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IGCSE Computer Science Past Papers & Drilling (Paper 1): Binary, Logic, CPU, Networks
TUTORZONE ORIGINAL DRILLING MOCK · CAMBRIDGE IGCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE (0478) PAPER 1
Written to the Cambridge 0478 syllabus (2026-2028): Paper 1 Computer Systems, 75 marks, 50%, 1 h 45 min (short-answer + structured, Topics 1-6 compulsory, no calculators); Paper 2 Algorithms, Programming and Logic, 75 marks, 50%. This is a Paper 1 drilling mock: 10 questions for 75 marks with answers and techniques.
What is in the IGCSE Computer Science (0478) exam?
Direct answer: two papers: Paper 1 Computer Systems, 75 marks, 50%, 1 h 45 min; Paper 2 Algorithms, Programming and Logic, 75 marks, 50%, 1 h 45 min.
Assessment at a glance (2027)
| Component | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Computer Systems) | Short-answer and structured, 75 marks, Topics 1-6 | 75 marks (50%) | 1 h 45 min |
| Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic) | Short-answer + structured + scenario, 75 marks | 75 marks (50%) | 1 h 45 min |
IGCSE Computer Science drilling technique: 10 questions in 1 h 45 min is about 10 minutes each. Show place values for binary (8+0+2+1); give definitions and examples for concepts (RAM/ROM, LAN/WAN).
How this paper was built
This is a TutorZone original drilling mock: the questions follow the Cambridge 0478 structure (Paper 1 Computer Systems, 75 marks, 50%) and the answers are our own, not Cambridge past papers or marking references.
Numerical answers (binary/hex) were recomputed programmatically.
Pacing
| Section | Marks | Suggested time | What to do first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Computer Systems) | 75 marks (50%) | about 10 min per question | show steps for binary, definitions for concepts |
| Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic) | 75 marks (50%) | write pseudocode for programming | algorithms, flowcharts, logic gates |
What is binary 1011?
Direct answer: 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11.
Paper 1: structured drilling (10 questions, 75 marks)
All compulsory; aim for 95 minutes with 10 to check. Steps for binary, definitions for concepts.
Question 1 (7 marks)
Convert the binary number 1011 to denary.
Question 2 (7 marks)
Convert the hexadecimal number FF to denary.
Question 3 (7 marks)
Add the binary numbers 1011 and 0110, giving the result in binary.
Question 4 (8 marks)
Name the AND, OR and NOT logic gates, giving one output example for each.
Question 5 (8 marks)
Name three components of the CPU and state one function of each.
Question 6 (8 marks)
Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.
Question 7 (8 marks)
State two functions of an operating system.
Question 8 (8 marks)
Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN.
Question 9 (7 marks)
State two network-security measures and explain what each does.
Question 10 (7 marks)
Explain the difference between serial and parallel transmission.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
Direct answer: RAM is volatile (loses data) and read/write; ROM is non-volatile (keeps data) and usually read-only.
Paper 1 answers
Question 1
1011_2 = 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11 (7).
Question 2
FF_16 = 15×16 + 15 = 255 (7).
Question 3
1011 + 0110 = 10001 (7).
Question 4
(1) AND: outputs 1 only when both inputs are 1 (3). (2) OR: outputs 1 when any input is 1 (3). (3) NOT: inverts, 1 becomes 0 (2).
Question 5
(1) ALU – performs arithmetic and logic (3). (2) Control Unit – controls the flow of data and instructions (3). (3) Registers – hold data temporarily (2).
Question 6
RAM is volatile, read/write, and loses data on power-off (4); ROM is non-volatile, usually read-only, and keeps data (4).
Question 7
(1) Manages hardware resources (memory, processor) (4). (2) Provides a user interface and manages files (4).
Question 8
LAN covers a small area (a school) at high speed (4); WAN covers a large area (national/global) at lower speed (4).
Question 9
(1) Firewall – filters traffic in and out (4). (2) Encryption – turns data into ciphertext against eavesdropping (3).
Question 10
Serial: one bit at a time, suited to long distance (4); parallel: several bits at once, faster but prone to interference, for short distance (3).
What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?
Direct answer: a LAN covers a small area (a school) at high speed; a WAN covers a large area (national/global) at lower speed.
Where these marks are usually lost
| Mistake | What it looks like | What it costs | Instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong place values | 1011 as 13 | Place values are 8/4/2/1 | 8+0+2+1 = 11 |
| RAM/ROM mixed | RAM as non-volatile | RAM volatile, ROM non-volatile | RAM volatile, ROM non-volatile |
| Hex error | FF as 165 | F=15, FF=15×16+15 | FF = 255 |
How to use this paper
First drill: the full 1 h 45 min on all 10 questions with no references.
Mark it: check binary steps and concept definitions.
Second drill: redo three to seven days later, aiming to finish inside 1 h 30 min.
What should I do after drilling this paper?
Direct answer: log questions with wrong place values or RAM/ROM confusion; redo in three to seven days; and drill Paper 2 programming.
FAQ
Is this a Cambridge past paper?
No. The questions and answers are TutorZone originals, not Cambridge past papers or marking references.
How many papers does IGCSE Computer Science have?
Two: Paper 1 Computer Systems (75 marks, 50%) and Paper 2 Algorithms, Programming and Logic (75 marks, 50%).
What is binary 1011?
8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11.
Official references
| Resource | What to check |
|---|---|
| Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus (2026-2028) | Confirm the Paper 1/2 marks and times |
| https://www.tutorzone.com.hk/en-igcse-physics-0625-paper-4-mock-2027/ | IGCSE Physics (0625) drilling mock |
Related: practice area · IGCSE Physics Paper 4 drilling mock · IGCSE English 0500 mock
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