Cambridge 9618 Computer Science

Questions and Mark Scheme Keywords

Compiled from provided Question Papers and Mark Schemes

 Question Papers
This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
[Turn overCambridge International AS & A Level
DC (KN/CT) 313485/2
© UCLES 2023
*5648189233*
COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/13
Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
1 hour 30 minutes
You must answer on the question paper.
No additional materials are needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
● Calculators must not be used in this paper.
INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 75.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
● No marks will be awarded for using brand names of software packages or hardware.
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1 (a) Write the logic expression for this truth table:
ABCX
0001
0011
0100
0110
1001
1011
1100
1110
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Complete the truth table for this logic circuit:
A
BX
C
A B CWorking spaceX
000
001
010
011
100
101
110
111
[2]
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2 A university has two sites. Each site has several computer rooms. The computers are all connected
as a WAN (wide area network).
(a) Identify two differences between a WAN and a LAN (local area network).
1 ................................................................................................................................................
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2 ................................................................................................................................................
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[2]
(b) The network uses different topologies in different areas of the sites. In one building there are
five computers connected in a mesh topology.
(i) Describe what is meant by a mesh topology.
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(ii) Give two advantages of using a mesh topology instead of a bus topology.
1 ........................................................................................................................................
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[2]
(c) The computers in one room are set up as thin-clients in a client-server model.
Describe the role of the different computers in this model.
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(d) Students can connect their devices to the university network using cables or a wireless
connection.
Explain the benefits to the students of allowing them to use both wired and wireless
connections.
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(e) One site has split the network into several subnetworks.
An IP address in a subnetwork is divided into two parts.
Identify and describe the two parts of an IP address in a subnetwork.
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3 A mobile telephone is used to record a video.
(a) The mobile telephone has a touchscreen. There are different types of touchscreen.
Complete the description of the principal operation of touchscreens.
A .............................................................. touchscreen has two layers. When the user touches
the screen, the layers touch and a .............................................................. is completed.
A .............................................................. touchscreen has several layers. When the top layer
is touched, there is a .............................................................. in the electric current.
A microprocessor identifies the .............................................................. of the touch.
[5]
(b) The mobile telephone uses a built-in digital camera to record the video.
The digital camera automatically focuses on the faces of people.
Explain how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used by the camera to automatically focus on the
faces of people.
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(c) The video includes a sound recording.
(i) Describe how sound is represented in a computer.
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(ii) A second video is recorded. The sound in the second video needs to be more precise.
Explain the reasons why increasing the sampling rate and the sampling resolution will
improve the precision of the second recording.
Sampling rate ....................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
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...........................................................................................................................................
Sampling resolution ...........................................................................................................
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[4]
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4 A shop rents cars to customers. The shop uses a relational database to store information about
the rentals.
(a) Describe two ways in which a relational database addresses the limitations of a file-based
approach.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
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2 ................................................................................................................................................
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[4]
(b) Complete the table by writing the missing term or description for each database feature.
Term Description
........................................
........................................An object that data is stored about.
Tuple..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
Secondary key..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
........................................
........................................A field in one table that is linked to a primary key in another
table.
[4]
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(c) The car rental database is not normalised. The current database design is:
BOOKING(CarRegistration, StartDate, EndDate,
CarModel, CarColour, CustomerFirstName)
CUSTOMER(CustomerFirstName, CustomerLastName, EmailAddress,
TelephoneNumber)
Write a normalised database design for this database.
All tables must be in Third Normal Form (3NF).
Use the field names given and underline the primary key fields.
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(d) The data is validated and verified when it is entered into the database.
(i) The car registration number must be: 1 letter, followed by 3 numbers, followed by 2
letters.
For example, A123AA is valid but A12AA is invalid.
One way that a registration number can be validated is by using a presence check to
make sure the registration number has been entered.
Describe two other ways that the car registration number can be validated.
1 ........................................................................................................................................
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2 ........................................................................................................................................
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[2]
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(ii) Describe two ways that the car registration number can be verified when it is entered
into the database.
1 ........................................................................................................................................
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2 ........................................................................................................................................
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[2]
(iii) State why the car registration number might be incorrect even after it has been validated
and verified.
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
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5 A programmer is developing a computer game in a high-level language to sell to the public.
(a) The programmer uses both an interpreter and a compiler at different stages of the development
of the program.
(i) Explain the reasons why the programmer uses an interpreter while writing the program
code.
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(ii) Explain the reasons why the programmer uses a compiler when the program has been
written.
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(b) The programmer needs to publish the game under a software licence so that it can be sold to
the public.
Identify the most appropriate type of software licence for the game and justify your choice.
Licence .....................................................................................................................................
Justification ...............................................................................................................................
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[4]
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6 Data needs to be kept secure when stored on a computer and during transmission over a network.
(a) Explain how a digital signature is used to authenticate a digital document during transmission
over a network.
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(b) Complete the table by identifying and describing two types of software that can be installed
on a computer to prevent threats over a network.
Type of software Description
………………………..
………………………..........................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
………………………..
………………………..........................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
[2]
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7 A computer stores data in binary form.
(a) Draw one line from each description to its matching denary value.
Description Denary value
The smallest integer that can be
represented in 8-bit two’s complement.
The largest integer that can be
represented in 8-bit two’s complement.
The largest unsigned integer that can be
represented in 8 bits.127
−255
−128
−256
256
128
255−127
[3]
(b) The computer has a Control Unit (CU), system clock and control bus.
Explain how the CU, system clock and control bus operate to transfer data between the
components of the computer system.
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(c) Complete the table by writing the register transfer notation for each stage of the
Fetch-Execute (F-E) cycle given in the table.
Stage description Register transfer notation
The Program Counter (PC) is incremented.......................................................................
The data in the address stored in the
Memory Address Register (MAR) is copied
to the Memory Data Register (MDR).......................................................................
[2]
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Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included ha
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledg
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assess
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.BLANK
This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
[Turn overCambridge International AS & A Level
*3355746943*
COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/12
Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
1 hour 30 minutes
You must answer on the question paper.
No additional materials are needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
● Calculators must not be used in this paper.
INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 75.
 ● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
● No marks will be awarded for using brand names of software packages or hardware.
DC (RW/SG) 313483/1
© UCLES 2023
2
9618/12/ M/J/23 © UCLES 2023
1 A company has a LAN (local area network).
(a) Give two benefits of connecting computers to a LAN.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
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2 ................................................................................................................................................
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[2]
(b) Give two characteristics of a LAN.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
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2 ................................................................................................................................................
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[2]
(c) One of the company’s offices has one server and four computers connected in a star topology.
Draw a diagram to show the layout of the office’s star topology.
[2]
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(d) Computers can be connected using Ethernet.
Describe what is meant by Ethernet .
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(e) The network runs as a thick■client model.
Describe what is meant by a thick■client model.
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2 A horse riding school uses a database, Lessons , to store data about lesson bookings.
This database is created and managed using a Database Management System (DBMS).
(a) The table contains names and descriptions of DBMS features and tools.
Complete the table by writing down the missing names and descriptions.
Name Description
Data dictionary..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
Query processor..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
.........................................
.........................................A model of a database that is not specific to one DBMS.
.........................................
.........................................A software tool that allows the user to create items such as
tables, forms and reports.
 [4]
(b) Explain the reasons why referential integrity is important in a database.
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(c) The database Lessons has the following tables:
HORSE(HorseID, Name, Height, Age, HorseLevel)
STUDENT( StudentID , FirstName, LastName, RiderLevel, PreferredHorseID)
LESSON(LessonID , Date, Time, StudentID, HorseID, LessonContent)
Dates in this database are stored in the format #DD/MM/YYYY# .
The fields RiderLevel and HorseLevel can only have the values: Beginner ,
Intermediate or Advanced .
(i) Describe two methods of validating the field RiderLevel .
1 ........................................................................................................................................
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2 ........................................................................................................................................
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[2]
(ii) Write a Structured Query Language (SQL) script to return the names of all the horses
that have the horse level intermediate or beginner.
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(iii) The following SQL script should return the number of riders that have the rider level
beginner and have a lesson booked on 09/09/2023.
SELECT SUM(STUDENT.RiderLevel) AS NumberOfRiders
FROM STUDENT, LESSON
WHERE StudentID = StudentID
OR Date = #09/09/2023#
AND STUDENT.RiderLevel = Beginner;
There are four errors in the script.
Identify and correct each error.
1 ........................................................................................................................................
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2 ........................................................................................................................................
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4 ........................................................................................................................................
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[4]
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3 A program is written in assembly language.
(a) The program is converted into machine code by a two■pass assembler.
 Draw one or more lines to identify the pass or passes in which each action takes place.
first
secondPass
reads the source code one line at a timegenerates object code
removes white space
adds labels to the symbol tableAction
[3]
(b) Assembly language statements can use different modes of addressing.
Complete the following description of addressing modes.
............................................ addressing is when the operand holds the memory address of
the data.
............................................ addressing is when the operand holds a memory address that
stores the memory address of the data.
............................................ addressing is when the operand is the data.
[3]
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4 Data in a computer is stored in binary form.
(a) State the number of unique binary values that can be represented in 16 bits.
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Give the 8■bit one’s complement representation of the denary number −120.
Show your working.
Working .....................................................................................................................................
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Answer ......................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) Convert the hexadecimal number A04 into denary.
Show your working.
Working .....................................................................................................................................
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Answer ......................................................................................................................................
[2]
(d) Show the result of a 2■place left logical shift on the binary number:
01001111
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
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5 A student has purchased a new laptop.
(a) The laptop is designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system.
Identify two types of signal that a control bus can transfer.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Describe two ways the hardware of a laptop can be upgraded to improve the performance
and explain how each upgrade improves the performance.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
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(c) Peripherals are connected to the laptop using ports.
(i) A printer is connected to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.
Describe how data is transmitted through a USB port.
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(ii) A monitor is connected to the laptop using a different type of port.
Identify one other type of port that can be used to connect the monitor.
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(d) The laptop has systems software.
(i) Describe how the Operating System (OS) manages processes in the computer.
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(ii) Describe the purpose of utility software in a computer.
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6 (a) Draw the logic circuit for this logic expression:
Z = (R XOR S) AND (NOT T NOR P)
R
ZS
T
P
[2]
(b) Complete the truth table for this logic expression:
Z = (NOT P OR Q) XOR ( R NOR Q)
P Q RWorking space
Z
000
001
010
011
100
101
110
111
[2]
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7 A software developer is working in a team writing a program for a client.
(a) The developer is writing a new program library to be used by the other team members.
(i) Define the term program library .
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(ii) Explain two benefits to the developer of choosing to create a Dynamic Link Library (DLL).
1 ........................................................................................................................................
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2 ........................................................................................................................................
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[4]
(b) The development team needs to use a translator whilst writing the program for the client.
Identify whether an interpreter or a compiler would be more appropriate at this stage of the
program development.
Justify your choice.
Translator ..................................................................................................................................
Justification ...............................................................................................................................
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(c) The development team uses an Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Complete the table by describing the typical features found in an IDE.
Feature Description
Breakpoints.................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
.................................................................................................
Dynamic syntax checks.................................................................................................
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Context■sensitive prompts.................................................................................................
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Single stepping.................................................................................................
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[4]
(d) One section of the program being developed will convert user’s speech into commands.
Explain how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used in this program.
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Permission to reproduce items where third■party owned material protected by copyright is included ha
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer■related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledg
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assess
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.BLANK
This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
[Turn overCambridge International AS & A Level
*4158944315*
DC (PQ/CGW) 301925/5
© UCLES 2022COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/13
Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
1 hour 30 minutes
You must answer on the question paper.
No additional materials are needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
● Calculators must not be used in this paper.
INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 75.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
● No marks will be awarded for using brand names of software packages or hardware.
2
9618/13/ M/J/22 © UCLES 2022
1 Text and numbers are examples of data stored in a computer.
(a) A character set is used to represent characters in a computer.
(i) Describe what is meant by a character set .
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(ii) Identify two character sets and state one difference between them.
Character set 1 ..................................................................................................................
Character set 2 ..................................................................................................................
Difference ..........................................................................................................................
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[3]
(iii) Describe how lossless compression can be used to reduce the file size of a text file.
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(iv) Explain why lossy compression should not be used on a text file.
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(b) A computer can represent numerical data in different forms.
Complete the table by writing the answer to each statement.
Statement Answer
The hexadecimal value 11 represented in denary
The smallest denary number that can be represented
by an unsigned 8-bit binary integer
The denary number 87 represented in Binary Coded
Decimal (BCD)
The denary number 240 represented in hexadecimal
The denary number –20 represented in 8-bit two’s
complement binary
[5]
Working space
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2 (a) The Fetch-Execute (F-E) cycle is represented in register transfer notation.
Describe each of the given steps.
Step Description
PC [PC] + 1......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
MDR [[MAR]]......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
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MAR [PC]......................................................................................................
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[3]
(b) Explain how interrupts are handled during the F-E cycle.
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3 (a) The table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has one general
purpose register, the Accumulator (ACC).
Instruction
Explanation
Opcode Operand
LDM#n Immediate addressing. Load the number n to ACC
LDD<address>Direct addressing. Load the contents of the location at the
given address to ACC
LDI<address> Indirect addressing. The address to be used is at the given
address. Load the contents of this second address to ACC
<address> can be an absolute or symbolic address
# denotes a denary number, e.g. #123
The current contents of main memory are:
Address
100101
10167
102104
103100
10468
Complete the table by writing the value stored in the accumulator after the execution of each
instruction.
Instruction Accumulator
LDM #103
LDD 102
LDI 103
[3]
7
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(b) The instructions in part (a) are examples of the data movement group.
Describe two other instruction groups.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[4]
8
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(c) The table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has one general
purpose register, the Accumulator (ACC).
Instruction
Explanation
Opcode Operand
ANDBn Bitwise AND operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
XORBn Bitwise XOR operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
ORBn Bitwise OR operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
B denotes a binary number, e.g. B01001010
The binary value 00111101 is stored in the memory address 200.
Each instruction in the diagram is performed on the data in memory address 200.
Draw one line from each instruction to its correct result.
Instruction Result
 XOR B11110000
OR B01010101
AND B1111111101111101
00111101
11111111
11000010
11001101
[3]
9
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4 A computer has system software including an operating system.
(a) Describe the key management tasks of an operating system.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [4]
(b) Utility software is a type of system software.
(i) Describe the purpose of back-up software and defragmentation software.
Back-up software ..............................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Defragmentation software .................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[4]
(ii) Give one other example of utility software.
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
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5 A company wants to store data about its employees in a computer system. The owner of the
company wants to ensure the security and integrity of the data.
(a) (i) State why data needs to be kept secure.
...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) One way the data stored in a computer can be kept secure is by using back-up software.
Give two other ways the data stored in a computer can be kept secure.
1 ........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) The data about the employees is currently stored on paper. The data needs to be transferred
into the computer system.
Data validation and verification are used to help maintain the integrity of the data.
(i) Identify and describe one method of data verification that can be used when transferring
the data from paper to the computer.
Method ..............................................................................................................................
Description ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
 ...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) The company needs to transfer the date of birth of each employee into the computer
system.
Give one example of how each of the following data validation rules can be used to
validate the date of birth when it is entered into the system.
Range check .....................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Presence check .................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Length check .....................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[3]
11
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(iii) Explain why the data in the system may not be correct even after validating and verifying
the data.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
12
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6 A relational database, TECHNOLOGY , stores data about the staff in a company and the computer
devices used by the staff.
The database has the following tables:
STAFF(StaffID, FirstName, LastName, DateOfBirth, JobTitle)
DEVICE(DeviceID , Type, DatePurchased, StaffID)
(a) Describe the relationship between the two tables. Refer to the primary and foreign keys in
your answer.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [4]
(b) The database uses a Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language
(DML).
(i) Complete the SQL script to return the number of devices stored in the database for the
staff member with the first name ‘Ali’ and last name ‘Khan’.
SELECT .............................................................. (STAFF.StaffID)
FROM ..............................................................
INNER JOIN DEVICE
.............................................................. STAFF.StaffID = DEVICE.StaffID
WHERE STAFF.FirstName = 'Ali'
.............................................................. STAFF.LastName = 'Khan';
[4]

13
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(ii) The table DEVICE needs a new attribute to store whether the device has been returned
by the staff member, or not.
Write a Structured Query Language (SQL) script to insert the new attribute into the table
DEVICE .
...........................................................................................................................................
 ...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) The database is in Third Normal Form (3NF).
Complete the table by describing the three normal forms.
Normal Form Description
First Normal Form (1NF)...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
Second Normal Form (2NF)...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
Third Normal Form (3NF)...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
...............................................................................................
[3]
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7 (a) Write the logic expression for the following logic circuit.
A
BX
C
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [3]
(b) Complete the truth table for the following logic expression:
X = (A NAND B) OR ( A AND NOT C)
A B CWorking spaceX
000
001
010
011
100
101
110
111
[2]
15
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8 A company uses cloud computing.
(a) Define cloud computing.
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) State what is meant by a public cloud and a private cloud.
Public cloud ..............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Private cloud .............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) Give two benefits and one drawback of using cloud computing.
Benefit 1 .................................................................................................................................. .
...................................................................................................................................................
Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Drawback ..................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[3]
16
9618/13/ M/J/22 © UCLES 2022
Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included ha
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledg
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assess
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.BLANK
This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
[Turn overCambridge International AS & A Level
DC (KN) 301924/3
© UCLES 2022
*4708712398*
COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/12
Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
1 hour 30 minutes
You must answer on the question paper.
No additional materials are needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
● Calculators must not be used in this paper.
INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 75.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
● No marks will be awarded for using brand names of software packages or hardware.
2
9618/12/ M/J/22 © UCLES 2022
1 (a) Draw one line from each image representation term to its correct definition.
Term Definition
Pixel
Bit depth
Image resolution
File headerThe number of pixels wide by the number of
pixels high
The smallest identifiable component of an
image
Stores data about the image file, e.g. file
format, number of bits per pixel, file size
The number of bits used to represent each
colour
[3]
(b) The following section of a bitmap image is 10 pixels wide and 5 pixels high. In this example,
each colour is represented by a letter, e.g. B is blue.
BBBBBBBBBB
YYPYYYPYYY
RRMRPKTTRR
BOPYYYPGPP
RORPPPRRRR
The complete image can have up to 256 colours.
(i) Identify the smallest number of bits that can be used to represent each colour in the
complete bitmap image.
 ..................................................................................................................................... [1]
3
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(ii) Calculate an estimate for the file size of the section of the bitmap image shown, giving
your answer in bytes. Use your answer from part (b)(i) .
Show your working.
Working .............................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Answer ................................... bytes
[2]
(c) Describe how changing the colour depth of an image affects its file size.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(d) The first row of pixels in the image from part (b) is shown:
BBBBBBBBBB
Explain how this row of pixels can be compressed using lossless compression.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
4
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2 A car has several features.
(a) One feature is a lane detection system. This system monitors the lines on either side of the
lane. If the car gets too close to one line, the system automatically moves the car away from
the line.
Explain why the lane detection system is an example of an embedded system.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) Two other features:
• record the number of miles travelled in the current journey, from when the engine is
turned on to when it is turned off
• record the total number of miles the car has travelled since it was built.
Identify the data that will be stored in the primary and secondary storage of the car for these
two features.
Primary .....................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Secondary ................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) The car has a resistive touchscreen for the user to select options.
Tick (3) one box in each row to show whether each statement about a resistive touchscreen
is true or false.
Statement True False
The screen always has five different layers
A processor determines the horizontal and
vertical coordinates of the point of contact
The touchscreen will work if any object
touches the screen
[1]
5
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3 The table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has one general purpose
register, the Accumulator (ACC).
Instruction
Explanation
Opcode Operand
AND#n Bitwise AND operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
AND<address>Bitwise AND operation of the contents of ACC with the contents
of <address>
XOR#n Bitwise XOR operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
XOR<address>Bitwise XOR operation of the contents of ACC with the contents
of <address>
OR#n Bitwise OR operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
OR<address>Bitwise OR operation of the contents of ACC with the contents of
<address>
<address> can be an absolute or a symbolic address
# denotes a denary number, e.g. #123
(a) The ACC currently contains the following positive binary integer:
01100101
Write the bit manipulation instruction that would change the binary integer in ACC to:
11111111
Opcode ..................................................... Operand .....................................................
[2]
(b) The ACC currently contains the following positive binary integer:
01100101
Write the bit manipulation instruction that would change the binary integer in ACC to:
10011010
Opcode ..................................................... Operand .....................................................
[2]
6
9618/12/ M/J/22 © UCLES 2022
(c) Convert the following positive binary integer into hexadecimal.
01111110
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(d) A three-place logical shift to the left is performed on the following positive binary integer.
Show the result of this logical shift.
01111110
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(e) Convert the denary numbers 127 and 12 to 8-bit binary and then perform the subtraction
12 − 127 in binary.
Show your working.
127 in binary .............................................................................................................................
12 in binary ...............................................................................................................................
12 − 127 in binary .....................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[3]
7
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4 A school stores personal data about its staff and students on its computer system.
(a) Explain why the school needs to keep both its data and its computer system secure from
unauthorised access.
Data ..........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Computer system .....................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) Complete the table by identifying two security threats to the data on a computer.
Describe each threat.
 Give a different prevention method for each threat.
Threat DescriptionPrevention
method
..........................
............................................................................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
............................................................................................................
..........................
..........................
............................................................................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
............................................................................................................
..........................
[6]
(c) Data is encrypted when it is transmitted within the school network, or externally such as over
the internet.
Describe what is meant by encryption and explain why it is used.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
8
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5 A database, FILMS , stores information about films and actors.
Part of the database is shown:
ACTOR(ActorID, FirstName, LastName, DateOfBirth)
FILM_FACT( FilmID, FilmTitle, ReleaseDate, Category)
FILM_ACTOR( ActorID, FilmID )
(a) Complete the entity-relationship (E-R) diagram.
ACTOR FILM_FACT
FILM_ACTOR
[2]
(b) A composite primary key consists of two or more attributes that together form the primary key.
Explain why the table FILM_ACTOR has a composite primary key.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
9
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(c) Complete the SQL script to return the IDs of all the actors in the film with the title Cinderella.
SELECT .......................................................................................
FROM FILM_ACTOR
INNER JOIN ........................................................................................
ON FILM_FACT.FilmID = ..............................................................................
WHERE FILM_FACT.FilmTitle = .............................................................................. ;
[4]
(d) Write an SQL script to count the number of films that were released in January 2022.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [3]
10
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(e) A Database Management System (DBMS) is used to create and manipulate the database.
 Complete the descriptions of the features and tools found in a DBMS using the given terms.
Not all terms will be used.
Boolean data dictionary data redundancy field names
input interface logical schema normalisation
operating system output primary keys query
structure
A DBMS provides data management. This includes the development of a
....................................................... that stores information about the data stored, such as
....................................................... and ....................................................... .
The ....................................................... uses methods, such as an E-R diagram, to show the
structure of the database and its relationships.
The ....................................................... processor allows a user to perform searches to find
specific data. The DBMS also provides a developer ....................................................... that
allows the user to create tables, forms and reports.
[6]
11
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6 A programmer uses language translators when writing and testing a program.
(a) Describe the operation of a compiler.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(b) Describe the operation of an interpreter.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [2]
(c) Explain how a programmer can make use of a typical Integrated Development Environment
(IDE) when writing and testing a program.
Writing .......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Testing ......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[4]
12
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7 Complete the truth table for the following logic expression:
X = (A XOR B) AND NOT C
A B CWorking space
X
000
001
010
011
100
101
110
111
[2]
8 Describe one application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
 ..........................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................... [3]
13
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9 (a) The following incomplete table contains four network devices and their descriptions.
Complete the table by writing the missing devices and missing descriptions.
Device Description
..........................Receives and sends data between two networks operating on the
same protocol
Wireless
Network
Interface Card
(WNIC).................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................
..........................Restores the digital signal so it can be transmitted over greater
distances
Wireless Access
Point (WAP).................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................
[4]
(b) Describe three differences between fibre-optic cables and copper cables.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
3 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[3]
14
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(c) Ethernet uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD).
Describe CSMA/CD.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [4]
15
9618/12/ M/J/22 © UCLES 2022
BLANK PAGE
16
9618/12/ M/J/22 © UCLES 2022
Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included ha
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledg
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assess
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.BLANK
This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
[Turn overCambridge International AS & A LevelCOMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/11
Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
1 hour 30 minutes
You must answer on the question paper.
No additional materials are needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
● Calculators must not be used in this paper.
INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 75.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
● No marks will be awarded for using brand names of software packages or hardware.
DC (LK/CGW) 301923/2
© UCLES 2022
*7938385792*
2
9618/11/M/J/22 © UCLES 2022
1 Computers store data in binary form.
(a) State the difference between a tebibyte and a terabyte.
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Convert the signed denary value –100 into an 8-bit two’s complement binary integer.
Working .....................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Answer ............................................................................ [1]
(c) Convert the denary number 251 into hexadecimal. Show your working.
Working .....................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Answer ............................................................................
[2]
(d) Add the following unsigned binary integers.
01010000
+00111110
[1]
3
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2 A computer has hardware and software.
(a) The hardware includes different types of memory.
(i) Complete the description of computer memory.
Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are both examples of

......................................................................... memory.
One item that is stored in RAM is ......................................................................... .
One item that is stored in ROM is ......................................................................... .
RAM can be either Static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM).
SRAM uses transistors arranged as ......................................................................... .
DRAM uses transistors and ......................................................................... .
[5]
(ii) Explain the difference between Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable Programmable
ROM (EPROM) and Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM).
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
 ...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
4
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(b) A magnetic hard disk is used to store data on the computer.
Describe the principal operations of a magnetic hard disk.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [5]
5
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(c) Computers consist of logic gates.
(i) Complete the table by writing one set of values (input 1 and input 2) for each gate that
will give the output 1.
Gate Input 1 Input 2 Output
AND 1
NAND 1
XOR 1
NOR 1
[4]
(ii) Write the logic expression for the given logic circuit.
A
B
CX
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [3]
6
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3 A teacher is writing examination papers on a laptop computer. The computer is connected to the
internet. The teacher is concerned about the security and privacy of the papers.
(a) State the difference between the security of data and the privacy of data.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) Identify and describe two threats to the data. Identify one security measure to protect against
each threat. Each security measure must be different.
Threat 1 ....................................................................................................................................
Description ................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Security measure ......................................................................................................................
Threat 2 ....................................................................................................................................
Description ................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Security measure ......................................................................................................................
[6]
7
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4 A teacher uses a relational database, MARKS , to store data about students and their test marks.
The database has the following structure:
STUDENT( StudentID, FirstName, LastName)
TEST(TestID, Description, TotalMarks)
STUDENT_TEST( StudentID , TestID , Mark)
(a) Describe the advantages of using a relational database compared to a file-based approach.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [4]
(b) Give the highest level of Normal Form (NF) the database MARKS is in and justify your choice.
Normal Form .............................................................................................................................
Justification ...............................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[3]
8
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(c) (i) Sample data to be stored in the table STUDENT_TEST is shown.
StudentID TestID Mark
12 A1 50
12 P10 100
13 A1 75
14 P10 60
Write a Structured Query Language (SQL) script to create the table STUDENT_TEST .
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [5]
(ii) Write a Structured Query Language (SQL) script to find the average mark of students in
test A7.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
9
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(d) The mark a student is awarded in a test will be entered into the database. This mark needs to
be a whole number between 0 and the maximum number of marks for that test (inclusive).
Explain how data validation and data verification can be used when a mark is entered.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
 ...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [4]
10
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5 A programmer uses an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to develop a program.
(a) Draw one line from each IDE feature to its correct description.
IDE feature Description
Context-sensitive promptExecutes one line of the program and
then stops
Dynamic syntax checkUnderlines or highlights statements
that do not meet the rules of the
language
BreakpointOutputs the contents of variables and
data structures
Single stepping Stops the code executing at a set line
Report windowDisplays predictions of the code being
entered
[4]
(b) The programmer wants to allow users to edit, improve and redistribute the program.
Identify two different types of software licence that the programmer could use.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]
11
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(c) Explain the benefits to the programmer of using program libraries.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
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6 (a) A computer system is designed using the basic Von Neumann model.
(i) Describe the role of the registers in the Fetch-Execute (F-E) cycle.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [5]
(ii) Describe when interrupts are detected in the F-E cycle and how the interrupts are
handled.
Detected ............................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Handled .............................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
 ...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[5]
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(b) Identify one factor that can affect the performance of the computer system and state how it
impacts the performance.
Factor .......................................................................................................................................
Impact .......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
Question 6 continues on the next page.
14
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(c) The table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has one general
purpose register, the Accumulator (ACC).
Instruction
Explanation
Opcode Operand
AND#n Bitwise AND operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
XOR#n Bitwise XOR operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
OR#n Bitwise OR operation of the contents of ACC with the operand
LSL#n Bits in ACC are shifted logically n places to the left. Zeros are
introduced on the right hand end
LSR#n Bits in ACC are shifted logically n places to the right. Zeros are
introduced on the left hand end
# denotes a denary number, e.g. #123
(i) Complete the register to show the result after the instruction AND #2 is executed.
Register before: 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1
Register after:
[1]
(ii) Complete the register to show the result after the instruction OR #8 is executed.
Register before: 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1
Register after:
[1]
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(iii) Complete the register to show the result after the operation LSL #4 is executed.
Register before: 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1
Register after:
[1]
16
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Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included ha
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledg
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assess
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.BLANK
This document has 16 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
[Turn overCambridge International AS & A Level
*0942416285*
DC (EF/SG) 313479/3
© UCLES 2023COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/11
Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
 1 hour 30 minutes
You must answer on the question paper.
No additional materials are needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions.
● Use a black or dark blue pen.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided.
● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid.
● Do not write on any bar codes.
● You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
● Calculators must not be used in this paper.
INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 75.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
● No marks will be awarded for using brand names of software packages or hardware.
2
9618/11/M/J/23 © UCLES 2023
1 Images are being created to advertise holidays.
Some of the images are bitmap images and some are vector graphics.
(a) Complete the table by defining the image terms.
Term Definition
Drawing list...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
Pixel...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
Colour depth...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
[3]
(b) The bitmap images are photographs of the holiday locations.
(i) Colour depth and image resolution are both included in the file header of a bitmap image.
Identify two other items that could be included in the file header of each photograph.
1 ........................................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................................
[2]
3
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(ii) One of the photographs has a bit depth of 8 bytes and an image resolution of 1500 pixels
wide and 3000 pixels high.
Calculate the file size of the photograph in megabytes. Show your working.
Working .............................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
File size ........................... MB
[2]
(c) The photographs are compressed before they are uploaded to a web server.
Customers download the photographs from this web server.
(i) Explain the reasons why compressing the photographs will benefit the customers.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
(ii) An image can be compressed using run■length encoding (RLE).
 Explain the reasons why RLE may not reduce the file size of a bitmap image.
Give one example in your answer.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
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2 An organisation uses a database to store data about the types of bird that people have seen.
(a) The database is managed using a Database Management System (DBMS).
(i) State what is meant by a data dictionary and give one example of an item typically found
in a data dictionary.
Definition ...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Example ............................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) State what is meant by data integrity and give one example of how this is implemented
in a database.
Definition ...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Example ............................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
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(b) The database, Birds , stores information about the types of bird and the people who have
seen them.
Data about each bird seen is stored with its location and data about the person who saw the
bird.
Database Birds has the following tables:
BIRD_TYPE(BirdID, Name, Size)
BIRD_SEEN(SeenID, BirdID, Date, Location, PersonID)
PERSON(PersonID, FirstName, LastName, EmailAddress)
(i) Complete the table by identifying two foreign keys and the database table where each is
found.
Foreign key Database table
[2]
(ii) The database Birds has been normalised.
Draw one line from each Normal Form to the most appropriate definition.
Normal Form Definition
All fields are fully dependent on the primary key.
There are no repeating groups of attributes.
There are no partial dependencies.First Normal Form (1NF)
Second Normal Form (2NF)
Third Normal Form (3NF)
[1]
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(iii) Part of the database table BIRD_TYPE is shown:
BirdID Name Size
0123 Blackbird Medium
0035 Jay Large
0004 Raven Large
0085 Robin Small
The database only supports these data types:
• character
• varchar
• Boolean
• integer
• real
• date
• time
Write a Structured Query Language (SQL) script to define the table Bird_Type .
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
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(iv) The database tables are repeated here for reference:
BIRD_TYPE(BirdID, Name, Size)
BIRD_SEEN(SeenID, BirdID, Date, Location, PersonID)
PERSON(PersonID, FirstName, LastName, EmailAddress)
Complete the SQL script to return the number of birds of each size seen by the person
with the ID of J_123.
SELECT BIRD_TYPE.Size, ............................................ (BIRD_TYPE.BirdID)
AS NumberOfBirds
FROM BIRD_TYPE, ............................................
WHERE ...................................................... = "J_123"
AND BIRD_TYPE.BirdID = ......................................................
............................................ BIRD_TYPE.Size;
[5]
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3 A computer has an Operating System (OS).
(a) Describe how the Operating System manages the peripheral hardware devices of the
computer.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [4]
(b) Hardware management is one key management task carried out by the Operating System.
Identify two other key management tasks carried out by the Operating System.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(c) The Operating System has utility software including defragmentation software.
Explain how defragmentation can improve the performance of the computer.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [3]
(d) The computer stores data in binary form.
(i) State the difference between a kibibyte and a kilobyte.
...........................................................................................................................................
 ..................................................................................................................................... [1]
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(ii) Convert the denary number 964 into Binary Coded Decimal (BCD).
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iii) Convert the positive binary integer 11110010 into hexadecimal.
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(iv) Give the smallest and largest two’s complement binary number that can be represented
using 8 bits.
Smallest ............................................................................................................................
Largest ..............................................................................................................................
[2]
(v) Add the following two binary integers using binary addition. Show your working.
10110000
+00011011
[2]
(vi) Show the result of a 3■place right logical shift on the binary number:
11001100
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
10
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4 A networked closed■circuit television (CCTV) system in a house uses sensors and cameras to
detect the presence of a person. It then tracks the person and records a video of their movements.
Data from the CCTV cameras is transmitted to a central computer.
(a) This computer has both Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM).
(i) Describe the contents of the ROM in the central computer.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(ii) The central computer has Dynamic RAM (DRAM).
Identify two advantages of using DRAM instead of Static RAM (SRAM).
1 ........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[2]
(b) The central computer stores the video files on secondary storage.
Describe two reasons why magnetic storage is more appropriate than solid state storage for
this computer.
1 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
2 ................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[4]
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(c) The CCTV system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify the presence of a person in the
house and to track their movements.
Describe how AI is used in this system.
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
 ...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [3]
(d) The CCTV cameras are connected to a network and transfer their data wirelessly to the
central computer.
(i) Each device on the network has an IP address.
Complete the description of IP addresses.
An IPv4 address contains ..................................... groups of digits. Each group is

represented in ..................................... bits and the groups are separated by full stops.
An IPv6 address contains ..................................... groups of digits. Each group is

represented in ..................................... bits. Multiple groups that only contain zeros

can be replaced with a ..................................... .

[5]
(ii) The network makes use of subnetting.
Describe two benefits of subnetting a network.
1 ........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
[4]
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5 (a) Draw the logic circuit for this logic expression:
T = (NOT A OR B) XOR ( C NAND D)
A
TB
C
D
[2]
(b) Describe the function of the NAND and NOR logic gates.
NAND .......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
NOR ..........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
[2]
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6 An interrupt is generated when a key is pressed on a computer keyboard.
Explain how the computer handles this interrupt.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
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..........................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................... [5]
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BLANK PAGE
15
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BLANK PAGE
16
9618/11/M/J/23 © UCLES 2023
Permission to reproduce items where third■party owned material protected by copyright is included ha
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer■related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledg
Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each
at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assess
Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge.BLANK

This document consists of 11 printed pages.

© UCLES 2023
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/13

Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 75

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and
Cambridge O Level components.

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 2 of 11

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 11

Question Answer Marks
1(a) NOT B 1
1(b) 1 mark for first 4 rows correct; 1 mark for second 4 rows correct

ABCX
0001
0010
0101
0110
1001
1010
1100
11112
Question Answer Marks
2(a) 1 mark each to max 2

■■WAN covers a large geographica l area and LAN covers a small

geographical area
■■LAN connections between devices are usually physical, whereas the
WAN connections are often virtual
■■A LAN has a high data transfer rate, whereas a WAN has a low data
transfer rate
■■The ownership of a LAN is private; the ownership of a WAN can be
private or public
■■LAN is usually more secure than a WAN because protection is easier
to implement 2
2(b)(i) 1 mark each to max 2
■■All computers are connected to at least one other device
■■There are multiple routes between devices
■■The computers can act as relays, passing packets on towards the final
destination 2
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 4 of 11

Question Answer Marks
2(b)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2

■■If one line goes down there are more routes available
■■Improved security as not using one main line
■■No/fewer collisions
■■New nodes can be added without interruption or interfering with other
nodes
■■More secure because data is sent over a dedicated connection 2
2(c) 1 mark each to max 2

■■Server performs all processes required by the task and/or data storage
■■Clients only sends requests to the server and displays the returned
results 2
2(d) 1 mark each to max 4
Examples:
■■Some students might only have one sort of connection on their device
■■Wired provides better performance for the student's device
■■... for example, enabling faster access to university databases
■■There will be less interference if students connect via a cable
■■Students can transmit private/confidential data/work securely
■■... for example, their final dissertation
■■Wireless connection means that the students can use their devices in
different rooms/sites/outside/anywhere more freely // student devices
can be portable
■■Wireless connection enables the students to bring multiple devices //
bring their own devices // change devices 4
2(e) 1 mark for identification

■■IP address is made up of a network ID and a host ID

1 mark each to max 2 for description

■■Each device in a subnetwork has the same network ID // Each

subnetwork has a different network ID
■■Every device in each subnetwork has a different host ID but the same
network ID // the host ID uniquely identifies the device within the
subnetwork 3
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 5 of 11

Question Answer Marks
3(a) 1 mark for each term

■■Resistive
■■Circuit
■■Capacitive
■■Change
■■Coordinates
A resistive touchscreen has two layers. When the user touches the screen,
the layers touch and a circuit is completed.
A capacitive touchscreen has several layers. When the top layer is
touched there is a change/increase/decrease in the electric current.
A microprocessor identifies the coordinates of the touch. 5
3(b) 1 mark each to max 3
Examples:
■■Scans the scene in real time
■■Identifies if there are faces in the image
■■Uses facial recognition
■■... uses image recognition
■■... takes each frame individually
■■... analyses the pixels
■■... stores pattern for a face
■■... looks for patterns that match/come close to the pattern for a face
■■Camera focuses on the pattern identified 3
3(c)(i) 1 mark each

■■The amplitude is recorded a set number of times a second

■■Each (instance of an) amplitude is given a corresponding binary
number
■■The binary number (of each amplitude) is saved in sequence 3
3(c)(ii) 1 mark each; max 2 for rate and max 2 for resolution

Sampling rate
■■There are smaller 'gaps' in the sound wave // sound is recorded more
often
■■Digital waveform is closer to the analogue waveform
■■The quantisation errors are smaller

Sampling resolution
■■There are more bits per sample // a wider range of amplitudes can be
stored
■■Each binary amplitude /note (in the digital recording) is closer to the
analogue amplitude /note
■■Digital waveform is closer to the analogue waveform
■■The quantisation errors are smaller 4
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
4(a) 1 mark for each bullet point. Mark in pairs. Max 2 for each description.

■■Reduces data redundancy

■■... because linked tables mean that each data item is stored only once
■■Reduces program-data dependency
■■... because the data is separate from the software so changes to the
data do not require programs to be re-written
■■Reduces data inconsistency // improves data integrity
■■... because by only storing data once it only needs to be updated once //
changes in one table will automatically update in another // linked data
cannot be entered differently in two tables
■■Complex queries are easier to run
■■Can provide different views
■■….so users can only see specific aspects of the database 4
4(b) 1 mark each

Term Description
Entity An object that data is stored about.
Tuple A row of data in a table about one
instance of an object.
Secondary key An additional/alternative key used as well
as the primary key to locate specific data // a candidate key that has not been chosen as a primary key
Foreign key A field in one table that is linked to a primary
key in another table.
4
4(c) 1 mark each

■■Only 3 tables with appropriate identifiers (i.e. one table for customer,
one for booking and one for car)
■■Appropriate Primary key in each table underlined
■■Booking table includes Primary ke y from car and Primary key from
customer as Foreign keys
■■All original fields are in correct tables

Example answer:
BOOKING(BookingID, CarRegistration, CustomerID,
StartDate, EndDate)
CAR(CarRegistration, CarModel, CarColour)
CUSTOMER(CustomerID, CustomerFirstName,
CustomerLastName, EmailAddress, TelephoneNumber) 4
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Question Answer Marks
4(d)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■■Length check: the registration number must be 6 characters long

■■Format check: the registration number must be in the format letter-
digit-digit-digit-letter-letter
■■Type check: the registration number must be alphanumeric 2
4(d)(ii) 1 mark each

■■Visual check: Manually compare the registration number entered with

the source document
■■Double entry: Enter the registration number twice and the computer
compares to check they are the same 2
4(d)(iii) The registration number on the original document might be in the correct
format but may be the incorrect registration number for that car. 1
Question Answer Marks
5(a)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■■Programmer can test sections of the code without every part working /
being written
■■Programmer can debug in real time
■■… so that errors can be fixed and the program continued from that point
■■The effect of any changes made by the programmer can be seen
immediately
■■To avoid dependent errors 2
5(a)(ii) 1 mark each to max 3

■■The compiler produces an executable file

■■... so the user cannot access / edit / sell the code
■■... and users do not need the translator to run the game
■■The game can be compiled for different hardware specifications
■■... and then used to generate more income for the programmer
■■The program can be tested multiple times without having to retranslate
each time 3
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(b) 1 mark for appropriate licence; 1 mark for each point to max 3

■■Commercial software licence

■■User has to pay for the product so the programmer can gain an income
■■Enables the program to be copyrighted
■■... so the user cannot legally edit the program // the programmer retains
control over product
■■… and can take legal action against people who attempt to illegally
copy it /sell it on

■■Shareware licence
■■Enables the program to be copyrighted
■■The user cannot legally edit the program so the developer retains
control over product
■■User can try the program for free and then pay for the full game which
allows the programmer to gain an income
■■so more people can experience it and therefore be more likely to buy it 4
Question Answer Marks
6(a) 1 mark each to max 5

■■The sender hashes the document

■■... to produce a digest
■■The sender encrypts the digest to create the digital signature
■■The message and the signature are sent to the receiver
■■The receiver decrypts the signature to reproduce the digest
■■The receiver uses the same hashing algorithm on the document
received to produce a second digest
■■The receiver compares this digest with the one from the digital
signature
■■If both of the receiver’s digests are the same the document is authentic 5
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Question Answer Marks
6(b) 1 mark each for identification and appropriate description of 2 pieces of
software, max 2

Type of
software Description
Antivirus ■■scans the computer for viruses and checks against
a stored database of viruses, that needs to be
updated regularly and then deletes / quarantines
them
■■compares downloaded files to a database of known
viruses and prevents the download continuing
Antispyware ■■scans the computer for spyware and checks
against a stored database of viruses, that needs to
be updated regularly and then deletes / quarantines them
■■compares downloaded files to a database of known
spyware and prevents the download continuing.
Firewall ■■monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and
compares it to criteria that are set by the user such
as through a whitelist/blacklist/identifying allowed / blocked IP addresses
■■compares incoming and outgoing traffic to criteria
blocks those that do not match criteria
Antimalware ■■scans the computer for viruses and checks against
a stored database of viruses, that needs to be
updated regularly and then deletes / quarantines them
■■compares downloaded files to a database of known
viruses and prevents the download continuing
2
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Question Answer Marks
7(a) 1 mark for each correct line

Description Denary value

The smallest integer that can

be represented in 8-bit two's complement. ■127

127

■255

■128
The largest integer that can be
represented in 8-bit two's complement.
■256

256

128
The largest unsigned integer
that can be represented in 8
bits.
255

3
7(b) 1 mark each to max 4

■■The system clock gives out timing signals

■■… which are sent on the control bus
■■…to synchronise the other system components
■■The Control Unit initiates data transfer
■■…by generating signals that are sent on the control bus to other
components 4
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 11 of 11

Question Answer Marks
7(c) 1 mark for each Register transfer notation

Stage description Register transfer

notation
The Program Counter (PC) is incremented PC ■ [PC] + 1
The data in the address stored in the
Memory Address Register (MAR) is
copied to the Memory Data Register (MDR) MDR ■ [[MAR]]
2

This document consists of 10 printed pages.

© UCLES 2023
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/12

Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 75

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and
Cambridge O Level components.

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 2 of 10

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct / valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 10

Question Answer Marks
1(a) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Allows the sharing of files/data // Allows communication between the

devices
■ Allows the sharing of resources e.g. hardware / software (applications)
■ Allows central management // by example, backup, security, etc. 2
1(b) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Covers a small geographical area

■ The infrastructure is privately owned // not controlled by external
organisations 2
1(c) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Each computer directly connected only to the server ...

■ ... all components correctly labelled

2
1(d) 1 mark each to max 3

■ A protocol (suite)
■ For data transmission over standard / universal wired / cabled network
connections
■ Uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)
■ Data is transmitted in frames
■ … each frame has a source and destination (IP/MAC) address
■ ... and error checking data (so damaged frames can be resent) 3
1(e) 1 mark each

■ The server performs minimal / some processing for the client

■ The clients also do most of their own processing/work independently //
most of the resources are installed locally 2 Computer
1
Computer Computer Computer 4
Server
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 4 of 10

Question Answer Marks
2(a) 1 mark for each correct feature or description

Feature Description
Data dictionary Data about the data in the database // data
about the structure of the database //
metadata for a database
Query processor Software that allows the user to enter
criteria, then finds and returns the
appropriate result // software that processes and executes queries written in
SQL
Logical schema A model of a database that is not specific
to one DBMS
Developer interface A software tool that allows the user to
create items such as tables, forms and
reports
4
2(b) 1 mark each to max 3

■ Referential Integrity makes sure data is consistent

■ Referential Integrity makes sure all data is up-to-date
■ Referential integrity ensures that every foreign key has a corresponding
primary key
■ Referential Integrity prevents records from being added / deleted /
modified incorrectly
■ Referential Integrity makes sure that if data is changed in one place the
change is reflected in all related records
■ Referential Integrity makes sure any queries return accurate and complete
results 3
2(c)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Presence check to make sure that the (rider level) is entered

■ Look-up / Existence check to make sure the rider level is only Beginner,
Intermediate or Advanced
■ Length check to make sure the rider level entered is either 8 or 12
characters
■ Type check to make sure the rider level is alphanumeric 2
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 5 of 10

Question Answer Marks
2(c)(ii) 1 mark each

■ SELECT field Name

■ FROM table HORSE
■ WHERE with Intermediate / Beginner
■ OR with Beginner / Intermediate
Example answer:
SELECT Name
FROM HORSE
WHERE HorseLevel = "Intermediate" OR HorseLevel = "Beginner"; 4
2(c)(iii) 1 mark each
■ SUM should be COUNT // SELECT COUNT(STUDENT.RiderLevel)
■ The WHERE statement needs the table names before each field name
■■■■■■■■■■■ // WHERE STUDENT.StudentID = LESSON.StudentID
■ The OR should be AND // AND Date = #09/09/2023#
■ Beginner is missing the speech marks // STUDENT.RiderLevel =
"Beginner"; 4

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

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© UCLES 2023 Page 6 of 10

Question Answer Marks
3(a) 1 mark for generates object code to second pass
1 mark for reads source code one line at a time to both boxes
1 mark for removes white space and adds labels to first pass
Action Pass

generates object code

first
reads the source code
one line at a time

removes white space second

adds labels to the

symbol table
3
3(b) 1 mark for each correct term

Direct addressing is when the operand holds the memory address of the data.
Indirect addressing is when the operand holds a memory address that stores
the memory address of the data. Immediate addressing is when the operand is the data.
3
Question Answer Marks
4(a) 216 // 65536 1
4(b) 1 mark for working; 1 mark for answer

■ Working: +120 = 0111 1000

■ Answer: 1000 0111 2

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 7 of 10

Question Answer Marks
4(c) 1 mark for working; 1 mark for answer

■ Working: A04 = (10 * 162) + 4

■■■■■■■■■■■ // A04 = (10 * 256) + 4
■■■■■■■■■■■ // A04 = 1010 0000 0100

■ Answer: 2564 2
4(d) 0011 1100 1
Question Answer Marks
5(a) 1 mark each to max 2
Examples:
■ Interrupt
■ Timing
■ Read
■ Write 2
5(b) 1 mark for description; 1 mark for corresponding explanation
Examples
■ Increase number of cores
■ Each core can independently carry out a process at the same time // so
that more instructions are performed in parallel

■ Increase RAM capacity

■ ... allowing more applications to reside in memory at the same time,
saving disk access times

■ Increase cache memory

■ More data can be stored in fast access so less time is spent accessing
from RAM

■ Increase clock speed

■ More Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycles can run each second / per unit
time 4
5(c)(i) 1 mark for a correct answer

■ 1 bit is transferred at a time

■ Can be synchronous or asynchronous
■ USB-3 is full duplex and earlier versions are hal f-duplex 1
5(c)(ii) 1 mark for identification of a suitable port
Examples
■ HDMI
■ DisplayPort 1
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(d)(i) 1 mark each to max 5

■ Manages the scheduling of processes // decides which order to run

■■■■■■■■■■processes
■ Manages which resources the processes require
■ … such as allocating memory
■ Enables processes to share data
■ Prevents interference between processes // resolution of conflicts
■ Handles the process queue
■ It allows multi-tasking / multi-processing
■ ... by ensuring fair access, handling priorities and handling interrupts 5
5(d)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2

■ To help users to set-up / configure / analyse / optimise / maintain the

computer ...
■ ... by for example, making memory allocation more efficient
■ ... by for example, checking the system for faults 2
6(a) 1 mark for correct XOR and AND gates, with correct inputs
1 mark for correct NOT and NOR gates with correct inputs

2
6(b) 1 mark for first 4 rows
1 mark for last 4 rows
P Q R Working space Z
000 0
001 1
010 1
011 1
100 1
101 0
110 1
111 1
2

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

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© UCLES 2023 Page 9 of 10

Question Answer Marks
7(a)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Set of pre-written / pre-compiled / pre-tested subroutines

■ ... which can be called in other programs
■ ... by installing/importing the library 2
7(a)(ii) 1 mark for each bullet point. Mark in pairs; 1 mark for a benefit and 1 mark for
an appropriate expansion

■ (main) memory requirements for program is reduced

■ ... as dynamic link library is loaded only once / when required

■ the executable file size of the program using the DLL will be smaller
■ ... because the executable does not contain (all) the library routines

■ maintenance not needed to be done by the programmer

■ ... because the DLL is separate from program

■ no need to recompile the main program when changes are made to DLL
■ ... because changes / improvements/ error correction to the DLL file code
are done independently of the main program
■ A single DLL file can be made available to several application programs
■ ... Saving space in memory / easing the pressure on memory 4
7(b) No mark for choice. 1 mark each to max 3 for justification

Interpreter
■ Allows the developer to make real-time changes
■ … so the program can be debugged at each stage
■ ... the effect of any changes made by the developer can be seen
■■■■■■■■■■ immediately
■ The developer can test when incomplete
■ … so small parts can be tested with out having to test the rest of the
■■■■■■■■■■program
■ … if one section does not work others can still be tested
■ To avoid dependent errors
Compiler
■ The developer can debug multiple errors simultaneously
■ Produces an executable file
■ … so that the developer can test the program multiple times without
■■■■■■■■■recompiling 3
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
7(c) 1 mark each
Breakpoints:
■ Stop the code at a specific line to check the current progress / values

Dynamic syntax checks:

■ Highlight / underline / colour syntax errors as the code is entered
Context-sensitive prompts:
■ Suggest the code to add // automatically complete statements
Single stepping:
■ Run the code one line at a time so the values can be checked 4
7(d) 1 mark each to max 3

■ Uses speech recognition

■ ... which identifies key phrases / words spoken
■ … and matches these to a database
■ ... and generates the most likely sentence / command / word 3

This document consists of 9 printed pages.

© UCLES 2023
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/11

Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 75

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and
Cambridge O Level components.

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 2 of 9

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 9

Question Answer Marks
1(a) 1 mark for each correct definition

Term Definition
Drawing list All the drawing objects in an image // a list
that stores the commands required to draw
each object
Pixel The smallest part of the image // one square
/ dot of one colou r
Colour depth The number of bits per pixel // determines
the number of colours that can be represented in the image
3
1(b)(i) 1 mark each

Examples:
■ Confirmation that it is a bitmap // file type
■ Compression type
■ Location/offset of data within the file
■ Dimensions e.g.100 ■ 100 pixels 2
1(b)(ii) 1 mark for working; 1 mark for answer

■ Working: (1500 * 3000 * 8) / 1000 / 1000

■ Answer: 36 MB 2
1(c)(i) 1 mark each
Examples:
■ The customers will be able to download the photographs in less time
■ …and they will take less of the customer's bandwidth
■ The photographs will take up less space on the customer's storage
medium
■ …therefore the customers can store more images
■ …and will have more space for other files 3
1(c)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2 for explanation; 1 mark for an image related example

■ RLE stores a colour and the number of times it occurs consecutively

■ An image may not have many sequences of the same colour
■ It would need to store each colour and then the count/number 1 which
adds data
Example:
■ Red-Green-Blue would become Red 1 Green 1 Blue 1 3
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 4 of 9

Question Answer Marks
2(a)(i) 1 mark for definition:

■ Data about the data in the database // data about the structure of the
database // metadata for a database

1 mark for a suitable example

Examples:
■ table names
■ data types
■ field names 2
2(a)(ii) 1 mark for definition

■ Methods of making sure the data is consistent

1 mark for example
Examples:
■ Enforcing referential integrity
■ If data in one table is deleted/edited all tables are updated // cascading
update/delete
■ Validation/verification rules 2
2(b)(i) 1 mark for each field name and table

Foreign key Database table

BirdID BIRD_SEEN
PersonID BIRD_SEEN
2
2(b)(ii) 1 mark for all 3 correct lines

Normal Form Definition

First Normal Form
(1NF) All fields are fully
dependent on the primary
key.

Second Normal
Form (2NF) There are no repeating
groups of attributes.

Third Normal Form (3NF) There are no partial

dependencies.
1
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 5 of 9

Question Answer Marks
2(b)(iii) 1 mark each

■ CREATE TABLE start and end bracket

■ Bird ID as CHAR/VARCHAR
■ Name and size as VARCHAR/CHAR
■ Bird ID as primary key
Example answer:
CREATE TABLE BIRD_TYPE(
BirdID CHAR(4) NOT NULL,
Name VARCHAR(9), Size VARCHAR(6),
PRIMARY KEY (BirdID)
); 4
2(b)(iv) 1 mark for each correctly completed space

SELECT BIRD_TYPE.Size, COUNT(BIRD_TYPE.BirdID) AS

NumberOfBirds

FROM BIRD_TYPE, BIRD_SEEN

WHERE BIRD_SEEN.PersonID = "J_123"

AND BIRD_TYPE.BirdID = BIRD_SEEN.BirdID

GROUP BY BIRD_TYPE.Size; 5

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark each to max 4
Examples:
■ Installs device drivers
■ … to allow communication between peripherals and computer
■ Sends data and receives data to and from peripherals
■ … such as to an output device and from an input device/by example
■ Handles buffers for transfer of data
■ … to ensure smooth transfer between devices that transmit and receive
at different speeds
■ Manages interrupts / signals from the device 4
3(b) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Memory management
■ File management
■ Security management
■ Process management
■ Error checking and recovery 2
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 6 of 9

Question Answer Marks
3(c) 1 mark each to max 3

■ Rearranges blocks of individual files (on the HDD) so they are

contiguous // moves the free space together
■ Accessing each file is faster
■ …because there is no need to search for the next fragment / block of
the file
■ …so less head movement is needed 3
3(d)(i) 1 mark from

■ Kibibyte is 1024 bytes and kilobyte is 1000 bytes

■ Kibibyte is binary prefix and kilobyte is denary prefix 1
3(d)(ii) 1001 0110 0100 1
3(d)(iii) F2 1
3(d)(iv) Smallest: 10000000
Largest: 01111111 2
3(d)(v) 1 mark for working
1 mark for answer
10110000+00011011
11001011
112
3(d)(vi) 00011001 1
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 7 of 9

Question Answer Marks
4(a)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Stores the bootstrap program // start-up instructions for the central

computer // BIOS
■ Stores the start-up instructions for the CCTV system/cameras //
firmware for CCTV
■ Stores the kernel of the Operating System // stores parts of the
Operating System 2
4(a)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Costs less per unit

■ Higher storage density
■ Simple design – uses fewer transistors 2
4(b) 1 mark for reason, 1mark for application/justification

■ The computer will have a large number of read/write operations

because it is working all the time
■ .. magnetic storage has more longevity
■ Magnetic storage costs less per storage unit
■ … videos are large files and therefore very large storage capacity is
required 4
4(c) 1 mark each to max 3

Examples:
■ Uses image recognition
■ Monitors every image taken to identify matching
images/shapes/features to a 'person' …
■ … starts recording to secondary storage/permanently when a person is
identified
■ System identifies direction of movement of person and uses this to
decide where/how to move the camera/record
■ System identifies other cameras to start recording based on direction of
movement 3
4(d)(i) 1 mark for each term

An IPv4 address contains 4 groups of digits. Each group is represented in 8

bits and the groups are separated by full stops. An IPv6 address contains 8 groups of digits. Each gr
16 bits. Multiple groups that only contain zeros can be replaced with a :: //
double colon . 5
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2023 Page 8 of 9

Question Answer Marks
4(d)(ii) 1 mark for identification, 1mark for expansion
e.g.
■ Reduce amount of traffic in a network // improve network speed
■ Data stays in its subnet so it does not travel as far
■ Improves network security
■ .. so that not all devices can access all areas of the network
■ Allows for easier maintenance
■ … because only one subnetwork may need taking down/changing while
the rest of the network can continue 4

Question Answer Marks

5(a) 1 mark for 2 gates
2 marks for all 4 gates
2
5(b) 1 mark each

NAND 0 is only output when both inputs are 1 // 1 is only output when none, or
(either) one of the inputs is 1 NOR
1 is only output when both inputs are 0 // 0 is only output when (either) one
or both inputs are 1 2

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

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© UCLES 2023 Page 9 of 9

Question Answer Marks
6 1 mark each to max 5

■ An interrupt flag is raised in the (interrupt) register

■ At the end of the current FE cycle // at the start of the next FE cycle
■ The system checks the interrupt register for higher priority interrupts
than current process
■ If true, it stores the current contents of the registers on the stack
■ The appropriate interrupt service routine (ISR) for the key press is
called
■ The input data from the keyboard is processed
■ The contents of the registers are restored from the stack
■ ... and control is passed back to previous process 5

This document consists of 10 printed pages.

© UCLES 2022
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/13

Paper 13 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 75
Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 10

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 10

Question Answer Marks
1(a)(i) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ All of the characters/symbols that the computer can use/represent

■ Each character has a unique number/binary number/hexadecimal
numbe r 2
1(a)(ii) 1 mark for each character set to max 2 , 1 mark for difference

■ ASCII
■ Extended ASCII
■ UNICODE

■ ASCII has 7 bits whereas UNICODE has 16 bits

■ Extended ASCII has 8 bits whereas UNICODE has 16 bits
■ ASCII has 7 bits whereas extended ASCII has 8 bits
■ Unicode can represent more characters than ASCII/Extended// by
example
■ Extended ASCII can represent more characters than ASCII 3
1(a)(iii) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ Can use run-length encoding

■ Identifies groups of repeated characters ...
■ ... replaces them with a one copy of the character and the number of
times it occurs 2
1(a)(iv) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ None of the original data can be lost / deleted

■ The (text) file would be corrupted // the (text) file cannot be opened 2
1(b) 1 mark for each correct value

Statement Answer
The hexadecimal value 11 represented in denary 17
The smallest denary number that be represented by an
unsigned 8-bit binary intege r 0
The denary number 87 represented in Binary Coded
Decimal (BCD) 1000 0111
The denary number 240 represented in hexadecimal F0
The denary number –20 represented in 8-bit two’s
complement binary 1110 1100
5
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
2(a) 1 mark for each correct description

Step Description
PC ■ [PC] + 1 Address in PC is incremented
MDR ■ [[MAR]] The data in the address held in the MAR is copied
to the MDR
MAR ■ [PC] The contents of the PC are copied to the MAR
3
2(b) 1 mark per point to max 5

■ Check for interrupt at start/end of an F-E cycle

■ Priority is checked
■ If lower priority than current process continue with F-E cycle
■ If higher priority than current process …
■ … state of current process is / registers are stored on stack
■ Location/type of interrupt identified
■ Appropriate ISR is called to handle the interrupt
■ When ISR finished, check for further interrupts (of higher priority) /
return to step 1
■ Otherwise load data from stack and continue with next F-E cycle (of
process) 5

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark for each correct value

Instruction Accumulator
LDM #103 103
LDD 102 104
LDI 103 101
3
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
3(b) 1 mark for group name, 1 mark for appropriate description
e.g.
■ Input and output of data
■ Takes an input from the user // outputs the character of the binary
number

■ Arithmetic operations
■ Perform addition and subtraction

■ Unconditional and conditional instructions

■ Move to another instruction (identified by a label)

■ Compare instructions
■ Compare the result to another value 4
3(c) 1 mark for each correct line

Instruction Result
01111101
XOR 11110000
00111101
OR 01010101
11111111
AND 11111111
11000010

11001101
3
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 6 of 10

Question Answer Marks
4(a) 1 mark for identifying task, max 2 for each description
Max 2 for only identifying tasks without descriptions
e.g.
■ Memory management
■ Controls the movement of data between RAM, processor, VM etc
■ allocates memory to processes

■ File management
■ Creates files/folders
■ Renames file/folders

■ Security management
■ Creates accounts/passwords
■ Provide /upgrade firewall / anti-malware

■ Hardware management
■ Receives data from input device s ///sends data to output device
■ Use of device drivers

■ Process management
■ Decides which process to run next
■ supports multitasking 4
4(b)(i) 1 mark per point to max 2 for each

Back-up
■ To make a copy of data at regular intervals
■ So that if it is lost/corrupted it can be retrieved
Defragmentation
■ Make individual files occupy contiguous blocks // move free space
together
■ Improve disk access times // Data/files can be loaded faste
r4
4(b)(ii) 1 mark from
e.g.
■ Compression software
■ (Hard) disk formatter
■ Virus checker
■ Disk analysis software
■ Disk repair software 1
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(a)(i) 1 mark from

■ To stop the data being lost / corrupted / amended

■ To make sure it can be recovered
■ To prevent unauthorised access 1
5(a)(ii) 1 mark each
e.g.
■ Install / run a firewall
■ Up to date Anti-virus / anti-malware
■ (Username and ) (strong) password
■ Encryption
■ Access rights 2
5(b)(i) 1 mark each
■ Visual check
■ Manually compare the data entered with the original (document)

■ Double entry
■ Enter the data twice and the system compares them to see if they are
the same 2
5(b)(ii) 1 mark each
e.g.
Range check:
■ Make sure it is after and before a specific date // e.g. between 1900 and
today's date // check month is between 1 and 12 // check day is between 1 and month end
Presence check:
■ Make sure the date of birth has been entered
Length check:
■ Make sure there are at least 1 for day, 1 for month, 2/4 for year // must
be 8 characters 3
5(b(iii) 1 mark per bullet point to max 2

■ Validation checks data is reasonable/within bounds it does not check

that accurate data has been entered
■ Verification checks if the data matches the data given it does not check
if the original data is accurate 2
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
6(a) 1 mark per point

■ Primary key StaffID in STAFF…

■ … links to foreign key StaffID in DEVICE
■ One staff member can have many devices
■ Each device can only be with one member of staf f 4
6(b)(i) 1 mark for each correctly completed statement

SELECT COUNT(STAFF.StaffID)
FROM STAFF
INNER JOIN DEVICE
ON STAFF.StaffId = DEVICE.StaffID
WHERE STAFF.FirstName = "Ali"
AND STAFF.LastName = "Khan"; 4
6(b)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point

■ ALTER TABLE DEVICE

■ ADD appropriate field name , appropriate data type

e.g.
ALTER TABLE DEVICE
ADD Returned Boolean; 2
6(c) Normal Form Description
First Normal Form (1NF) No repeating groups or repeating attributes
Second Normal Form
(2NF) All attributes must be fully dependant on
the (composite) primary key // No partial dependencies
Third Normal Form (3NF) All attributes must be fully dependent on the
primary key and no other attributes // no non-key dependencies // no transitive dependencies
1 mark for each correct description 3
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Question Answer Marks
7(a) 1 mark for each section
■ A AND B
■ NOT C AND B // B AND NOT C
■ XOR (with remainder correct and bracketed and nothing extra)
X = (A AND B) XOR (NOT C AND B) 3
7(b) 1 mark for first 4 rows, 1 mark for second 4 rows (shaded)

A B C Working space X
000 1
001 1
010 1
011 1
100 1
101 1
110 1
111 0
2

Question Answer Marks

8(a) Accessing a service/files/software on a remote server 1
8(b) 1 mark each from:
Public e.g.
■ Computing services offered by 3rd party provider over the public
Internet
■ Public is open/available to anyone with the appropriate
equipment/software/credentials
Private e.g.
■ Computing services offered either over the Internet or a private internal
network
■ Only available to select users not the general public
■ Private is a dedicated/bespoke system only accessible for/from the
organisation 2
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
8(c) 1 mark for each benefit to max 2
e.g.
■ Can be accessed anywhere with Internet access
■ Do not need to install security // security might be better
■ Do not need to perform backups
■ Do not need to buy specific software/hardware
■ Can easily share documents
■ Can have multiple people working on the same document

1 mark for drawback

e.g.
■ You cannot access it if no internet access
■ Reliant on someone else to backup
■ Reliant on someone else for security // can have poorer security
■ Cannot access if server goes down 3

This document consists of 9 printed pages.

© UCLES 2022
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/12

Paper 12 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 75

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 9

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 9

Question Answer Marks
1(a) 1 mark for 1 correct line
2 marks for 2 or 3 correct lines
3 marks for all 4 correct lines

Term Definition
Pixel The number of pixels
wide by the number of pixels high

Bit depth The smallest identifiable

component of an image

Image resolution Stores data about the

image file, e.g. file format, number of bits per pixel, file size

File header The number of bits used

to represent each colour
3
1(b)(i) 8 1
1(b)(ii) 1 mark for working
■ 10 * 5 * 8 (bits) / 8 // = 50 (pixels) * 8 (bits) / 8
1 mark for answer
■ 50 (bytes) 2
1(c) 1 mark per point

■ Increasing the colour depth results in increased file size // Decreasing

the colour depth results in smaller file size

■ Increasing the colour depth means more bits per pixel and hence more
data stored // Decreasing the colour depth means fewer bits per pixel
and hence less data stored 2
1(d) 1 mark per point

■ Use run-length encoding // RLE

■ Record the colour Blue, and the number of times it occurs 10 2
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2022 Page 4 of 9

Question Answer Marks
2(a) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ The lane detection system is built into / integrated into the car

■ The lane detection system only performs one task

■ The lane detection system is not easily changed/updated by the car
owner 2
2(b) 1 mark for primary
■ e.g. Miles travelled in the current journey , before the engine is turned off
1 mark for secondary
■ e.g. Total miles travelled since the car was built // miles for most recent
journey after engine switched off 2
2(c) 1 mark for all correct ticks

Statement True False

The screen always has five different layers ■
A processor determines the horizontal and
vertical coordinates of the point of contact ■
The touchscreen will work if any object
touches the screen ■
1

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark for correct opcode and 1 mark for corresponding operand
OR #255 // OR #154 // XOR #154
e.g.
■ OR...
■ ... #255 2
3(b) 1 mark for correct opcode and 1 mark for corresponding operand

XOR #255 e.g.

■ XOR...
■ ... #255 2
3(c) 7E 1
3(d) 11110000 1
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 5 of 9

Question Answer Marks
3(e) 1 mark per point

■ Correct conversion to binary 01111111 (127) and 00001100 (12)

■ Working e.g. turning 01111111 into two's complement 10000001
■ Answer: 1000 1101 3

Question Answer Marks

4(a) 1 mark per point, max 1 for data and max 1 for computer system
Data
■ Data needs protecting from someone amending / deleting or taking it
Computer System
■ Computer system need protecting to stop people for example, installing
malware or damaging the system 2
4(b) 1 mark for each correct threat, matching description and prevention
e.g.
Threat Description Prevention method
Virus Malicious software that
replicates itself and can corrupt
data Anti-virus / Firewall /
Anti-malware
Hacker Unauthorised access to the
computer with malicious intent Firewall / strong or
biometric passwords / user
permissions
6
4(c) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ Data is turned into cipher text // Data is encoded

■ Used so that it cannot be understood if intercepted without the
decryption key 2
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(a) 1 mark for each correct relationship

2
5(b) 1 mark per point

■ Neither key uniquely identifies each tuple by itself

■ One actor cannot appear in the same film twice so together they are
unique 2
5(c) 1 mark per correct entry

SELECT FILM_ACTOR.ActorID / ActorID

FROM FILM_ACTOR
INNER JOIN FILM_FACT
ON FILM_FACT.FilmID = FILM_ACTOR.FilmID
WHERE FILM_FACT.FilmTitle = "Cinderella" ; 4
5(d) 1 mark per point

■ COUNT and correct fieldname

■ SELECT and FROM statements, including the table name in FROM
■ WHERE statement

e.g.
SELECT COUNT(FilmID)
FROM FILM_FACT
WHERE ReleaseDate >= #01/01/2022# AND ReleaseDate <=
#31/01/2022#;
// WHERE ReleaseDate BETWEEN #01/01/2022# AND
#31/01/2022#;
// WHERE ReleaseDate = “January 2022”; 3
ACTOR
FILM_FACT
FILM_ACTOR
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 7 of 9

Question Answer Marks
5(e) 1 mark for each correctly completed term

■ data dictionary
■ field names // primary keys
■ primary keys //field names
■ logical schema
■ query
■ interface

A DBMS provides data management. This includes the development of a

data dictionary that stores information about the data stored, such as field
names and primary keys .
The logical schema uses methods such as an E-R diagram to show the
structure of the database and its relationships.
The query processor allows a user to perform searches to find specific data.
The DBMS also provides a developer interface that allows the user to
create tables, forms and reports. 6

Question Answer Marks

6(a) 1 mark per point to max 2
e.g.
■ Attempts to translate the whole source code
■ Creates a separate error report at the end of the translation process
■ If translation successful / no errors creates an executable file 2
6(b) 1 mark per point to max 2
e.g.
■ Reads each line then translates it and executes it
■ Stops when an error is encountered // displays errors where it finds
them 2
6(c) 1 mark per point, max 2 for writing, max 2 for testing

Writing e.g.
■ Enter code into an editor
■ Pretty printing to identify key terms
■ Context-sensitive prompts to help complete statements
■ Expand and collapse code blocks
■ Auto-complete to suggest what to type next
■ Auto-formatting to indent code blocks
■ Dynamic syntax checking
Testing e.g.
■ Single stepping to run the code line by line
■ Breakpoints to stop the code at set points to check values
■ Report window to see how variables change 4
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 8 of 9

Question Answer Marks
7 1 mark for first 4 rows, 1 mark for second 4 rows (shaded)

A B C Working space X
000 0
001 0
010 1
011 0
100 1
101 0
110 0
111 0
2

Question Answer Marks

8 1 mark for identification of an application
Max 2 marks for relevant description
e.g.
■ Police identifying wanted people
■ Uses image recognition
■ ... to identify features/characteristics/items in an image

■ Natural language interfaces

■ Use speech recognition to identify words that are spoken
■ ... and adapts to learn regional accents

■ Self-driving cars
■ Detects its position on the road and within the traffic
■ Follows a route // Collision avoidance // Self-parking etc.

■ Spoken Interfaces
■ Use natural language processing
■ ... to take a sentence and work out its meaning

■ Game playing
■ Models characters in a computer game
■ ... to allow computer characters to react according to the player's
movements 3
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2022 Page 9 of 9

Question Answer Marks
9(a) 1 mark for each completed name or description

Device Description
Router Receives and sends data between two networks
operating on the same protocol
Wireless
Network
Interface Card
(WNIC) Hardware component that allows a device to connect to
a wireless network // Provides a MAC address to the
device to identify it on the wireless network
Repeater Restores the digital signal so it can be transmitted over
greater distances
Wireless
Access Point
(WAP) Hardware component that provides radio
communication from the central device to nodes on the network (and vice versa)
4
9(b) 1 mark for each difference
e.g.
■ Fibre optic data is transmitted using light, copper cable through
electrical signals
■ Fibre optic has higher bandwidth than copper cable // Fibre optic has
higher transmission rates than copper cable
■ Fibre optic has smaller risk of (noise) interference than copper cable
■ Fibre optic can be used over longer distances than copper cable before
repeaters are needed
■ Fibre optic is much more difficult to hack into than copper cable
■ Fibre optic is more prone to damage than copper cable 3
9(c) 1 mark per point to max 4

■ A workstation / node (wishing to transmit) listens to the communication

channel
■ …data is only sent when the channel is free // ... if channel is free data
is sent
■ Because there is more than one computer connected to the same
transmission medium
■ ... two workstations can start to transmit at the same time, causing a
collision
■ If a collision happens, the workstations send a (jamming) signal / abort
transmission
■ …and each waits a random amount of time before attempting to resend 4
This document consists of 8 printed pages.

© UCLES 2022
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/11

Paper 11 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 75

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.

Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and

Published
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 8

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 8

Question Answer Marks
1(a) 1 mark for:
one tebibyte is 1024 gibibytes and one terabyte is 1000 gigabytes 1
1(b) 1001 1100 1
1(c) 1 mark for working e.g.
■ Dividing by 16 // converting to binary (11111011)

1 mark for answer

FB 2
1(d) 1000 1110 1

Question Answer Marks

2(a)(i) 1 mark for each correct term.

Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are both
examples of primary memory.
One item that is stored in RAM is currently running software/data/part of
OS.

One item that is stored in ROM is the start-up/boot-up instructions/BIOS .

RAM can be either Static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM). SRAM uses transistors arranged
DRAM uses transistors and capacitors . 5
2(a)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point to max 3

■ PROM can be set once, EPROM and EEPROM can be overwritten

multiple times.
■ EPROM needs to be removed from device EEPROM can be erased in
situ.

■ EPROM and can be erased using UV light, EEPROM can be erased

using voltage // is flash storage .
■ EPROM must be entirely erased before rewriting, EEPROM does not
have to be entirely erased before rewriting. 3
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
2(b) 1 mark per bullet point to max 5

■ The hard disk has (one or more) platter/plate/disk

■ Each surface of the platter/disk is (ferrous oxide which is) capable of
being magnetised
■ The platters/disks are mounted on a (central) spindle
■ The entire mechanism is contained inside a sealed (aluminium) box.
■ The disks are rotated (at high-speed)
■ (Each surface of the disk) has a read/write head mounted on an arm
(positioned just above the surface)
■ Electronic circuits control the movement of the arm (and hence the
heads)
■ The surface of the platter/disk is divided into concentric tracks / circles
■ The surface of the platter/disk is divided into sectors
■ One track in one sector is the basic unit of storage called a block
■ The data is encoded as a magnetic pattern for each block
■ When writing to disk, a variation in the current in the head produces a
variation in magnetic field on the disk
■ When reading from disk, a variation in magnetic field produces a
variation in current through the head 5
2(c)(i) 1 mark for each correct row.

Gate Input 1 Input 2

AND 1 1
NAND 0
0
10
1
0
XOR 0
11
0
NOR 0 0
4
2(c)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point

■ A NAND B
■ B XOR C
■ OR
(A NAND B) OR ( B XOR C) 3
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
3(a) Security prevents against loss while privacy prevents unauthorised access 1
3(b) 1 mark for identifying threat, 1 mark for description, 1 mark for security
measure ( times 2 )
e.g.
■ Malware
■ Malicious software that replicates and can delete/damage the
examination papers
■ Install and run anti-malware

■ Hacker/unauthorised access
■ Illegal access in order to delete/damage the examination papers
■ Use a firewall // strong passwords

■ Spyware
■ Software installed on the computer without the teacher’s knowledge
which records keystrokes and sends the data gathered about the
examination papers to a third party
■ Use a firewall / install and run anti-spyware / use a virtual (onscreen)
keyboard 6
Question Answer Marks
4(a) 1 mark per bullet point to max 4

e.g.
■ Reduced data redundancy // less repeated data
■ …because each item of data is only stored once
■ Maintains data consistency // improves data integrity
■ …changes in one table will automatically update in another
■ ... linked data cannot be entered differently in two tables
■ Program-data independence
■ …changes to the data do not require programs to be re-written
■ Complex queries are easier to run
■ Can provide different views
■ ….so users can only see specific aspects of the database 4
4(b) 1 mark for 3NF
1 mark per bullet for justification to max 2
■ There are no repeated attributes // it is already in 2NF
■ Each field is fully dependent on the corresponding primary key // no
partial dependencies
■ No transitive dependencies 3
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
4(c)(i) 1 mark per bullet point

■ Create table, table name, opening and closing brackets

■ StudentID and Mark as integer
■ TestID as Varchar
■ Primary key correctly set up
■ Foreign keys correctly set up
e.g.
CREATE TABLE STUDENT_TEST (
StudentId INTEGER,
TestID VARCHAR, Mark INTEGER,
PRIMARY KEY(StudentID,TestID),
FOREIGN KEY(TestID) REFERENCES TEST(TestID), FOREIGN KEY(StudentID) REFERENCES
); 5
4(c)(ii) 1 mark for each point

■ AVG(Mark)
■ SELECT and FROM STUDENT_TEST
■ WHERE clause
e.g.
SELECT AVG(Mark)
FROM STUDENT_TEST WHERE TestID = "A7"; 3
4(d) 1 mark per bullet point to max 3 for validation
e.g.
■ range check to make sure it is between 0 and max marks
■ presence check to make sure a mark is entered
■ type check to make sure an integer value is entered
1 mark per bullet point to max 2 for verification
e.g.
■ double entry - enter the mark twice and the computer compares them
■ visual check – manually compare the mark entered with the mark on the
input document 4
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 7 of 8

Question Answer Marks
5(a) 1 mark for 1 correct line, 2 marks for 2 correct lines, 3 marks for 3 or 4
correct lines, 4 marks for all 5 correct lines

IDE feature Description

Context-sensitive
prompt Executes one line of the
program and then stops

Dynamic syntax
check Underlines or highlights
statements that do not meet the rules of the lan
guage

Breakpoint Outputs the contents of

variables and data structures

Single stepping Stops the code executing at

a set line

Report window Displays predictions of the

code bein g entered
4
5(b) 1 mark each:

■ Open Source Initiative

■ Free Software Foundation 2
5(c) 1 mark per bullet point to max 3

■ Saves (programming/testing) time as code does not have to be

written/re-written from scratch // co de does not have to be tested
■ Code is already tested so it is more robust/likely to work
■ If there is an improvement in the library routine the program updates
automatically
■ can perform complex calculations that the programmer may be unable to
do 3
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 8 of 8

Question Answer Marks
6(a)(i) 1 mark per bullet point to max 5

■ The Program Counter (PC) holds the address of the next instruction …
■ …and the contents are incremented / changed to the next address each
cycle
■ The Memory Address Register (MAR) holds the address to fetch the data
(from the PC)
■ The Memory Data Register (MDR) holds the data at the address in MAR
■ The instruction is transferred to Current Instruction Register (CIR) for
decoding and execution 5
6(a)(ii) 1 mark for detection
■ At the start/end of a FE cycle

1 mark for handling to max 4

■ Priority is checked
■ If lower priority than current process continue with F-E cycle
■ If higher priority than current process …
■ … state of current process is / registers are stored on stack
■ Location / type of interrupt identified...
■ …appropriate ISR is called to handle the interrupt
■ When ISR finished, check for further interrupts (of high priority) / return to
step 1
■ Otherwise load data from stack and continue with process 5
6(b) 1 mark for factor 1 mark for impact
e.g.
■ Clock speed…
■ …higher clock speed means more FE cycles per second

■ Number of cores…
■ …means more instructions can be carried out simultaneously
■ Bus width …
■ …allows the transfer of more data each time // allows more memory
locations to be directly accessed
■ Cache …
■ … the higher capacity the more frequently used instructions it can store
for fast access 2
6(c)(i) 0000 0000 1
6(c)(ii) 0110 1101 1
6(c)(iii) 1101 0000 1
 Mark Schemes - Keywords/Answers

This document consists of 10 printed pages.

© UCLES 2022
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/13

Paper 13 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 75

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some Cambridge O

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 10

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 10

Question Answer Marks
1(a)(i) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ All of the characters/symbols that the computer can use/represent

■ Each character has a unique number/binary number/hexadecimal
numbe r 2
1(a)(ii) 1 mark for each character set to max 2 , 1 mark for difference

■ ASCII
■ Extended ASCII
■ UNICODE

■ ASCII has 7 bits whereas UNICODE has 16 bits

■ Extended ASCII has 8 bits whereas UNICODE has 16 bits
■ ASCII has 7 bits whereas extended ASCII has 8 bits
■ Unicode can represent more characters than ASCII/Extended// by
example
■ Extended ASCII can represent more characters than ASCII 3
1(a)(iii) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ Can use run-length encoding

■ Identifies groups of repeated characters ...
■ ... replaces them with a one copy of the character and the number of
times it occurs 2
1(a)(iv) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ None of the original data can be lost / deleted

■ The (text) file would be corrupted // the (text) file cannot be opened 2
1(b) 1 mark for each correct value

Statement Answer
The hexadecimal value 11 represented in denary 17
The smallest denary number that be represented by an
unsigned 8-bit binary intege r 0
The denary number 87 represented in Binary Coded
Decimal (BCD) 1000 0111
The denary number 240 represented in hexadecimal F0
The denary number –20 represented in 8-bit two’s
complement binary 1110 1100
5
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
2(a) 1 mark for each correct description

Step Description
PC ■ [PC] + 1 Address in PC is incremented
MDR ■ [[MAR]] The data in the address held in the MAR is copied
to the MDR
MAR ■ [PC] The contents of the PC are copied to the MAR
3
2(b) 1 mark per point to max 5

■ Check for interrupt at start/end of an F-E cycle

■ Priority is checked
■ If lower priority than current process continue with F-E cycle
■ If higher priority than current process …
■ … state of current process is / registers are stored on stack
■ Location/type of interrupt identified
■ Appropriate ISR is called to handle the interrupt
■ When ISR finished, check for further interrupts (of higher priority) /
return to step 1
■ Otherwise load data from stack and continue with next F-E cycle (of
process) 5

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark for each correct value

Instruction Accumulator
LDM #103 103
LDD 102 104
LDI 103 101
3
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
3(b) 1 mark for group name, 1 mark for appropriate description
e.g.
■ Input and output of data
■ Takes an input from the user // outputs the character of the binary
number

■ Arithmetic operations
■ Perform addition and subtraction

■ Unconditional and conditional instructions

■ Move to another instruction (identified by a label)

■ Compare instructions
■ Compare the result to another value 4
3(c) 1 mark for each correct line

Instruction Result
01111101
XOR 11110000
00111101
OR 01010101
11111111
AND 11111111
11000010

11001101
3
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
4(a) 1 mark for identifying task, max 2 for each description
Max 2 for only identifying tasks without descriptions

e.g.
■ Memory management
■ Controls the movement of data between RAM, processor, VM etc
■ allocates memory to processes

■ File management
■ Creates files/folders
■ Renames file/folders

■ Security management
■ Creates accounts/passwords
■ Provide /upgrade firewall / anti-malware

■ Hardware management
■ Receives data from input device s ///sends data to output device
■ Use of device drivers

■ Process management
■ Decides which process to run next
■ supports multitasking 4
4(b)(i) 1 mark per point to max 2 for each

Back-up
■ To make a copy of data at regular intervals
■ So that if it is lost/corrupted it can be retrieved
Defragmentation
■ Make individual files occupy contiguous blocks // move free space
together
■ Improve disk access times // Data/files can be loaded faste
r4
4(b)(ii) 1 mark from
e.g.
■ Compression software
■ (Hard) disk formatter
■ Virus checker
■ Disk analysis software
■ Disk repair software 1
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(a)(i) 1 mark from
■ To stop the data being lost / corrupted / amended
■ To make sure it can be recovered
■ To prevent unauthorised access 1
5(a)(ii) 1 mark each
e.g.
■ Install / run a firewall
■ Up to date Anti-virus / anti-malware
■ (Username and ) (strong) password
■ Encryption
■ Access rights 2
5(b)(i) 1 mark each
■ Visual check
■ Manually compare the data entered with the original (document)

■ Double entry
■ Enter the data twice and the system compares them to see if they are
the same 2
5(b)(ii) 1 mark each
e.g.
Range check:
■ Make sure it is after and before a specific date // e.g. between 1900 and
today's date // check month is between 1 and 12 // check day is between 1 and month end
Presence check:
■ Make sure the date of birth has been entered
Length check:
■ Make sure there are at least 1 for day, 1 for month, 2/4 for year // must
be 8 characters 3
5(b(iii) 1 mark per bullet point to max 2

■ Validation checks data is reasonable/within bounds it does not check

that accurate data has been entered
■ Verification checks if the data matches the data given it does not check
if the original data is accurate 2
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
6(a) 1 mark per point

■ Primary key StaffID in STAFF…

■ … links to foreign key StaffID in DEVICE
■ One staff member can have many devices
■ Each device can only be with one member of staf f 4
6(b)(i) 1 mark for each correctly completed statement

SELECT COUNT(STAFF.StaffID)
FROM STAFF
INNER JOIN DEVICE
ON STAFF.StaffId = DEVICE.StaffID
WHERE STAFF.FirstName = "Ali"
AND STAFF.LastName = "Khan"; 4
6(b)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point

■ ALTER TABLE DEVICE

■ ADD appropriate field name , appropriate data type

e.g.
ALTER TABLE DEVICE
ADD Returned Boolean; 2
6(c) Normal Form Description
First Normal Form (1NF) No repeating groups or repeating attributes
Second Normal Form
(2NF) All attributes must be fully dependant on
the (composite) primary key // No partial dependencies
Third Normal Form (3NF) All attributes must be fully dependent on the
primary key and no other attributes // no non-key dependencies // no transitive dependencies
1 mark for each correct description 3
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Question Answer Marks
7(a) 1 mark for each section
■ A AND B
■ NOT C AND B // B AND NOT C
■ XOR (with remainder correct and bracketed and nothing extra)
X = (A AND B) XOR (NOT C AND B) 3
7(b) 1 mark for first 4 rows, 1 mark for second 4 rows (shaded)

A B C Working space X
000 1
001 1
010 1
011 1
100 1
101 1
110 1
111 0
2

Question Answer Marks

8(a) Accessing a service/files/software on a remote server 1
8(b) 1 mark each from:
Public e.g.
■ Computing services offered by 3rd party provider over the public
Internet
■ Public is open/available to anyone with the appropriate
equipment/software/credentials
Private e.g.
■ Computing services offered either over the Internet or a private internal
network
■ Only available to select users not the general public
■ Private is a dedicated/bespoke system only accessible for/from the
organisation 2
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
8(c) 1 mark for each benefit to max 2
e.g.
■ Can be accessed anywhere with Internet access
■ Do not need to install security // security might be better
■ Do not need to perform backups
■ Do not need to buy specific software/hardware
■ Can easily share documents
■ Can have multiple people working on the same document
1 mark for drawback
e.g.
■ You cannot access it if no internet access
■ Reliant on someone else to backup
■ Reliant on someone else for security // can have poorer security
■ Cannot access if server goes down 3

This document consists of 9 printed pages.

© UCLES 2022
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/12

Paper 12 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 75

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 9

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :
■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 9

Question Answer Marks
1(a) 1 mark for 1 correct line
2 marks for 2 or 3 correct lines
3 marks for all 4 correct lines

Term Definition
Pixel The number of pixels
wide by the number of pixels high

Bit depth The smallest identifiable

component of an image

Image resolution Stores data about the

image file, e.g. file format, number of bits per pixel, file size

File header The number of bits used

to represent each colour
3
1(b)(i) 8 1
1(b)(ii) 1 mark for working
■ 10 * 5 * 8 (bits) / 8 // = 50 (pixels) * 8 (bits) / 8
1 mark for answer
■ 50 (bytes) 2
1(c) 1 mark per point

■ Increasing the colour depth results in increased file size // Decreasing

the colour depth results in smaller file size

■ Increasing the colour depth means more bits per pixel and hence more
data stored // Decreasing the colour depth means fewer bits per pixel
and hence less data stored 2
1(d) 1 mark per point

■ Use run-length encoding // RLE

■ Record the colour Blue, and the number of times it occurs 10 2
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
2(a) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ The lane detection system is built into / integrated into the car

■ The lane detection system only performs one task

■ The lane detection system is not easily changed/updated by the car
owner 2
2(b) 1 mark for primary
■ e.g. Miles travelled in the current journey , before the engine is turned off
1 mark for secondary
■ e.g. Total miles travelled since the car was built // miles for most recent
journey after engine switched off 2
2(c) 1 mark for all correct ticks

Statement True False

The screen always has five different layers ■
A processor determines the horizontal and
vertical coordinates of the point of contact ■
The touchscreen will work if any object
touches the screen ■
1

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark for correct opcode and 1 mark for corresponding operand
OR #255 // OR #154 // XOR #154
e.g.
■ OR...
■ ... #255 2
3(b) 1 mark for correct opcode and 1 mark for corresponding operand

XOR #255 e.g.

■ XOR...
■ ... #255 2
3(c) 7E 1
3(d) 11110000 1
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
3(e) 1 mark per point

■ Correct conversion to binary 01111111 (127) and 00001100 (12)

■ Working e.g. turning 01111111 into two's complement 10000001
■ Answer: 1000 1101 3

Question Answer Marks

4(a) 1 mark per point, max 1 for data and max 1 for computer system
Data
■ Data needs protecting from someone amending / deleting or taking it
Computer System
■ Computer system need protecting to stop people for example, installing
malware or damaging the system 2
4(b) 1 mark for each correct threat, matching description and prevention
e.g.
Threat Description Prevention method
Virus Malicious software that
replicates itself and can corrupt
data Anti-virus / Firewall /
Anti-malware
Hacker Unauthorised access to the
computer with malicious intent Firewall / strong or
biometric passwords / user
permissions
6
4(c) 1 mark per point to max 2

■ Data is turned into cipher text // Data is encoded

■ Used so that it cannot be understood if intercepted without the
decryption key 2
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(a) 1 mark for each correct relationship

2
5(b) 1 mark per point

■ Neither key uniquely identifies each tuple by itself

■ One actor cannot appear in the same film twice so together they are
unique 2
5(c) 1 mark per correct entry

SELECT FILM_ACTOR.ActorID / ActorID

FROM FILM_ACTOR
INNER JOIN FILM_FACT
ON FILM_FACT.FilmID = FILM_ACTOR.FilmID
WHERE FILM_FACT.FilmTitle = "Cinderella" ; 4
5(d) 1 mark per point

■ COUNT and correct fieldname

■ SELECT and FROM statements, including the table name in FROM
■ WHERE statement

e.g.
SELECT COUNT(FilmID)
FROM FILM_FACT
WHERE ReleaseDate >= #01/01/2022# AND ReleaseDate <=
#31/01/2022#;
// WHERE ReleaseDate BETWEEN #01/01/2022# AND
#31/01/2022#;
// WHERE ReleaseDate = “January 2022”; 3
ACTOR
FILM_FACT
FILM_ACTOR
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(e) 1 mark for each correctly completed term
■ data dictionary
■ field names // primary keys
■ primary keys //field names
■ logical schema
■ query
■ interface

A DBMS provides data management. This includes the development of a

data dictionary that stores information about the data stored, such as field
names and primary keys .
The logical schema uses methods such as an E-R diagram to show the
structure of the database and its relationships.
The query processor allows a user to perform searches to find specific data.
The DBMS also provides a developer interface that allows the user to
create tables, forms and reports. 6

Question Answer Marks

6(a) 1 mark per point to max 2
e.g.
■ Attempts to translate the whole source code
■ Creates a separate error report at the end of the translation process
■ If translation successful / no errors creates an executable file 2
6(b) 1 mark per point to max 2
e.g.
■ Reads each line then translates it and executes it
■ Stops when an error is encountered // displays errors where it finds
them 2
6(c) 1 mark per point, max 2 for writing, max 2 for testing

Writing e.g.
■ Enter code into an editor
■ Pretty printing to identify key terms
■ Context-sensitive prompts to help complete statements
■ Expand and collapse code blocks
■ Auto-complete to suggest what to type next
■ Auto-formatting to indent code blocks
■ Dynamic syntax checking
Testing e.g.
■ Single stepping to run the code line by line
■ Breakpoints to stop the code at set points to check values
■ Report window to see how variables change 4
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
7 1 mark for first 4 rows, 1 mark for second 4 rows (shaded)

A B C Working space X
000 0
001 0
010 1
011 0
100 1
101 0
110 0
111 0
2
Question Answer Marks
8 1 mark for identification of an application
Max 2 marks for relevant description
e.g.
■ Police identifying wanted people
■ Uses image recognition
■ ... to identify features/characteristics/items in an image

■ Natural language interfaces

■ Use speech recognition to identify words that are spoken
■ ... and adapts to learn regional accents

■ Self-driving cars
■ Detects its position on the road and within the traffic
■ Follows a route // Collision avoidance // Self-parking etc.

■ Spoken Interfaces
■ Use natural language processing
■ ... to take a sentence and work out its meaning

■ Game playing
■ Models characters in a computer game
■ ... to allow computer characters to react according to the player's
movements 3
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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© UCLES 2022 Page 9 of 9

Question Answer Marks
9(a) 1 mark for each completed name or description

Device Description
Router Receives and sends data between two networks
operating on the same protocol
Wireless
Network
Interface Card
(WNIC) Hardware component that allows a device to connect to
a wireless network // Provides a MAC address to the
device to identify it on the wireless network
Repeater Restores the digital signal so it can be transmitted over
greater distances
Wireless
Access Point
(WAP) Hardware component that provides radio
communication from the central device to nodes on the network (and vice versa)
4
9(b) 1 mark for each difference
e.g.
■ Fibre optic data is transmitted using light, copper cable through
electrical signals
■ Fibre optic has higher bandwidth than copper cable // Fibre optic has
higher transmission rates than copper cable
■ Fibre optic has smaller risk of (noise) interference than copper cable
■ Fibre optic can be used over longer distances than copper cable before
repeaters are needed
■ Fibre optic is much more difficult to hack into than copper cable
■ Fibre optic is more prone to damage than copper cable 3
9(c) 1 mark per point to max 4

■ A workstation / node (wishing to transmit) listens to the communication

channel
■ …data is only sent when the channel is free // ... if channel is free data
is sent
■ Because there is more than one computer connected to the same
transmission medium
■ ... two workstations can start to transmit at the same time, causing a
collision
■ If a collision happens, the workstations send a (jamming) signal / abort
transmission
■ …and each waits a random amount of time before attempting to resend 4

This document consists of 8 printed pages.

© UCLES 2022
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/11

Paper 11 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2022
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 75

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.

Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.

Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2022 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and

Published
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 2 of 8

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2022

© UCLES 2022 Page 3 of 8

Question Answer Marks
1(a) 1 mark for:
one tebibyte is 1024 gibibytes and one terabyte is 1000 gigabytes 1
1(b) 1001 1100 1
1(c) 1 mark for working e.g.
■ Dividing by 16 // converting to binary (11111011)

1 mark for answer

FB 2
1(d) 1000 1110 1

Question Answer Marks

2(a)(i) 1 mark for each correct term.

Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM) are both
examples of primary memory.
One item that is stored in RAM is currently running software/data/part of
OS.

One item that is stored in ROM is the start-up/boot-up instructions/BIOS .

RAM can be either Static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM). SRAM uses transistors arranged
DRAM uses transistors and capacitors . 5
2(a)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point to max 3

■ PROM can be set once, EPROM and EEPROM can be overwritten

multiple times.
■ EPROM needs to be removed from device EEPROM can be erased in
situ.
■ EPROM and can be erased using UV light, EEPROM can be erased
using voltage // is flash storage .
■ EPROM must be entirely erased before rewriting, EEPROM does not
have to be entirely erased before rewriting. 3
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
2(b) 1 mark per bullet point to max 5

■ The hard disk has (one or more) platter/plate/disk

■ Each surface of the platter/disk is (ferrous oxide which is) capable of
being magnetised
■ The platters/disks are mounted on a (central) spindle
■ The entire mechanism is contained inside a sealed (aluminium) box.
■ The disks are rotated (at high-speed)
■ (Each surface of the disk) has a read/write head mounted on an arm
(positioned just above the surface)
■ Electronic circuits control the movement of the arm (and hence the
heads)
■ The surface of the platter/disk is divided into concentric tracks / circles
■ The surface of the platter/disk is divided into sectors
■ One track in one sector is the basic unit of storage called a block
■ The data is encoded as a magnetic pattern for each block
■ When writing to disk, a variation in the current in the head produces a
variation in magnetic field on the disk
■ When reading from disk, a variation in magnetic field produces a
variation in current through the head 5
2(c)(i) 1 mark for each correct row.

Gate Input 1 Input 2

AND 1 1
NAND 0
0
10
1
0
XOR 0
11
0
NOR 0 0
4
2(c)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point

■ A NAND B
■ B XOR C
■ OR
(A NAND B) OR ( B XOR C) 3
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Question Answer Marks
3(a) Security prevents against loss while privacy prevents unauthorised access 1
3(b) 1 mark for identifying threat, 1 mark for description, 1 mark for security
measure ( times 2 )
e.g.
■ Malware
■ Malicious software that replicates and can delete/damage the
examination papers
■ Install and run anti-malware

■ Hacker/unauthorised access
■ Illegal access in order to delete/damage the examination papers
■ Use a firewall // strong passwords

■ Spyware
■ Software installed on the computer without the teacher’s knowledge
which records keystrokes and sends the data gathered about the
examination papers to a third party
■ Use a firewall / install and run anti-spyware / use a virtual (onscreen)
keyboard 6

Question Answer Marks

4(a) 1 mark per bullet point to max 4

e.g.
■ Reduced data redundancy // less repeated data
■ …because each item of data is only stored once
■ Maintains data consistency // improves data integrity
■ …changes in one table will automatically update in another
■ ... linked data cannot be entered differently in two tables
■ Program-data independence
■ …changes to the data do not require programs to be re-written
■ Complex queries are easier to run
■ Can provide different views
■ ….so users can only see specific aspects of the database 4
4(b) 1 mark for 3NF
1 mark per bullet for justification to max 2
■ There are no repeated attributes // it is already in 2NF
■ Each field is fully dependent on the corresponding primary key // no
partial dependencies
■ No transitive dependencies 3
9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
4(c)(i) 1 mark per bullet point

■ Create table, table name, opening and closing brackets

■ StudentID and Mark as integer
■ TestID as Varchar
■ Primary key correctly set up
■ Foreign keys correctly set up
e.g.
CREATE TABLE STUDENT_TEST (
StudentId INTEGER,
TestID VARCHAR, Mark INTEGER,
PRIMARY KEY(StudentID,TestID),
FOREIGN KEY(TestID) REFERENCES TEST(TestID), FOREIGN KEY(StudentID) REFERENCES
); 5
4(c)(ii) 1 mark for each point

■ AVG(Mark)
■ SELECT and FROM STUDENT_TEST
■ WHERE clause
e.g.
SELECT AVG(Mark)
FROM STUDENT_TEST WHERE TestID = "A7"; 3
4(d) 1 mark per bullet point to max 3 for validation
e.g.
■ range check to make sure it is between 0 and max marks
■ presence check to make sure a mark is entered
■ type check to make sure an integer value is entered
1 mark per bullet point to max 2 for verification
e.g.
■ double entry - enter the mark twice and the computer compares them
■ visual check – manually compare the mark entered with the mark on the
input document 4
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Question Answer Marks
5(a) 1 mark for 1 correct line, 2 marks for 2 correct lines, 3 marks for 3 or 4
correct lines, 4 marks for all 5 correct lines

IDE feature Description

Context-sensitive
prompt Executes one line of the
program and then stops

Dynamic syntax
check Underlines or highlights
statements that do not meet the rules of the lan
guage

Breakpoint Outputs the contents of

variables and data structures

Single stepping Stops the code executing at

a set line

Report window Displays predictions of the

code bein g entered
4
5(b) 1 mark each:

■ Open Source Initiative

■ Free Software Foundation 2
5(c) 1 mark per bullet point to max 3

■ Saves (programming/testing) time as code does not have to be

written/re-written from scratch // co de does not have to be tested
■ Code is already tested so it is more robust/likely to work
■ If there is an improvement in the library routine the program updates
automatically
■ can perform complex calculations that the programmer may be unable to
do 3
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Question Answer Marks
6(a)(i) 1 mark per bullet point to max 5

■ The Program Counter (PC) holds the address of the next instruction …
■ …and the contents are incremented / changed to the next address each
cycle
■ The Memory Address Register (MAR) holds the address to fetch the data
(from the PC)
■ The Memory Data Register (MDR) holds the data at the address in MAR
■ The instruction is transferred to Current Instruction Register (CIR) for
decoding and execution 5
6(a)(ii) 1 mark for detection
■ At the start/end of a FE cycle

1 mark for handling to max 4

■ Priority is checked
■ If lower priority than current process continue with F-E cycle
■ If higher priority than current process …
■ … state of current process is / registers are stored on stack
■ Location / type of interrupt identified...
■ …appropriate ISR is called to handle the interrupt
■ When ISR finished, check for further interrupts (of high priority) / return to
step 1
■ Otherwise load data from stack and continue with process 5
6(b) 1 mark for factor 1 mark for impact
e.g.
■ Clock speed…
■ …higher clock speed means more FE cycles per second

■ Number of cores…
■ …means more instructions can be carried out simultaneously
■ Bus width …
■ …allows the transfer of more data each time // allows more memory
locations to be directly accessed
■ Cache …
■ … the higher capacity the more frequently used instructions it can store
for fast access 2
6(c)(i) 0000 0000 1
6(c)(ii) 0110 1101 1
6(c)(iii) 1101 0000 1

This document consists of 11 printed pages.

© UCLES 2023
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/13

Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 75

Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and
Cambridge O Level components.

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 2 of 11

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

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Question Answer Marks
1(a) NOT B 1
1(b) 1 mark for first 4 rows correct; 1 mark for second 4 rows correct

ABCX
0001
0010
0101
0110
1001
1010
1100
11112
Question Answer Marks
2(a) 1 mark each to max 2

■■WAN covers a large geographica l area and LAN covers a small

geographical area
■■LAN connections between devices are usually physical, whereas the
WAN connections are often virtual
■■A LAN has a high data transfer rate, whereas a WAN has a low data
transfer rate
■■The ownership of a LAN is private; the ownership of a WAN can be
private or public
■■LAN is usually more secure than a WAN because protection is easier
to implement 2
2(b)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■■All computers are connected to at least one other device

■■There are multiple routes between devices
■■The computers can act as relays, passing packets on towards the final
destination 2
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Question Answer Marks
2(b)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2

■■If one line goes down there are more routes available
■■Improved security as not using one main line
■■No/fewer collisions
■■New nodes can be added without interruption or interfering with other
nodes
■■More secure because data is sent over a dedicated connection 2
2(c) 1 mark each to max 2

■■Server performs all processes required by the task and/or data storage
■■Clients only sends requests to the server and displays the returned
results 2
2(d) 1 mark each to max 4
Examples:
■■Some students might only have one sort of connection on their device
■■Wired provides better performance for the student's device
■■... for example, enabling faster access to university databases
■■There will be less interference if students connect via a cable
■■Students can transmit private/confidential data/work securely
■■... for example, their final dissertation
■■Wireless connection means that the students can use their devices in
different rooms/sites/outside/anywhere more freely // student devices
can be portable
■■Wireless connection enables the students to bring multiple devices //
bring their own devices // change devices 4
2(e) 1 mark for identification

■■IP address is made up of a network ID and a host ID

1 mark each to max 2 for description

■■Each device in a subnetwork has the same network ID // Each

subnetwork has a different network ID
■■Every device in each subnetwork has a different host ID but the same
network ID // the host ID uniquely identifies the device within the
subnetwork 3
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Question Answer Marks
3(a) 1 mark for each term

■■Resistive
■■Circuit
■■Capacitive
■■Change
■■Coordinates

A resistive touchscreen has two layers. When the user touches the screen,
the layers touch and a circuit is completed.
A capacitive touchscreen has several layers. When the top layer is
touched there is a change/increase/decrease in the electric current.
A microprocessor identifies the coordinates of the touch. 5
3(b) 1 mark each to max 3
Examples:
■■Scans the scene in real time
■■Identifies if there are faces in the image
■■Uses facial recognition
■■... uses image recognition
■■... takes each frame individually
■■... analyses the pixels
■■... stores pattern for a face
■■... looks for patterns that match/come close to the pattern for a face
■■Camera focuses on the pattern identified 3
3(c)(i) 1 mark each

■■The amplitude is recorded a set number of times a second

■■Each (instance of an) amplitude is given a corresponding binary
number
■■The binary number (of each amplitude) is saved in sequence 3
3(c)(ii) 1 mark each; max 2 for rate and max 2 for resolution

Sampling rate
■■There are smaller 'gaps' in the sound wave // sound is recorded more
often
■■Digital waveform is closer to the analogue waveform
■■The quantisation errors are smaller

Sampling resolution
■■There are more bits per sample // a wider range of amplitudes can be
stored
■■Each binary amplitude /note (in the digital recording) is closer to the
analogue amplitude /note
■■Digital waveform is closer to the analogue waveform
■■The quantisation errors are smaller 4
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
4(a) 1 mark for each bullet point. Mark in pairs. Max 2 for each description.

■■Reduces data redundancy

■■... because linked tables mean that each data item is stored only once
■■Reduces program-data dependency
■■... because the data is separate from the software so changes to the
data do not require programs to be re-written
■■Reduces data inconsistency // improves data integrity
■■... because by only storing data once it only needs to be updated once //
changes in one table will automatically update in another // linked data
cannot be entered differently in two tables
■■Complex queries are easier to run
■■Can provide different views
■■….so users can only see specific aspects of the database 4
4(b) 1 mark each

Term Description
Entity An object that data is stored about.
Tuple A row of data in a table about one
instance of an object.
Secondary key An additional/alternative key used as well
as the primary key to locate specific data // a candidate key that has not been chosen as a primary key
Foreign key A field in one table that is linked to a primary
key in another table.
4
4(c) 1 mark each

■■Only 3 tables with appropriate identifiers (i.e. one table for customer,
one for booking and one for car)
■■Appropriate Primary key in each table underlined
■■Booking table includes Primary ke y from car and Primary key from
customer as Foreign keys
■■All original fields are in correct tables

Example answer:
BOOKING(BookingID, CarRegistration, CustomerID,
StartDate, EndDate)
CAR(CarRegistration, CarModel, CarColour)
CUSTOMER(CustomerID, CustomerFirstName,
CustomerLastName, EmailAddress, TelephoneNumber) 4
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
4(d)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■■Length check: the registration number must be 6 characters long

■■Format check: the registration number must be in the format letter-
digit-digit-digit-letter-letter
■■Type check: the registration number must be alphanumeric 2
4(d)(ii) 1 mark each

■■Visual check: Manually compare the registration number entered with

the source document
■■Double entry: Enter the registration number twice and the computer
compares to check they are the same 2
4(d)(iii) The registration number on the original document might be in the correct
format but may be the incorrect registration number for that car. 1
Question Answer Marks
5(a)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■■Programmer can test sections of the code without every part working /
being written
■■Programmer can debug in real time
■■… so that errors can be fixed and the program continued from that point
■■The effect of any changes made by the programmer can be seen
immediately
■■To avoid dependent errors 2
5(a)(ii) 1 mark each to max 3

■■The compiler produces an executable file

■■... so the user cannot access / edit / sell the code
■■... and users do not need the translator to run the game
■■The game can be compiled for different hardware specifications
■■... and then used to generate more income for the programmer
■■The program can be tested multiple times without having to retranslate
each time 3
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(b) 1 mark for appropriate licence; 1 mark for each point to max 3

■■Commercial software licence

■■User has to pay for the product so the programmer can gain an income
■■Enables the program to be copyrighted
■■... so the user cannot legally edit the program // the programmer retains
control over product
■■… and can take legal action against people who attempt to illegally
copy it /sell it on

■■Shareware licence
■■Enables the program to be copyrighted
■■The user cannot legally edit the program so the developer retains
control over product
■■User can try the program for free and then pay for the full game which
allows the programmer to gain an income
■■so more people can experience it and therefore be more likely to buy it 4
Question Answer Marks
6(a) 1 mark each to max 5

■■The sender hashes the document

■■... to produce a digest
■■The sender encrypts the digest to create the digital signature
■■The message and the signature are sent to the receiver
■■The receiver decrypts the signature to reproduce the digest
■■The receiver uses the same hashing algorithm on the document
received to produce a second digest
■■The receiver compares this digest with the one from the digital
signature
■■If both of the receiver’s digests are the same the document is authentic 5
9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
6(b) 1 mark each for identification and appropriate description of 2 pieces of
software, max 2

Type of
software Description
Antivirus ■■scans the computer for viruses and checks against
a stored database of viruses, that needs to be
updated regularly and then deletes / quarantines
them
■■compares downloaded files to a database of known
viruses and prevents the download continuing
Antispyware ■■scans the computer for spyware and checks
against a stored database of viruses, that needs to
be updated regularly and then deletes / quarantines them
■■compares downloaded files to a database of known
spyware and prevents the download continuing.
Firewall ■■monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and
compares it to criteria that are set by the user such
as through a whitelist/blacklist/identifying allowed / blocked IP addresses
■■compares incoming and outgoing traffic to criteria
blocks those that do not match criteria
Antimalware ■■scans the computer for viruses and checks against
a stored database of viruses, that needs to be
updated regularly and then deletes / quarantines them
■■compares downloaded files to a database of known
viruses and prevents the download continuing
2
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Question Answer Marks
7(a) 1 mark for each correct line

Description Denary value

The smallest integer that can

be represented in 8-bit two's complement. ■127

127

■255

■128
The largest integer that can be
represented in 8-bit two's complement.
■256

256
 128
The largest unsigned integer
that can be represented in 8
bits.
255

3
7(b) 1 mark each to max 4

■■The system clock gives out timing signals

■■… which are sent on the control bus
■■…to synchronise the other system components
■■The Control Unit initiates data transfer
■■…by generating signals that are sent on the control bus to other
components 4
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Question Answer Marks
7(c) 1 mark for each Register transfer notation

Stage description Register transfer

notation
The Program Counter (PC) is incremented PC ■ [PC] + 1
The data in the address stored in the
Memory Address Register (MAR) is
copied to the Memory Data Register (MDR) MDR ■ [[MAR]]
2

This document consists of 10 printed pages.

© UCLES 2023
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/12

Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 75

Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and
Cambridge O Level components.

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 2 of 10

Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct / valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

PUBLISHED May/June 2023

© UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 10

Question Answer Marks
1(a) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Allows the sharing of files/data // Allows communication between the

devices
■ Allows the sharing of resources e.g. hardware / software (applications)
■ Allows central management // by example, backup, security, etc. 2
1(b) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Covers a small geographical area

■ The infrastructure is privately owned // not controlled by external
organisations 2
1(c) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Each computer directly connected only to the server ...

■ ... all components correctly labelled

2
1(d) 1 mark each to max 3

■ A protocol (suite)
■ For data transmission over standard / universal wired / cabled network
connections
■ Uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)
■ Data is transmitted in frames
■ … each frame has a source and destination (IP/MAC) address
■ ... and error checking data (so damaged frames can be resent) 3
1(e) 1 mark each

■ The server performs minimal / some processing for the client

■ The clients also do most of their own processing/work independently //
most of the resources are installed locally 2 Computer
1
Computer Computer Computer 4
Server
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Question Answer Marks
2(a) 1 mark for each correct feature or description

Feature Description
Data dictionary Data about the data in the database // data
about the structure of the database //
metadata for a database
Query processor Software that allows the user to enter
criteria, then finds and returns the
appropriate result // software that processes and executes queries written in
SQL
Logical schema A model of a database that is not specific
to one DBMS
Developer interface A software tool that allows the user to
create items such as tables, forms and
reports
4
2(b) 1 mark each to max 3

■ Referential Integrity makes sure data is consistent

■ Referential Integrity makes sure all data is up-to-date
■ Referential integrity ensures that every foreign key has a corresponding
primary key
■ Referential Integrity prevents records from being added / deleted /
modified incorrectly
■ Referential Integrity makes sure that if data is changed in one place the
change is reflected in all related records
■ Referential Integrity makes sure any queries return accurate and complete
results 3
2(c)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Presence check to make sure that the (rider level) is entered

■ Look-up / Existence check to make sure the rider level is only Beginner,
Intermediate or Advanced
■ Length check to make sure the rider level entered is either 8 or 12
characters
■ Type check to make sure the rider level is alphanumeric 2
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Question Answer Marks
2(c)(ii) 1 mark each

■ SELECT field Name

■ FROM table HORSE
■ WHERE with Intermediate / Beginner
■ OR with Beginner / Intermediate
Example answer:
SELECT Name
FROM HORSE
WHERE HorseLevel = "Intermediate" OR HorseLevel = "Beginner"; 4
2(c)(iii) 1 mark each

■ SUM should be COUNT // SELECT COUNT(STUDENT.RiderLevel)

■ The WHERE statement needs the table names before each field name
■■■■■■■■■■■ // WHERE STUDENT.StudentID = LESSON.StudentID
■ The OR should be AND // AND Date = #09/09/2023#
■ Beginner is missing the speech marks // STUDENT.RiderLevel =
"Beginner"; 4

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

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Question Answer Marks
3(a) 1 mark for generates object code to second pass
1 mark for reads source code one line at a time to both boxes
1 mark for removes white space and adds labels to first pass
Action Pass

generates object code

first
reads the source code
one line at a time

removes white space second

adds labels to the

symbol table
3
3(b) 1 mark for each correct term
Direct addressing is when the operand holds the memory address of the data.
Indirect addressing is when the operand holds a memory address that stores
the memory address of the data. Immediate addressing is when the operand is the data.
3
Question Answer Marks
4(a) 216 // 65536 1
4(b) 1 mark for working; 1 mark for answer

■ Working: +120 = 0111 1000

■ Answer: 1000 0111 2

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Question Answer Marks
4(c) 1 mark for working; 1 mark for answer

■ Working: A04 = (10 * 162) + 4

■■■■■■■■■■■ // A04 = (10 * 256) + 4
■■■■■■■■■■■ // A04 = 1010 0000 0100

■ Answer: 2564 2
4(d) 0011 1100 1
Question Answer Marks
5(a) 1 mark each to max 2
Examples:
■ Interrupt
■ Timing
■ Read
■ Write 2
5(b) 1 mark for description; 1 mark for corresponding explanation
Examples
■ Increase number of cores
■ Each core can independently carry out a process at the same time // so
that more instructions are performed in parallel

■ Increase RAM capacity

■ ... allowing more applications to reside in memory at the same time,
saving disk access times

■ Increase cache memory

■ More data can be stored in fast access so less time is spent accessing
from RAM

■ Increase clock speed

■ More Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycles can run each second / per unit
time 4
5(c)(i) 1 mark for a correct answer

■ 1 bit is transferred at a time

■ Can be synchronous or asynchronous
■ USB-3 is full duplex and earlier versions are hal f-duplex 1
5(c)(ii) 1 mark for identification of a suitable port
Examples
■ HDMI
■ DisplayPort 1
9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme
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Question Answer Marks
5(d)(i) 1 mark each to max 5

■ Manages the scheduling of processes // decides which order to run

■■■■■■■■■■processes
■ Manages which resources the processes require
■ … such as allocating memory
■ Enables processes to share data
■ Prevents interference between processes // resolution of conflicts
■ Handles the process queue
■ It allows multi-tasking / multi-processing
■ ... by ensuring fair access, handling priorities and handling interrupts 5
5(d)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2

■ To help users to set-up / configure / analyse / optimise / maintain the

computer ...
■ ... by for example, making memory allocation more efficient
■ ... by for example, checking the system for faults 2
6(a) 1 mark for correct XOR and AND gates, with correct inputs
1 mark for correct NOT and NOR gates with correct inputs

2
6(b) 1 mark for first 4 rows
1 mark for last 4 rows

P Q R Working space Z
000 0
001 1
010 1
011 1
100 1
101 0
110 1
111 1
2

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Question Answer Marks
7(a)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Set of pre-written / pre-compiled / pre-tested subroutines

■ ... which can be called in other programs
■ ... by installing/importing the library 2
7(a)(ii) 1 mark for each bullet point. Mark in pairs; 1 mark for a benefit and 1 mark for
an appropriate expansion

■ (main) memory requirements for program is reduced

■ ... as dynamic link library is loaded only once / when required

■ the executable file size of the program using the DLL will be smaller
■ ... because the executable does not contain (all) the library routines

■ maintenance not needed to be done by the programmer

■ ... because the DLL is separate from program
■ no need to recompile the main program when changes are made to DLL
■ ... because changes / improvements/ error correction to the DLL file code
are done independently of the main program
■ A single DLL file can be made available to several application programs
■ ... Saving space in memory / easing the pressure on memory 4
7(b) No mark for choice. 1 mark each to max 3 for justification

Interpreter
■ Allows the developer to make real-time changes
■ … so the program can be debugged at each stage
■ ... the effect of any changes made by the developer can be seen
■■■■■■■■■■ immediately
■ The developer can test when incomplete
■ … so small parts can be tested with out having to test the rest of the
■■■■■■■■■■program
■ … if one section does not work others can still be tested
■ To avoid dependent errors
Compiler
■ The developer can debug multiple errors simultaneously
■ Produces an executable file
■ … so that the developer can test the program multiple times without
■■■■■■■■■recompiling 3
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Question Answer Marks
7(c) 1 mark each
Breakpoints:
■ Stop the code at a specific line to check the current progress / values

Dynamic syntax checks:

■ Highlight / underline / colour syntax errors as the code is entered
Context-sensitive prompts:
■ Suggest the code to add // automatically complete statements
Single stepping:
■ Run the code one line at a time so the values can be checked 4
7(d) 1 mark each to max 3

■ Uses speech recognition

■ ... which identifies key phrases / words spoken
■ … and matches these to a database
■ ... and generates the most likely sentence / command / word 3

This document consists of 9 printed pages.

© UCLES 2023
[Turn ove r
Cambridge International AS & A Level

COMPUTER SCIENCE 9618/11

Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals May/June 2023
MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 75
Published

This mark scheme is published as an aid to teache rs and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indic
details of the discussions that took place at an Exam iners’ meeting before marking began, which wou
considered the acceptabilit y of alternative answers.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Repo
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter in to discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and
Cambridge O Level components.

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Generic Marking Principles

These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
■ the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
■ the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:

Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively :

■ marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to yo
■ marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
■ marks are not deducted for errors
■ marks are not deducted for omissions
■ answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:

Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should no

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Question Answer Marks
1(a) 1 mark for each correct definition

Term Definition
Drawing list All the drawing objects in an image // a list
that stores the commands required to draw
each object
Pixel The smallest part of the image // one square
/ dot of one colou r
Colour depth The number of bits per pixel // determines
the number of colours that can be represented in the image
3
1(b)(i) 1 mark each

Examples:
■ Confirmation that it is a bitmap // file type
■ Compression type
■ Location/offset of data within the file
■ Dimensions e.g.100 ■ 100 pixels 2
1(b)(ii) 1 mark for working; 1 mark for answer

■ Working: (1500 * 3000 * 8) / 1000 / 1000

■ Answer: 36 MB 2
1(c)(i) 1 mark each
Examples:
■ The customers will be able to download the photographs in less time
■ …and they will take less of the customer's bandwidth
■ The photographs will take up less space on the customer's storage
medium
■ …therefore the customers can store more images
■ …and will have more space for other files 3
1(c)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2 for explanation; 1 mark for an image related example

■ RLE stores a colour and the number of times it occurs consecutively

■ An image may not have many sequences of the same colour
■ It would need to store each colour and then the count/number 1 which
adds data
Example:
■ Red-Green-Blue would become Red 1 Green 1 Blue 1 3
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Question Answer Marks
2(a)(i) 1 mark for definition:

■ Data about the data in the database // data about the structure of the
database // metadata for a database

1 mark for a suitable example

Examples:
■ table names
■ data types
■ field names 2
2(a)(ii) 1 mark for definition
■ Methods of making sure the data is consistent
1 mark for example
Examples:
■ Enforcing referential integrity
■ If data in one table is deleted/edited all tables are updated // cascading
update/delete
■ Validation/verification rules 2
2(b)(i) 1 mark for each field name and table

Foreign key Database table

BirdID BIRD_SEEN
PersonID BIRD_SEEN
2
2(b)(ii) 1 mark for all 3 correct lines

Normal Form Definition

First Normal Form
(1NF) All fields are fully
dependent on the primary
key.

Second Normal
Form (2NF) There are no repeating
groups of attributes.

Third Normal Form (3NF) There are no partial

dependencies.
1
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Question Answer Marks
2(b)(iii) 1 mark each

■ CREATE TABLE start and end bracket

■ Bird ID as CHAR/VARCHAR
■ Name and size as VARCHAR/CHAR
■ Bird ID as primary key
Example answer:
CREATE TABLE BIRD_TYPE(
BirdID CHAR(4) NOT NULL,
Name VARCHAR(9), Size VARCHAR(6),
PRIMARY KEY (BirdID)
); 4
2(b)(iv) 1 mark for each correctly completed space

SELECT BIRD_TYPE.Size, COUNT(BIRD_TYPE.BirdID) AS

NumberOfBirds

FROM BIRD_TYPE, BIRD_SEEN

WHERE BIRD_SEEN.PersonID = "J_123"

AND BIRD_TYPE.BirdID = BIRD_SEEN.BirdID

GROUP BY BIRD_TYPE.Size; 5

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark each to max 4
Examples:
■ Installs device drivers
■ … to allow communication between peripherals and computer
■ Sends data and receives data to and from peripherals
■ … such as to an output device and from an input device/by example
■ Handles buffers for transfer of data
■ … to ensure smooth transfer between devices that transmit and receive
at different speeds
■ Manages interrupts / signals from the device 4
3(b) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Memory management
■ File management
■ Security management
■ Process management
■ Error checking and recovery 2
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Question Answer Marks
3(c) 1 mark each to max 3

■ Rearranges blocks of individual files (on the HDD) so they are

contiguous // moves the free space together
■ Accessing each file is faster
■ …because there is no need to search for the next fragment / block of
the file
■ …so less head movement is needed 3
3(d)(i) 1 mark from

■ Kibibyte is 1024 bytes and kilobyte is 1000 bytes

■ Kibibyte is binary prefix and kilobyte is denary prefix 1
3(d)(ii) 1001 0110 0100 1
3(d)(iii) F2 1
3(d)(iv) Smallest: 10000000
Largest: 01111111 2
3(d)(v) 1 mark for working
1 mark for answer
10110000+00011011
11001011
112
3(d)(vi) 00011001 1
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Question Answer Marks
4(a)(i) 1 mark each to max 2

■ Stores the bootstrap program // start-up instructions for the central

computer // BIOS
■ Stores the start-up instructions for the CCTV system/cameras //
firmware for CCTV
■ Stores the kernel of the Operating System // stores parts of the
Operating System 2
4(a)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2
■ Costs less per unit
■ Higher storage density
■ Simple design – uses fewer transistors 2
4(b) 1 mark for reason, 1mark for application/justification

■ The computer will have a large number of read/write operations

because it is working all the time
■ .. magnetic storage has more longevity
■ Magnetic storage costs less per storage unit
■ … videos are large files and therefore very large storage capacity is
required 4
4(c) 1 mark each to max 3

Examples:
■ Uses image recognition
■ Monitors every image taken to identify matching
images/shapes/features to a 'person' …
■ … starts recording to secondary storage/permanently when a person is
identified
■ System identifies direction of movement of person and uses this to
decide where/how to move the camera/record
■ System identifies other cameras to start recording based on direction of
movement 3
4(d)(i) 1 mark for each term

An IPv4 address contains 4 groups of digits. Each group is represented in 8

bits and the groups are separated by full stops. An IPv6 address contains 8 groups of digits. Each gr
16 bits. Multiple groups that only contain zeros can be replaced with a :: //
double colon . 5
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Question Answer Marks
4(d)(ii) 1 mark for identification, 1mark for expansion
e.g.
■ Reduce amount of traffic in a network // improve network speed
■ Data stays in its subnet so it does not travel as far
■ Improves network security
■ .. so that not all devices can access all areas of the network
■ Allows for easier maintenance
■ … because only one subnetwork may need taking down/changing while
the rest of the network can continue 4

Question Answer Marks

5(a) 1 mark for 2 gates
2 marks for all 4 gates
2
5(b) 1 mark each

NAND 0 is only output when both inputs are 1 // 1 is only output when none, or
(either) one of the inputs is 1 NOR
1 is only output when both inputs are 0 // 0 is only output when (either) one
or both inputs are 1 2

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Question Answer Marks
6 1 mark each to max 5

■ An interrupt flag is raised in the (interrupt) register

■ At the end of the current FE cycle // at the start of the next FE cycle
■ The system checks the interrupt register for higher priority interrupts
than current process
■ If true, it stores the current contents of the registers on the stack
■ The appropriate interrupt service routine (ISR) for the key press is
called
■ The input data from the keyboard is processed
■ The contents of the registers are restored from the stack
■ ... and control is passed back to previous process 5