PREPARATORY EXAMINATION

GRADE 12

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY P2

SEPTEMBER 2025

MARKS: 150

MARKING GUIDELINES

This marking guideline consists of 16 pages.

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Computer Application Technology P2 2 FS/September 2025
Grade 12 Prep. Exam. Marking Guidelines

SECTION A

QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE ANSWER QUESTIONS

1.1 A 1
1.2 A 1
1.3 C 1
1.4 B 1
1.5 C 1
1.6 D 1
1.7 A 1
1.8 B 1
1.9 A 1
1.10 D 1
[10]

QUESTION 2: MATCHING ITEMS

2.1 R 1
2.2 N 1
2.3 O 1
2.4 J 1
2.5 E 1
2.6 A 1
2.7 L 1
2.8 F 1
2.9 H 1
2.10 M 1
[10]

QUESTION 3: TRUE OR FALSE ITEMS

3.1 TRUE 1
3.2 FALSE, Operating system 1
3.3 FALSE, Conditional formatting 1
3.4 TRUE 1
3.5 TRUE 1
[5]
TOTAL SECTION A: 25

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Computer Application Technology P2 3 FS/September 2025
Grade 12 Prep. Exam. Marking Guidelines

SECTION B

QUESTION 4: SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES

4.1.1 HARDWARE COMPONENT

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)/Quad Core i7
2. RAM (Random Access Memory)/Crucial 8GB DDR4 (2)

4.1.2 Adding extra RAM to a computer improves the overall system

1. Increasing the amount of data that can be processed
simultaneously
2. Reducing the need for the CPU to access the hard disk, which is
slower (2)

4.1.3 TWO reasons why Solid State Drives (SSDs)

1. Faster data access and transfer times
2. Greater durability and resistance to physical shock/more robust
3. Durability and reliability of an SSD
4. SSDs are faster than hard drives
5. Power and Energy Efficient
6. Less weight and no noise/no moving parts
(ANY TWO) (2)

4.1.4 Benefits of purchasing Device A, an 'all-in-one'-device

1. Space-saving design
2. Streamlined appearance
3. Easy to upgrade
4. Convenience of having multiple devices integrated into one
5. Clutter-free
(ANY TWO) (2)

4.2.1 TWO features/functionalities added to a mobile phone

technological convergence
1. Internet connectivity
2. GPS navigation (2)

Note to marker: ANY relevant answer

4.2.2 TWO ways to transfer photos from Device B to a computer

1. Using a USB cable
2. Bluetooth
3. Wi-Fi
4. Cloud service
(ANY TWO) (2)

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4.2.3 Action that can be performed on a 'multi-touch sensing screen'

1. Zooming in or out by pinching or stretching fingers
2. Tap, single finger tap
3. Double-tap
4. Swipe, sliding with one or more finger
5. Pan dragging with two more fingers
6. Rotate, changing the orientation of an object
7. Drag and drop
8. Scrolling
(ANY ONE) (1)

4.2.4 ONE biometric feature of Device B

1. Fingerprint recognition
2. Iris scanner
(ANY ONE) (1)

4.2.5 TWO functions of an operating system

1. Managing hardware resources
2. Providing a platform for running applications
3. Controlling hardware components
4. Provide a platform for software to run on
5. Provide a user interface
6. Managing processes
7. Managing the computer's memory
8. Managing input and output devices
9. Managing applications
10. Managing security
(ANY TWO) (2)

4.2.6 The operating systems used by Device A and Device B

1. macOS (Device A)
2. Android (Device B) (2)

4.3 Convert a word processing document to PDF

1. Save as PDF/Send to PDF
2. Export to PDF
3. Print to PDF
4. Use converter software
5. Print on paper and scan to PDF/Fax to Email
(ANY TWO) (2)

4.4 Gamers prefer 64-bit operating systems

1. Handle larger amounts of RAM, improving performance
2. Run more complex and resource-intensive games (2)

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4.5 The device is 'hot-swappable'

1. Connected or disconnected from a computer without shutting
down the system
2. Replaced or upgraded without restarting the computer
(ANY ONE) (1)

4.6 TWO reasons why a laptop is better than a tablet

1. Longer battery life
2. Bigger screen
3. More applications/functionality
4. More memory
(ANY TWO) (2)
[25]

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Computer Application Technology P2 6 FS/September 2025
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QUESTION 5: INTERNET AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

5.1.1 The difference between a LAN and a WAN and an example of

WAN.
 The main difference between a LAN and a WAN is that a LAN is a
local area network, connecting devices in a limited geographical
area, while a WAN is a wide area network, connecting devices
over a larger geographical area. 

An example of a WAN is the Internet  (2)

5.1.2 Additional hardware will each PC need to be able to connect

Network Interface Card (NIC) (1)

5.1.3 Define the concept grid computing.

Many computers on a network combine resources  to complete a
single task  (2)

5.1.4 Name TWO aspects that may differ from computers connected to
a network.
1. Sharing of hardware
2. Sharing of files
3. Shared Drive, example X
4. Ability to communicate and collaborate in real-time
(ANY TWO) (2)

5.2 TWO advantages of using a VPN

1. Secure connection to a network/internet/application
2. Can virtually change your geographic location
3. Provides privacy by masking your IP address
4. Provide simultaneous access to multiple users and remote users
(ANY TWO) (2)

5.3 ISP (Internet Service Provider)

An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company that provides
access to the Internet (2)

5.4 Difference between router and modem

1. A router is a device that connects to other networks wirelessly or
through cables
2. A modem is a hardware device that allows a computer to send
and receive data over a telephone line, cable or satellite (2)

5.5 Briefly explain telecommuting

Telecommuting is a work arrangement in which employees work
outside of the office often from home or a location close to home (2)
[15]

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QUESTION 6: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

6.1.1 TWO ways to narrow down information
1. Use specific term
2. Use quotation marks for an exact phrase
3. Don't use common words and punctuation
4. Search for only images or videos
(ANY TWO) (2)
6.1.2 TWO examples of search engines
1. Google
2. Microsoft Bing
3. Yahoo!
4. Yandex
5. DuckDuckGo
6. Baidu
7. Ask.com
8. Naver
(Note to marker, ANY relevant search engine)
(ANY TWO) (2)
6.2.1 Plagiarism and copyright
Plagiarism: Use someone else's work as your own without
acknowledging the source 
Copyright: Is a form of intellectual property protection that grants
exclusive rights to the creator of an original work
(Literacy works, musical composition, etc.)  (2)

6.2.2 List TWO ways to avoid being guilty of plagiarism

1. Don't just copy (in your writing describe other people's ideas or
results)
2. Use a range of sources
3. Develop your own style
4. Keep good quality notes
5. Use quotation marks (2)

6.3 A wiki cannot be considered a reliable source

1. Anyone can edit and modify content
2. Lack of expertise or credibility of contributors (2)
[10]

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QUESTION 7: SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

7.1.1 Concept BYOD

A policy/trend where people are allowed to bring their own computing
device (laptop, phone or tablet) to school/work  and connect to (use)
the school/company's internet.  (2)
7.1.2 TWO guidelines that must be found in the BYOD policy
(1) Install an antivirus program
(2) Use legal/approved software
(3) Do not store sensitive/personal information
(4) School has the right to install software on your device
(5) Limitation placed on data usage
(6) Prescribe times for network connection/device usage
(7) School information should be encrypted
(8) Limitation on using social media/software/school resources
(9) Conform to required hardware specifications
(10) Ensure devices are fully functional
(11)The School does not accept liability for loss or theft
(12) School reserves the right to disconnect/disable devices
(ANY TWO) (2)

7.2 Ransomware  (1)

7.3 TWO measures to prevent hackers from accessing a PC
(1) Use a firewall
(2) Use (strong) passwords/Use a password manager
(3) Never share passwords/personal details with others
(4) Use biometric security
(5) Run regular updates to fix software vulnerabilities
(6) Use Antivirus program
(ANY TWO) (2)

7.4 Responsible for accidents of self-driving cars

Responsible and Motivation 
Etc. Manufacturers – they must make sure the vehicle does not
malfunction.
NOTE to MARKER: Accept any answer with valid motivation (2)

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7.5 ONE disadvantage of crowdfunding for the investor

(1) The project that you contributed towards might never be
completed
(2) Product/Business may not return a profit
(3) Investors could be scammed (1)
(ANY ONE)
[10]

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QUESTION 8: SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT

8.1 Difference between COUNTIF and COUNTA

COUNTIF counts cells that meet a specific condition,  while

COUNTA counts all cells that contain any value (numbers, text,
etc.).  (2)
8.2 TEXT WRAPPING
Text wrapping means that the text in a cell wraps to the next line
when it reaches the edge of the cell, rather than continuing on the
same line. (1)

8.3.1 ######
###### indicates that the column is too narrow to display the data. (1)

8.3.2 #REF!
#REF! indicates that the reference to a cell or range is invalid. (1)

8.3.3 #VALUE
#VALUE indicates that the formula has an invalid argument or
syntax. (1)

8.3.4 #NAME?
#NAME? indicates that the name referenced in the formula is not
recognised. (1)

8.4.1 Why zero disappears

The zero disappears because the contact number is being stored
as a number, and leading zeros are not significant in numerical
values. (1)

8.4.2 Formatting of the Guest field to capital letters

1. > (1)

8.4.3 Difference between a field and a record

The field is a single column in a database

Record is a single row in a table containing data for multiple

fields (2)
8.5 HTML
8.5.1 <img src=”6-1Plastic.png” height=”200” width=”300”/> (1)
8.5.2 <i>Cleaning up the ocean</i> (1)
8.5.3 <a href =“ 6_Clean.html”>Home Page</a> (1)
8.5.4 <li>Lead</li> (1)
[15]

TOTAL SECTION B: 75

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Computer Application Technology P2 11 FS/September 2025
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SECTION C

QUESTION 9: INTEGRATED SCENARIO

9.1 Distributing newsletter electronically

1. Share it via Dropbox/Google Drive
2. Use Files Transfer Protocol
3. Compress pictures/zip file
4. Save as PDF (for compression)
(ANY TWO) (2)

9.2.1 Benefits of a proxy server

1. Can speed up Internet access/Cached web pages
2. Can be used to mask your IP address/Can 'surf' anonymously
3. Can be used to monitor/restrict/control access to websites
4. Control the website that may be visited
(ANY TWO) (2)

9.2.2 Device for more even Wi-Fi distribution

Repeater 
(Also accept Access Point) (1)

9.3 Back-up data stored in another place

1. Backup to a cloud service
2. Backup to an external storage that can be moved (2)

9.4 Aim of the Beta version

The aim of a Beta version is when the software is in its final stages
and being tested by the public  to sort out the last bugs that occur
before the final software is released. 

Why be careful when using it

1. There may still be bugs in the software important data can be
lost. 
2. The software can crash, and the software must be reloaded. 
(ANY ONE) (3)

9.5.1 What is a drone

1. An unmanned aircraft
2. A drone is a flying robot that can remotely be controlled or fly
autonomously through software-controlled flight plans and GPS (2)

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9.5.2 Why is using drones a good idea?

1. A drone can quickly fly over, detect threats and provide areal
images and real-time footage
2. This allows security staff to assess the level of danger and
identify appropriate responses (1)

9.5.3 Name TWO limitations of drones

1. Battery life. The battery life limits the flying time of a drone, it
sometimes needs multiple batteries to extend flying time
2. Weather changes, in an area can affect the use of drones
3. Use of drones may be limited by air space laws/rules
4. Some drones require specific licencing
(ANY TWO) (2)

9.6.1 What type of technology is ChatGPT?

Artificial intelligence (AI) (1)

9.6.2 Do you think it is ethical to use ChatGPT?

Yes/No

Any reasonable answer. (Following is a guideline)

1. Transparency: Be open to using AI-generated content
2. Intellectual property: respect original creators and adhere to
copyright laws
3. Misinformation: Avoid spreading false information or use AI to
create deceptive content
4. Bias and Fairness: Recognise potential biases in AI outputs
and strive for fairness
5. Privacy: Protect user data and maintain confidentiality
(ANY ONE REASON) (2)

9.7 What is a template?

A template is a document  which has pre-set formatting and
layout.  (2)

9.8.1 The general purpose of an import function

To insert/convert data produced in another application into another
program  (1)

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9.8.2 What is a wizard?

A wizard is a program/software/set of dialogues that guides/helps the
user to complete a task  by taking them through a sequence of
steps/presenting them with various options to complete the steps. 
(ANY ONE) (1)

9.9.1 Is DOB not suitable for PK?

Duplicate values are likely (1)

9.9.2 Database feature leaves field blank

Validation rule/required field (1)

9.9.3 Better to use a date picker

Fewer mistakes/enter in the correct format/faster data entry (1)
[25]

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QUESTION 10: INTEGRATED SCENARIO

10.1.1 Explained SD card

A microSD card is a small memory card used to store data in 
devices like smartphones, cameras, and computers  (2)

10.1.2 Differentiate between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies

 Wi-Fi technology connects devices to a network over a
wireless connection,
 while Bluetooth technology connects devices for file transfer or
device control. (2)

10.2 State TWO limitations of Wi-Fi

1. Slower than wired networks
2. Security concerns, as Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to
hacking
3. Interference from other devices or networks, which can affect
connectivity
4. Bad signal strength
(ANY TWO) (2)

10.3 TWO possible problems that could be experienced when

using VoIP.
1. Need an active internet connection
2. Poor audio or video quality due to internet connection issues
3. Delays or lag in communication due to latency
(ANY TWO) (2)

10.4 Purpose of a digital signature

The purpose of a digital signature is to authenticate the sender of a
message and ensure its integrity. (1)

10.5.1 State TWO precautions to prevent identity theft

1. Using a secure connection (HTTPS)
2. Avoiding sharing personal information on public computers or
networks (2)

10.5.2 Purpose of the asterisk character ('*')

The asterisk character ('*') next to most labels indicates that those
fields are required. (1)

10.5.3 Ways that could be used to ensure that input for the gender is
valid.
1. Using a dropdown menu with pre-defined options
2. Using radio buttons for male/female options (2)

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10.5.4 TWO ways to ensure that a password is strong

1. Using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters,
numbers, and special characters
2. Ensuring the password is at least 12 characters long
3. Avoid using familiar names or common words
4. Should not be easy to guess
5. Do not include personal information (birth dates, names or
addresses)
6. Use unique passwords for different accounts, reusing
passwords will put you at risk
7. Your new password should be significantly different from your
previous passwords
8. Change the password regularly
(ANY TWO) (2)

10.6.1 What is a hotspot?

A hotspot is a physical location where devices can connect to the
internet using Wi-Fi. (1)

10.6.2 TWO advantages of the use of a cloud service to store and

sync files.
1. Access to files from anywhere, on any device
2. Automatic backup and syncing of files
3. Synchronise devices
(ANY TWO) (2)

10.6.3 Difference between cloud backup services and cloud syncing

services
Cloud backup services store copies of files in case of data loss,
while cloud syncing services keep files up-to-date across devices. (2)

10.6.4 Explain the term streaming

Streaming refers to the real-time transmission of audio or video
content over the Internet. (2)

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10.7 TWO skills that a web designer must have to create a website
1. HTML/CSS coding skills
2. Design and layout skills (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite)
3. Familiar with Front-end Frameworks
4. Ability to work in teams and organisational skills
5. Time management
6. Attention to detail and problem-solving
7. Knowledge of web security
(ANY TWO) (2)
(NOTE TO MARKER: relevant skills that were verified can be
accepted)
[25]

TOTAL SECTION C: 50
GRAND TOTAL: 150

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