Information Technology 9626/32 May/June 2024: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626), Paper 3 Advanced Theory, May/June 2024. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
Devices on a network can be connected by Wi-Fi.
Describe how a Wi-Fi connection is used to transfer data between devices.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
1 Six from: 6
Is wireless/no cables used
Uses radio/electromagnetic waves (to carry data) (uses/in) 2.4/5
gigahertz (2.4 G Hz)/5 G Hz) bands)
Frequencies divided into channels for send/receive (1st) channel can be
changed automatically to avoid interference/congestion (1)
Uses network key/passphrase/password
For access control/(ID and) authentication of devices (at establishment of
connection) exchange of credentials to set up connection
Encryption of data may be used
Data is wrapped/encapsulated in frames/datagrams (1st)
comparable to (but not same as)/just like/similar to Ethernet frames (1)
Frames carry the source/destination MAC addresses (in the same way as
do Ethernet frames)(1st)
Carries a data payload (in frame)
Devices send out beacon frames/packets (1st) to announce/inform other
devices of presence/SSID (1)
Management frames are used when devices join and leave the Wi-Fi
network
Control frames are used to set up/control/change the
channels/acknowledge when data has been received.
Web pages can be made more attractive and easier to read by using colours. All major web browsers support the use of HSL to specify the colours used in web pages.
Explain how HSL is used to specify colours.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
2 Six from: 6
(Syntax is) hsl(…) used in HTML/CSS (for specifying a colour)
HSL is the hue, saturation and lightness of a colour – ALL 3 for 1 mark
Uses codes/HEX/example of hex value for colours
(Creates) gradients of colours (part of) RGB (model) (1st)
Red, green, blue – ALL 3 for 1 mark
Hue is a value/degree (on the standard colour wheel) (1st) ranging from 0
to 360 (1)
0 for red/120 for green/240 for blue (1)
Hue is ‘brightness’/how much white is added to a colour
Saturation is the intensity of the colour/from no colour/grey to full colour
Saturation is a percentage/% of the colour sign must included with the
parameter (1)
Lightness ranges from black (through) to white
Lightness is a percentage/% of the colour/(1st) sign must included with the
parameter (1).
Describe the differences between 2D and 3D computer animation.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
3 Six from : 6
2D is drawn in 2 dimensional space whereas whereas 3D is in 3
dimensional space Must be both USE LNK
2D objects are measured in 2 axes/height and width/H × W/X and Y axes
3D are measured in 3 axes/height, width and depth/H × W × D/X,Y and Z
axes
2D is based on (concept of) frames//3D is based on (concept of)
movement (of objects)
2D objects appear flat
3D objects can have (appearance of) volume/depth
2D objects cannot appear to rotate through 360 degrees//3D objects can
have (appearance of) rotating through 360 degrees
2D objects are only viewed from one/front angle//3D objects can (appear
to) be viewed from different camera angles
2D objects are only lit from one/front angle//3D objects can (appear to) be
lit from different directions
2D objects lack texture/solidity//3D objects can (appear to) have
texture/solidity
2D objects cannot/are not realistic in live scenes//3D objects can (appear
to) be placed into live scenes/elements with more realistic appearance
Max 1 from:
valid example of 2D animation e.g.: is used in social media
sites/demonstrations/animated presentations
valid example of 3D animation e.g.: is used in movies/cartoons/video
games.
JavaScript code has been developed for an interactive website. White box testing is carried out by the developers.
(a) Describe how white box testing is used to test the code.
…… [6]
(b) Describe one way that JavaScript code can add interactivity to a web page.
…… [1]
(c) HTML events occur when users interact with a web page.
Describe how JavaScript code can be made to react to an HTML event.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
4(a) Six from: 6
Developers/testers…
create/write/use a test plan
create/write/use test data
test each/every line of code
test each/every branch in the code
test each/every condition in the code4
test the calculations/arithmetic
test the logic of the code
test inputs/outputs
can use (automated) testing tools to check code
if test fails/changes are made/errors are noted/errors are found/errors are
corrected
repeat the testing
(must) have good knowledge/understanding of JavaScript theory/coding
(must) understand/learn/determine how the code/script works.
4(b) One from: 1
Code is used to collect user data/input for use in (subsequent)
code/require an answer to a question
Use of confirm()/prompt() popup windows/box to enable user interaction
Code can be inserted into/placed within the HTML of the web page
Code can be stored in external scripts that are stored/executed when
called/invoked by HTML code.
4(c) Five from: 5
Max three for naming valid events without descriptions:
Use of onload to execute the JavaScript immediately/as soon as the web
page is (fully) loaded into a browser
Use of onchange to execute code when a user changes a value/state of
radio button/checkbox
Use of onclick to execute code when a user clicks a button/HTML
element
Use of onmouseover
to execute code when a user moves the mouse pointer onto/over an
element e.g. an image
Use of onmouseout to execute code when a user moves the mouse
pointer off/away from an element e.g. an image
Use of onkeydown to execute code when a user presses a key.
Data flow diagrams (DFD) are drawn when designing a new computer system.
(a) Explain the purpose of a DFD.
…… [2]
(b) When a new computer system is being designed, the designers draw a level 0 (context-level)
DFD before drawing a level 1 DFD.
Describe two differences between a level 0 DFD and a level 1 DFD.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
5(a) Two from: 2
(Graphically/a diagram) to show/describe (how) the data flows(1st)
from input through processes to storage/through (or in) a system (1)
gives designers a visual representation
makes it easier to understand/follow
enables/allows documentation can be created
enables/allows the physical components/elements/software to be created
(to make the system work).
5(b) Two from: 2
Level 0 shows (only) an overview of the system/no any details of
process/level 1 shows more details of processes
Level 0 DFD has only 1 process // level 1 has more than 1 process
Level 0 does not have any data storage // level 1 shows data storage
Level 0 are simple to draw/no technical knowledge required to
draw/understand.
Project management software (PMS) is used to support a project.
(a) Describe how PMS can be used to manage the costings of a project.
…… [4]
(b) Explain how PMS can help in decision making during a project.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
6(a) Four from: 4
Records all transactions/payments before/during a project
Shows/includes direct costs (e.g. cost of materials/IT services/team
members time)
Shows/includes indirect costs (e.g. rent/heat/maintenance of IT
equipment)
Import data from financial packages/spreadsheets
Automatically calculates/displays a payment/cost/expense/expenditure
Used by managers to calculate/estimate/monitor track
expenditure/budget for task/project
Can export data for use in presentations/graphs/analysis (during
meetings/discussions)
Links the costs/transactions/payments of the project (1st) to be
readily/easily accessible/available to financial
personnel/accountants/decision makers (1).
6(b) Four from: 4
Links/organises the data/information/whole of the project (1st)… so its
readily/easily accessible/available to decision makers (1)
Displays data/information in various formats (1st)…so that they can be
readily/easily understood by project
managers/members/stakeholders/clients (1)
Exports data/information to other documents (if required) (1st) or use in
reports/presentations/analysis (during meetings/discussions) (1).
Explain how technology-enhanced learning can have an impact on the autonomy of learners.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
7 Six from e.g.: 6
Different methods allow/enable different levels of learner control in the
speed and route through courses/learning
CBT allows leaners almost complete control over time
allocation/speed/route
Learners can use networked courses to work at their own speed and to
follow their own route/topics through the course
MOOCs allow some control over time and choice of routes through the
course
…may allow learners to miss out/skip through content so
progress/learning is less effective/impaired
Video-conferencing allows little learner control over speed of activity as it
is determined by the teacher/lecturer
Technology allows learners to take control over when/how much/what
learning they do because it is not directed by teacher/lecturer as in face-
to-face teaching
Technology allows learning resources/facilities to be available 24/7/as
and when the learner requires so learner can control their own access
Technology/social media enables/allows learners to learn/seek
advice/help from others from diverse locations
Technical difficulties could result in missing some aspects/content of
course/lack of control over access
Isolation from other learners can allow more control over learning
Isolation can result in lack of motivation/learning/progress.
A software developer has been asked to create a gaming app for a smartphone.
Analyse the use of the waterfall method of software development in this scenario.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
8 Command word: Analyse: examine in detail to show meaning, identify 8
elements and the relationship between them.
Max two from:
Stakeholder/client requirements are gathered at start of development
(Waterfall method) is linear/sequential/each phase follows on
from/succeeds previous
Stages are analysis/requirements, design, development/implementation,
testing, documentation, evaluation, maintenance Allow different names
for same stages MUST HAVE AT LEAST 4 use LNK
Use of Gannt charts to plot/plan/manage development stages
Max six from:
For:
Most problems are detected at the initiation/analysis stages, so the
time/costs of the later stages are reduced
Time is spent on planning/design at start so potential problems are
resolved before the actual programming/development starts
Development is structured/controlled throughout so that
deviations/alteration/amendments are minimised
ensures that the client requirements (set at start) are fully met
allows milestones to be set/used to monitor progress.
Max six from:
Against:
Clients may not know/fully understand their needs/requirements at the
beginning/start of development project
Clients cannot see a functional prototype before/during development so
may not be sure of their exact requirements
it is difficult to deviate/alter/amend them during development (because
requirements are set out at the beginning/start) if the client ask for
amendments/additional features during development.
A company network has a file server and a print server. Employees store their files on the file server and use the print server when they need hard copies of their work.
(a) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the use of a print server on company networks.
…… [8]
(b) The company also has an FTP server. Its web designers use FTP to upload and download files between the FTP server and their workstations.
Evaluate the use of FTP in this scenario.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
9(a) Command word: Discuss: write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a 8
structured way.
Max six from e.g.:
Benefits:
All employees can share all/one of the networked printers
the number of printers can be reduced/no need for each to have
own/dedicated printer
it can update users on the status of their print jobs
makes the maximum use of specialised printers/only one specialised
printer is required for use by many/all employees
reduced maintenance/servicing/reduced cost of maintenance of printers
as there are fewer printers
reduces costs of hardware/consumables to the company
Printers can be installed in dedicated areas/print rooms so maintenance
servicing can be easier/monitored
Print jobs are queued and printed as/when a printer is available so
user/client/device can carry on with other tasks
if one printer is not working/off-line another can be used
Print queues can be managed/monitored so that high priority jobs are
printed first/log jobs printed at quiet times/overnight so maximising
efficiency of workloads/sent to most appropriate
Printing allocations/quotas/policies can be
implemented/enforced/monitored so that costs can be reduced/print jobs
can be authorised/no non-company printing can occur/costs can be
assigned to workers/departments/users can be alerted to
completion/failure of their print job
Document security can be enforced/documents directed to specific
printers/record who has printed the document.
Max six from e.g.:
Drawbacks:
Failure/error in/of a printer server/print queue (e.g. no paper/wrong size
paper) prevents/delays printing/results in loss of print jobs to all
workers/employees/users
Individual (error) messages may not be sent to (individual) users/may not
know there is a printer problem
Administration of the print server must be carried out/assigned to
someone so extra workload/employees are required with increased costs
Queuing/printing of large/slow print jobs in front of employees print job
can reduce productivity of worker/enforce a long wait before printouts
become available
Location of printers on a network may not be close/convenient for worker
so has to walk/move to print room to collect document/wait for it to be
delivered
Sending print job to wrong printer can result in multiple copies being
printed/increased costs
Costs of installing/maintaining a print server may be excessive/too high
for some companies with few employees/workstations
9(a) Confidential documents can appear/be viewed on printers in open access
areas.
Max 6 marks if bullets/list of points.
9(b) Command word: Evaluate judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, 6
or value of something.
Max five from e.g.:
For:
Can transfer large quantities/gigabytes of data/large files at once
ease of use/files can be shared/transferred/sent easily/quickly by
employees
Can transfer multiple directories/multiple files/whole collections of
files/data can be transferred simultaneously reducing the need for
employees to transfer/access separately/ease of use/less employee
interaction/can carry on with other tasks
Interrupted transfers can be resumed so no need to start transfer process
again reducing time spent by employee
Can schedule transfer of files at times that are convenient to employee so
employee can carry on with tasks
All operating systems/laptops can use FTP so employees not restricted to
one type of device/manufacturer/OS
Max five from e.g.:
Against:
Lacks access controls required to monitor/ensure compliance with policie
so file transfer/accesses by employees are difficult to monitor
No default encryption and user IDs/passwords/files so files are vulnerable
during transfer by e.g. man-in-the-middle/ attacks/hackers so data could
be stolen/lost/modified by unauthorised users so is not considered a
secure method of file transfer
Can be vulnerable to cyber-attack because security is weak/can be non-
existent/no encryption exposing company data to unauthorised access
Hard to script jobs/transfers to have precise control over which files/when
transfers are carried out
Employees can accidently delete/remove/update important files on FTP
server so there is less/no control over versions of files
Difficult to configure firewalls to restrict active FTP traffic on client
side/firewalls restrict FTP use of multiple TCP/IP connections so transfer
times are slower in practice
Loss of FTP connection is more frequent than other connections requiring
reconnections so transfer times of files may be lengthy
Has high latency due to connection-orientation which can slow transfers
Does not support date/time stamp attributes so transfers are not dated
resulting in lack of audit trails.
Max 5 marks if bullets/list of points.
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Where can I find the 9626/32 May/June 2024 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Information Technology 9626/32, May/June 2024 (9626_s24_ms_32), and the question paper (9626_s24_qp_32), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
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Information Technology 9626/32 for May/June 2024 is out of 70 marks, with 1 hour 45 minutes to answer it.
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