannot read text with normal
fonts/ink…
…which are written in a specific format
There are a limited number of characters available for use in documents
MICR printers run on cartridges that cost far more than other toner
cartridges
Because of cost, it is often impractical for small businesses to use MICR
At least two of each required to obtain full marks
Must be a proper evaluation to obtain full marks
Max. six marks if bullets/list of points
Must have expansions or comparisons to be a proper evaluation
Financial reports can be produced using word processing software or spreadsheet software.
Compare and contrast the use of these two pieces of application software for this purpose.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
3 Eight from: 8
Similarities
Both allow users to enter numeric and text data into a report
Both perform calculations using formulae and functions
Both let users format text with a variety of fonts, styles and symbols
Both allow the importing of graphics such as images and charts
Both include the ability to save files in a variety of formats for use with other
packages
Both have spelling and grammar checking and search/replace functions
Both have page formatting options, including headers/footers/justification
options
Differences
Spreadsheet software allows users to perform "what if" scenarios/create
models
Word processing software lets users produce reports which can be mail
merged
Word processing software only has rudimentary functions to aid calculations
Spreadsheet software uses cells, rows and columns to hold data whereas
word processing software doesn't restrict where data can be entered
Word processing software and spreadsheet software control text alignment
and page margins in different ways
Word processing software includes a word count feature
At least two of each required to obtain full marks
Describe how the data from an air pollution monitoring system is collected and prepared, ready for processing by a computer.
…… [3]
Mark scheme
4 Three from: 3
Sensors are used to feed data back to a computer
Naming two sensors/devices used to gather data
Analogue data is converted into digital data for the computer to process
using an analogue to digital converter
The computer stores readings in a table/database/file/spreadsheet
A school has classrooms where students can use computers to access the school network. There are other classrooms where the computers do not have access to the school network.
Compare and contrast the use of computers in both types of classroom.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
5 Six from: 6
Similarities
Both can use all forms of software available within the school
Both can produce neater work than if handwritten
Both allow for computers to be used to make lessons more
interesting/entertaining/varied
Both allow computers to be used to help students with special educational
needs
Both can allow more accurate work to be produced by using spellcheckers
Differences
Network computers make it easier for students to share work in group
projects
All network computers can access the internet through the same
connection, thereby having access to a greater range of information
The school intranet is available to students who can access the network
Students could access their work from any network computer…
…whereas they would need USBs/portable media on non-networked
computers
Students using network computers could have too much information
available through the internet/intranet and may find it difficult to synthesise
Students could print their work from any network computer
The World Wide Web is a service provided by the internet.
Describe, without referring to how it is accessed, what is meant by the World Wide Web.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
6 Six from: 6
It was invented by (English scientist) Tim Berners-Lee (in 1989)
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the markup (formatting) language
for the world wide web
Web pages are primarily text documents formatted and annotated using
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
The world Wide Web uses Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)
A URL is an address that is unique and used to identify each resource on
the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web uses HTTP(S), allowing for the retrieval of linked
resources from across the World Wide Web
HTTPS provides secure websites
Web pages may contain formatted text, images, video and software
components
Hyperlinks allow users to navigate between web pages
The World Wide Web comprises websites made up of several webpages
(with a common theme)
The World Wide Web is basically a system of web servers (that support
specially formatted documents)
The manager of an IT department has been asked to set up a video-conference. At the moment she only has a router, a networked computer and a large screen.
Describe how she would set up this video-conference before joining in.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
7 Eight from: 8
She would agree a date and time with the other participants
She would send a reminder shortly before the start to the other participants
She would send the other participants means of access to the
password/PIN
She would send the other participants the link to join the conference
For herself, she would purchase a webcam, a microphone and
speakers/headphones
She would ensure the webcam, microphone, speakers/headphones are
switched on, connected and ready
She would carry out tests on the webcam/microphone/
speakers/headphones
She would adjust her webcam so she can be seen
She would open/run the video conferencing software
She would log on to the system/Internet
She would ensure the video conferencing software/internet connection is
running properly/installed
She would select/create a room
A company sells domestic appliances. The spreadsheet shows the sales of washing machines for the first five months of this year.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
1 Month Serial Number Price
2 Jan 614481 $481 Sales Month Monthly Total
3 Jan 707617 $617 Jan $1,964
4 Jan 227616 $616 Feb $1,728
5 Jan 907250 $250 Mar $392
6 Feb 485231 $231 Apr $815
7 Feb 318299 $299 May $1,100
8 Feb 211500 $500
Mark scheme
8(a) Three from: 3
It looks at the first Serial number 614481
It takes the three characters from the right-hand side 481
It returns the numerical value of this text…
…and displays it in the Price column as $481
8(b) It looks at all the Months in the Month column 4
For the Sales Month Jan
It adds up all the corresponding Prices
It displays the answer as a Monthly Total as $1964
8(c)(i) F3:G7 1
8(c)(ii) Four from: 4
Add a chart title: Sales of washing machines in first 5 months of
2021/general description/reason
Add x axis title: Sales Month
Add x axis data labels: Jan to May
Add y axis title: Monthly Total
Add y axis data labels: 0 to 2000
8(d) Six from: 6
Advantages
What if statements can be asked without rebuilding the spreadsheet…
…from scratch each time a test is carried out
Calculations can be performed more quickly/more easily/recalculated
automatically…
… than if done by pen and paper
It can provide quick results for predictions of sales that may take years to
actually happen
Graphs of monthly sales can automatically change…
…as new values are added/old values altered
This spreadsheet already exists and reduces the need for technical experts
The model can have formulae replicated fairly easily…
…to show future trends
Graphs can be produced automatically/more quickly/no manual method
required
Disadvantages
It does not take into account every possible variable…
…when calculating/forecasting sales
There is no way of predicting the effect that financial crises will have on real
life behaviour
Many variables need to be considered and it is easy to omit some…
…To improve the spreadsheet, try to account for as many variables as
possible
Complex sales predictions may need additional expensive software
At least one of each required to obtain full marks
Must be a proper evaluation to obtain full marks
Max. five marks if bullets/list of points
Must have expansions or comparisons to be a proper evaluation
9(a)(i) The librarian is looking for all the people whose family name begins with B 4
AND who also
Do not live in Lowtown
Printing only the first and family names and the town they live in
9(a)(ii) Brown Christine Redleigh 1
Brierley Fred Redleigh
Breen Wally Armley
1 for all records correct
9(b)(i) The librarian is looking for all the books whose Author’s name ends with 2
‘son’, printing only the Title, Author and Number of copies – 1 mark
OR which have a replacement cost less than $10 –1 mark
9(b)(ii) Too Open Too Short Paul Stevenson 2 1
The Divide of Decay Donal Haroldson 2
Respeto por la Castilla Celia Rodriguez 4
1 for all records correct
10 Eight from: 8
Text boxes or individual character boxes for Name
More accessible/readable font
Spaces for Name/Address should be longer
Separate lines for each part of the address
Drop down dates or calendar for Date of birth and Date joined company
Radio buttons/drop down list for Gender
Navigation buttons: forward/back
Help button/information/prompts on how to complete the form
Appropriate title at the top of the form
Appropriate white space and information filling the page
11 Three from: 3
A generic file format is one which will be recognisable to most software
packages
If a software package does not recognise a particular file format it will be
unable to load it
Generic file formats are .txt, .csv, file types (allow any two correct examples)
Max one for an expansion e.g.
.txt can be loaded by most word processing software
.csv can be loaded by most spreadsheet software
Apr 392059 $59
13 Apr 757756 $756
14 May 284074 $74
15 May 517520 $520
16 May 336250 $250
17 May 134256 $256
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Fig. 8.1
(a) The formula in cell D2 is =VALUE(RIGHT(B2,3)).
Explain, without using cell references, what this formula does.
…… [3]
(b) In Fig. 8.1, the formula in cell G3 is =SUMIF(A$2:A$17,F3,D$2:D$17).
Explain, without using cell references, what this formula does.
…… [4]
(c) The bar chart in Fig. 8.1 lacks information about what it represents. It has been created from contiguous data.
(i) Identify the cell range that was used to create the bar chart.
…… [1]
(ii) Describe what information should be added to the bar chart.
…… [4]
(d) Evaluate, by weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, the use of the spreadsheet in
Fig. 8.1 for financial forecasting.
…… [6]
9 Metropolis City Library stores details of its books and borrowers in a database. Part of the
Borrowers table is shown in Fig. 9.1.
BorrowerID FamilyName FirstName Phone Town_lived_in
1 Gale Clemantine 01164960567 Mintair
2 Brown Christine 01134960965 Redleigh
3 Leadbetter Karla 07700900863 Lowtown
4 Brierley Fred 01134960675 Redleigh
5 Greenhalgh Ben 01164960001 Mintair
6 Pooley Christopher 03069990694 Armley
7 Chalmers Rio 07700900900 Fromman
8 Lewis Ruksana 08081570945 Lowtown
9 Patel Angela 09098790142 Fromman
10 Bopal Udoka 01614960836 Lowtown
11 Akula Billy 01914980487 Armley
12 Benson Wesley 01845632545 Lowtown
13 Breen Wally 01915647379 Armley
Fig. 9.1
The librarian has created the following query:
Field: BorrowerID FamilyName FirstName Phone Town_lived_in
Table: Borrowers Borrowers Borrowers Borrowers Borrowers
Sort:
Show:
Criteria: Like ʺB*ʺ < > ʺLowtownʺ or:
Fig. 9.2
(a) (i) Explain what information the librarian is looking for when using the query in Fig. 9.2.
…… [4]
(ii) Identify the information that the query would output using the data in Fig. 9.1.
…… [1]
Part of the Books table is shown in Fig. 9.3.
ISBN Title Author Publisher NumberofCopies Replacement Cost
9780577185273 Ruinous Orange Jonathon Roberts Ellipsoid 3 $16.99
9780593039427 That Was Then Jaswant Sandhu Round Moon Publishers 4 $10.00
9780593065907 The Cheap Strangers Reeta Khan Round Moon Publishers 1 $18.99
9780752856006 Too Open Too Short Paul Stevenson Douglas Books 2 $16.99
9781356892467 The Divide of Decay Donal Haroldson Travellor Books 2 $19.99
9781409187276 Light and Day Gabrial Aston Betelgeuse 2 $18.99
9781544196873 Never the Poor Jaswant Sandhu Round Moon Publishers 3 $18.99
9781772460886 Gloom Brother Rowena Littleton Douglas Books 1 $20.99
9781772469285 Tempest Brother Rowena Littleton Douglas Books 1 $13.99
9781780835991 Ambuscade Hortense de Vandre Possum Books 2 $12.99
9781781254293 Significant Numbers Jan Tudor Frowpile Books 4 $17.99
9781846962345 Respeto por la Castilla Celia Rodriguez Possum Books 4 $9.99
Fig. 9.3
The librarian has created the following query:
Field: ISBN Title Author Publisher NumberofCopies ReplacementCost
Table: Books Books Books Books Books Books
Sort:
Show:
Criteria: Like ʺ*sonʺ or: < 10
Fig. 9.4
(b) (i) Explain what information the librarian is looking for when using the query in Fig. 9.4.
…… [2]
(ii) Identify the information that the query would output using the data in Fig. 9.3.
…… [1]
10 A company is creating a database to record information about each employee. The IT manager is creating an on-screen data entry form that will be used by the Human Resources department. This is her first design:
Name___
Address……
Date of birth……
Gender……
Date joined company……
Salary……
Describe, in detail, appropriate improvements that could be made to the form to make data entry more accurate and easier to complete.
…… [8]
11 Explain, using examples, what is meant by the term generic file format.
…… [3]
12 Describe, in detail, what is meant by a hierarchical database management system.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
12 Four from: 4
It is organised in the form of a tree-like structure
The data is stored as records which are connected to one another through
links
It uses (several) one-to-many relationships
It links several records to one owner/parent record
It is not a versatile system
It is limited by using only one type of relationship
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On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Information Technology 9626/11, May/June 2021 (9626_s21_ms_11), and the question paper (9626_s21_qp_11), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
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Information Technology 9626/11 for May/June 2021 is out of 90 marks, with 1 hour 45 minutes to answer it.
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