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AP Computer Science Principles Past Papers & Drilling: Internet, Compression, Algorithms
TUTORZONE ORIGINAL DRILLING MOCK · AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Written to the College Board exam format: end-of-course exam, 70 multiple choice, 120 min, 70% (57 single, 5 reading, 8 multi); Create performance task, 30% (code, video, 2 written responses). This drilling mock demonstrates 4 written-response questions (internet, compression, algorithms, encryption) with answers and techniques.
What is in the AP Computer Science Principles exam?
Direct answer: end-of-course exam with 70 multiple choice, 120 min, 70%; Create performance task, 30%.
Assessment at a glance (2027)
| Component | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-of-course exam (Multiple Choice) | 70: 57 single, 5 reading, 8 multi-select | 70% | 120 min |
| Create performance task | code + video + 2 written responses | 30% | 9 hours in-class |
AP CSP drilling technique: written responses need a definition plus an example (packets + routing, lossless + lossy). 70 multiple choice in 120 min is about 1 min 40 s each.
How this paper was built
This is a TutorZone original drilling mock: the questions follow the College Board AP Computer Science Principles format and the answers are our own, not College Board past papers or marking references.
Pacing
| Section | Marks | Suggested time | What to do first |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-of-course exam (Multiple Choice) | 70% | about 1 min 40 s per question | eliminate clearly wrong options |
| Create performance task | 30% | full explanations in written responses | design, function, abstraction, algorithm |
How does the internet transmit data?
Direct answer: data is split into packets, routed independently, and reassembled in order at the destination.
Written-response drilling (4 demonstrated)
Demonstrates internet, lossless/lossy compression, algorithm efficiency and encryption.
Question 1 (10 marks)
Explain how the internet transmits data, mentioning packets and routing.
Question 2 (10 marks)
Explain the difference between lossless and lossy compression, with an example of each.
Question 3 (10 marks)
Explain what algorithm efficiency means and why it matters.
Question 4 (10 marks)
Explain how encryption protects data in transit.
Lossless vs lossy compression?
Direct answer: lossless restores the exact original (PNG, ZIP); lossy drops data for smaller files (JPEG, MP3).
Answers and marks per question
Question 1
Data is split into packets, each routed independently by routers (5); they are reassembled in order at the destination (5).
Question 2
Lossless restores the exact original, e.g. PNG, ZIP (5); lossy drops some data for smaller files, e.g. JPEG, MP3 (5).
Question 3
Efficiency is the time and resources an algorithm needs (5); on large data, an inefficient algorithm is too slow to be useful (5).
Question 4
Encryption turns plaintext into ciphertext that only a key holder can decrypt (6); an interceptor cannot read it (4).
How does encryption protect data?
Direct answer: encryption turns plaintext into ciphertext that only a key holder can decrypt; an interceptor cannot read it.
Where these marks are usually lost
| Mistake | What it looks like | What it costs | Instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missing reassembly | Packets but no reassembly | Packets are reassembled in order | packets + routing + reassembly |
| Compression mixed | JPEG as lossless | JPEG lossy, PNG lossless | JPEG=lossy, PNG=lossless |
| Encryption purpose | Encryption prevents deletion | Encryption protects confidentiality | Encryption = ciphertext against eavesdropping |
How to use this paper
First drill: all 4 questions with no references.
Mark it: check each definition has an example.
Second drill: redo three to seven days later, aiming for a faster finish.
What should I do after drilling this paper?
Direct answer: log questions missing definitions or examples; redo in three to seven days; and drill the multiple choice.
FAQ
Is this a College Board past paper?
No. The questions and answers are TutorZone originals, not College Board past papers or marking references.
What does AP Computer Science Principles test?
An end-of-course exam with 70 multiple choice (120 min, 70%) plus a Create performance task (30%).
Lossless vs lossy compression?
Lossless restores the exact original (PNG); lossy drops data for smaller files (JPEG).
Official references
| Resource | What to check |
|---|---|
| College Board AP Computer Science Principles exam page | Confirm the format and question counts |
| https://www.tutorzone.com.hk/en-ap-computer-science-a-mock-2027/ | AP Computer Science A drilling mock |
Related: practice area · AP Computer Science A drilling mock
Next step: find a tutor / register as a tutor
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