6 A programmer can use translators, such as an interpreter and a compiler, when developing a computer program. (a) Give one similarity between a compiler and an interpreter. … … [1] (b) Describe two differences between a compiler and an interpreter. Difference 1 … … … … Difference 2 … … … … [4] (c) Identify one other type of translator. … [1]

6(a) Any one from: − They both translate high-level language into machine code / low-level language − They both check for errors − They both report errors 1 6(b) Four from (Max 2 per translator): − An interpreter translates and executes the code line by line − … whereas a compiler translates and executes the whole code all in one go − An interpreter stops translating and reports an error as it finds one − … whereas a compiler produces an error report at the end of translation − An interpreter does not produce an executable file − … but a compiler does produce an executable file − An interpreter will execute the code until it finds an error − … whereas a compiler will not execute any code if there are errors present − An interpreter allows correction of errors in real-time − … whereas a compiler needs to retranslate the code each time after errors are found and corrected 4 6(c) − Assembler 1

9 Padma opens an application on her computer. An interrupt is generated to inform the Central Processing Unit (CPU) that the application has been opened. (a) Give three other examples of when an interrupt signal could be generated. 1 … 2 … 3 … [3] (b) State what would happen if interrupt signals were not used in a computer. … … [1]

9(a) Any three from: e.g. − A suitable description of any error that might occur − A peripheral is connected/disconnected − A key on a keyboard is pressed − A mouse button click − A phone/video call is received − A buffer requires more data − A printer has a paper jam − A printer runs out of paper − A printer runs out of ink − When switching from one application to another NOTE: If three suitable different errors are described, this can be awarded three marks. 3 9(b) Any one from: − The computer would only start a new task when it had finished processing the current task // by example − Computer will not be able to multitask − Errors may not be dealt with − Computer would become impossible to use 1

2 Both an interpreter and a compiler can be used when writing a program in a high-level language. (a) Explain why a programmer would make use of both an interpreter and a compiler. … … … … … … … … [4] (b) Give three reasons why a programmer would choose to write a program in a high-level language, instead of a low-level language. Reason 1 … … Reason 2 … … Reason 3 … … [3]

2(a) Any four from: − To translate the high-level language into low-level language − Interpreter used whilst writing the program − Interpreter used to debug code line by line − Compiler used when program completed − Compiler used to create separate executable file (so compiler no longer needed) − If it runs first time in a compiler there are no syntax errors 4 2(b) Any three from: − Easier to understand // Don’t know assembly code − Easier to debug − Easier to maintain − Portable − Knowledge of manipulating memory locations/registers not required − Can use an IDE − Greater range of languages 3

8 Benny is a photographer and prints his photos using an inkjet printer. (a) Benny is printing some photos and the paper gets jammed in the printer. A signal is sent to alert the computer about the paper jam. State the name of this type of signal. … [1] (b) Identify one benefit and two drawbacks of Benny using an inkjet printer, instead of a laser printer, to print his photos. Benefit … … Drawback 1 … … Drawback 2 … … [3] (c) Four statements are given about printers. Tick (✓) to show whether the statement applies to an Inkjet printer or a Laser printer. Statement Inkjet (✓) Laser (✓) Uses a rotating drum to transfer the image to the paper Uses powdered toner Uses nozzles to spray droplets on to the paper Uses a print head mechanism that moves side to side [4]

8(a) − Interrupt 1 8(b) One mark for benefit, two marks for drawbacks Benefit: − Printing may be higher quality − Can use larger paper sizes − Can print onto different media − No warm-up time Drawbacks: − Printing will be slower − Ink is more expensive per page − Ink can be smeared // ink is not smudge proof 3 8(c) Statement Inkjet () Laser () Uses a rotating drum to transfer the image to the paper  Uses powdered toner  Uses nozzles to spray droplets on to the paper  Uses a print head mechanism that moves side to side  One mark per each correct row 4

8 Leonard has a new laser printer to print letters for his business. Leonard connects his printer to his computer using the USB port. (a) Give three benefits of using the USB port to connect the printer to the computer. Benefit 1 … … Benefit 2 … … Benefit 3 … … [3] (b) State two benefits and one drawback of Leonard using a laser printer, instead of an inkjet printer, to print the letters. Benefit 1 … … Benefit 2 … … Drawback … … [3] (c) An interrupt signal is sent from the printer to the computer. (i) Give two examples of when a printer would generate an interrupt signal. Example 1 … Example 2 … [2] (ii) Many devices send interrupt signals. Identify the software in the computer that will receive and manage all interrupt signals. … [1]

8(a) Any three from: − It is a universal standard − It can’t be inserted the wrong way around − Supports different transmission speeds − Automatically detects if correct driver installed 3 8(b) Two marks for benefits, one mark for drawback Benefits: − Faster speed of printing − Can print duplex / on both sides − Many letters can be printed from one toner cartridge − Can print in high volumes Drawback − Toner cartridge more expensive to buy − More time to warm-up − Larger footprint 3 8(c)(i) Any two from: − Paper jam − Out of paper − Out of toner/ink − Buffer full − Awaiting input − Print complete − Printer ready Award any other valid example 2 8(c)(ii) Any one from: − Operating system − Interrupt handler − Interrupt service routine 1

Cambridge O Level Computer Science · 2210

O-Level Computer Science (2210) Software past paper questions

Revise O-Level Computer Science (2210) — Software with real Cambridge past-paper questions grouped by topic, each shown with its marking scheme. Working one topic at a time targets exactly the skill each question tests.

30 free questions from 2016–2021, each with its marking scheme. Open the full topical bank to filter by subtopic, paper, and year.