Information Technology 9626/13 May/June 2023: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626), Paper 1 Theory, May/June 2023. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
1 Four from: 4
Automatic collection/storing of data (1)
Using a computer and sensors to collect data (1)
This data is analysed/processed (1)
The results are output in the form of graphs/charts/tables (1)
Data is collected over a period of time ... (1)
... continuously/at regular intervals (1)
The analysis/processing usually requires special software (1)
Two of the following examples of physical variables logged:
temperature
sound
light
pressure (1)
Explain the purpose of the SSL/TLS protocol.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
2 Five from: 5
ONE of:
SSL is Secure Socket Layer OR
TLS is Transfer Layer Security (1)
Enable encryption in order to protect data (1)
To protect data whilst being transferred (accept close alternatives to
‘transferred’) (1)
To encrypt and decrypt data sent/received by web users (1)
Provides secure connection between web browser and website/client and
server (1)
Authenticate the people/companies/users exchanging data (1)
Ensure the integrity of the data to make sure it has not been
corrupted/altered (1)
Enable credit/bank card payments to be made securely ... (1)
... by setting standards for the storage/transmission/processing of bank
card data (1)
Improve customer trust/more likely to do business with a company using
SSL/TLS protocol on its website (1)
Enable users to securely complete online transactions (1)
Enable the creation of a secure connection between a web server and a
browser (1)
Prevent eavesdroppers from trying to intercept data (1)
To provide security of communication in a network/secure
transmission/sharing of data (1)
Encryption protocols enable credit card payments to be made
securely (1)
There are different types of processing including batch processing and real-time processing.
(a) Without referring to master files and transaction files, describe what is meant by batch processing.
…… [3]
(b) Rocket guidance systems are used in space exploration.
Explain why a rocket guidance system is an example of the use of real-time processing.
…… [3]
Mark scheme
3(a) Three from: 3
Data is grouped (1)
A group of data is processed all at once//in one go (1)
Jobs/batches are set up so they can be run to completion without
human interaction (1)
Data is processed at a set time (1)
Takes place when the computing resources are less busy (1)
With batch processing there is a delay between the collection of data and
the actual processing (1)
3(b) Three from: 3
The response time of the computer must be immediate (1)
Real-time responses are in the order of milliseconds, and sometimes
microseconds (must be more than ‘is fast’, but this can be expanded
upon)//real time processing is immediate (1)
Real time means that the inputs are processed and produce an output
which in turn affects the input (1)
The processing involved in a rocket guidance system has to be
continuous, so the process is never ending (1)
An example of consequences (1)
An example of benefit (1)
One of the functions of an operating system is to maintain the security of a computer system.
Describe the other functions of an operating system.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
4 Eight from: 8
Manages/operates/controls computer hardware resources (1)
Manages software resources (1)
Interacts with device drivers (1)
Responds to input devices/recognises inputs (1)
Sends data/instructions to printers/output devices (1)
Manages files/directories (1)
Responds to inputs (1)// interface between the user and the computer (1)
Allocates memory to software (1)
In multi-tasking/multi-programming systems allocates equitable
processing time to each task/program (1)
Supplies utilities for managing the computer – (may state or
exemplify) (1)
Outputs to hardware//interface between an application program and the
computer hardware (1)
Knows the names of each file and (exactly) where they are stored (on the
storage media) (1)
It keeps a record of any empty spaces on the medium to know where new
files can be stored (1)
Displays error messages to the user if an error occurs (1)
Opens and closes files (on storage devices) (1)
Allows communication between attached hardware (1)
Justify the use of Information Technology for monitoring the environment.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
5 Eight from: 8
Computers are able to take readings at more frequent intervals … (1st)
… as humans take time writing down readings (1)
Computers can read several physical variables at the same time … (1st)
… whereas humans would only be able to read one at a time (1)
Computers continuously take readings … (1st)
… whereas humans take breaks (accept any reason why an individual
human would not take readings continuously) (1)
Computers take readings as planned (as planned is an example) … (1st)
… whereas humans may forget (1)
Readings taken by computers tend to be more accurate (1)
Computers can produce accurate graphs automatically/
instantaneously … (1st)
… whereas humans take time to draw them (1)
Tables of results are produced automatically after the readings are
received by the computer … (1st)
… unlike a human who would take a lot of time to write them down
neatly (1)
Computers can work in dangerous conditions (1st) plus one mark for an
example of a dangerous condition (1)
Max 6 marks for just bullet points
A computer-controlled traffic light system controls the flow of motor vehicles and pedestrians.
Describe the inputs, processing and outputs involved in this system.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
6 Eight from: 8
Inputs (accept device OR data) (Candidate has to be clear they are
discussing input)
A button for a pedestrian to press//to indicate they wish to cross (1)
Signal from button (1)
Preset value(s) for delay between request and light change (‘how long a
light stays on’ on its own is TV) (1)
Processing
System waits for a preset time (or similar description (not ‘when time is
up’)) (1)
Computer sends a signal to the actuator/control box… (1st)
…to change the traffic lights from green to red (1)
Computer sends signal to actuator to change pedestrian control light to
safe (1)
Computer initiates count down (1)
After another pre-set time sends signal to actuator to change
pedestrian control light to unsafe (1)
Computer sends a signal to the actuator/control box to change the
traffic lights from red to green (1)
Outputs – (Candidate has to be clear they are discussing outputs)
Display above pedestrian button indicating don’t cross/red man/indicating
safe to cross/green man (1)
Beeping sound (1)
Red/amber/green light that drivers can see (1)
Count down (1)
Must have at least one from each group to get full marks
Explain the reasons for the digital divide between the old and the young.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
7 Six from: 6
e.g.
Young people have grown up with the technology/have only ever known
the use of smart phones/internet //its seen as part of their everyday
life (1)
Older people may feel they are too old to learn about new technology (1)
Younger people are more likely to take risks/older people are more risk
averse (1) therefore young buy new technology/old do not buy new
technology (1)
Many older people already have established means of communication
and so do not see the need to explore new technology (1)
IT businesses tend to aim new technologies at younger people ... (1)
... companies make few modifications to help older people use them more
easily (1)
Technology seen as something for the young (1)
Older people can be awkward with their hands and fingers making the
use of smartphones a problem (1)
Elderly people also find it difficult to read text on a screen or use a
keyboard (due to visual impairments) (1)
Spyware is a type of malware.
Describe the consequences to the individual of the use of spyware on their computer.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
8 Four from: 4
Spyware enables hackers to gain/steal personal information (1)
One mark for TWO items of information that could be gained,
E.g.
bank account number,
date of birth,
email address and
password
User ID
Spyware can identify patterns of computer use (1)
Spyware can access computer camera (1)
The individual's computer system can slow down (1)
Personal data can be used to commit identity theft// for fraud (1)
Login details used to withdraw//transfer money from the bank account (1)
Login details to make unauthorised purchases (1)
Target computers for specific marketing purposes/ can send pop-up
adverts (1)
Can use data to blackmail users (1)
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a gesture-based user interface rather than a graphical user interface to control devices.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
9 Eight from: 8
Advantages of GBI/disadvantages of GUI
Can be advantageous to disabled users … (1)
… who maybe cannot control their hands accurately//have limited mobility
(1)
… could make gestures using their limbs/eyes (1)
For reasons of hygiene a doctor/food worker may not be allowed to touch
a display or device … (1)
… gestures control the device/ allow them to control devices without
touching anything (1)
Gestures may be a quicker way of initiating a response from a device (1)
Some gestures may be unintentional but still initiate a reaction from the
device (1)
Gesture based interface does not require person to be sat in front of
computer/device so can operate computer/device from a distance (1)
Enhanced gaming experience (1)
Disadvantages of GBI/advantages of GUI
GUIs tend to be more accurate than gestures (1)
Certain gestures may not be socially acceptable/user could feel
uncomfortable making gestures//reduced privacy (1)
Some gestures may be unintentional but still initiate a reaction from the
device//GUIs require actions to be deliberate (1)
Gesture based is less effective when several users/background
movement involved (1)
In certain lighting conditions gesture-based interface may
misinterpret/fail to register a gesture (1)
GUIs can be used in any lighting/dark situations (1)
Increased danger of injury (1)
Max. six marks if bullets/list of points
An expert system is being trialled for use as part of a study on animal identification. It has been set the following task.
The goal is to decide the colour of a bird named Hortense.
Two facts are provided:
• she sings
• she is 15 cm tall.
The rule base contains the following three rules:
• IF X is an ostrich – THEN X has a long neck
• IF X sings and X is 15 cm tall – THEN X is a canary
• IF X is a canary – THEN X is yellow
The inference engine has concluded that Hortense is yellow. It has taken the facts as data and used the rules base to decide:
1 Hortense is a canary
2 Hortense is yellow
(a) Identify which type of chaining the inference engine used.
…… [1]
(b) Explain the reasoning the inference engine used.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
10(a) Forward chaining 1
10(b) Four from: 4
An inference engine searched the rules until it found one where the IF
statement was true (1)
An inference engine rejects any rule that is not TRUE (1)
The IF Hortense is an Ostrich is NOT TRUE (1)
The IF Hortense sings and Hortense is 15 cm is TRUE (1)
The 'THEN' part caused the addition of new information (1)
Inference engine looked for another matching IF... (1)
The IF X is a canary - THEN X is yellow is TRUE (1)
Inference engine stopped because the goal was reached (1)
In Ruritania these are the tax rules.
• People who earn up to $10 000 pay no tax.
• People who earn between $10 000 and $40 000 pay 20% tax on their earnings above $10 000.
• People who earn more than $40 000: pay $6 000 ($30 000 × 20%) and pay 40% tax on their earnings above $40 000.
Complete this flowchart which shows how the net wage (the money earned after tax is paid) is calculated and is output for an individual in Ruritania.
Start
Input earnings
Stop
[8]
Mark scheme
11 8
Start
Input
earnings
no
earnings
>=10 000
ye
earnings no
>40 000
yes
tax ← 6000 + tax ← (earnings –
((earnings – 40 000) * tax ← 0
10 000) * 20%
40%)
net ← earnings – tax
Print net
Stop
Checked your answers against these? Let AI mark the whole paper, on your own working.
Examiners follow the generic marking principles at the front of the scheme, then each question's points: method (M), accuracy (A) and independent (B) marks, error carried forward where the scheme allows it, and positive marking, so you're credited for what you got right.
Check your answers against it
Done this paper? Upload your script and CIE Buddy's AI marker marks it question by question against this exact scheme, puts the ticks on your own working and says what each lost mark needed.
Where can I find the 9626/13 May/June 2023 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Information Technology 9626/13, May/June 2023 (9626_s23_ms_13), and the question paper (9626_s23_qp_13), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 9626/13 out of?+
Information Technology 9626/13 for May/June 2023 is out of 70 marks, with 1 hour 45 minutes to answer it.
Can I get my 9626/13 answers marked?+
Yes. Upload your answers to 9626/13/M/J/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.