Computer O-Level Paper 1 - Theory of Computer Science Mr Ravi Akaloo: 5 926 4218

Unit 5 Assessment
Question 1
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.
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(b) Give one difference between a compiler and an interpreter.
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Question 2
Six statements are shown about HDDs, SSDs and USB flash memory drives. Tick (✓) to show which
statements apply to each type of storage. Some statements can apply to more than one type of storage. [6]

Question 3
(a) Six statements are given about data storage. Tick to show if the statement applies to magnetic, solid state
or optical storage. Some statements may apply to more than one type of storage. [6]
Computer O-Level Paper 1 - Theory of Computer Science Mr Ravi Akaloo: 5 926 4218

Question 4
(a) Alessandro uses an SSD to store his data.
Describe what is meant by an SSD and how it operates to store data.
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(b) Six statements are given about off-line storage. Tick to show if each statement applies to Blu-ray, CD,
or DVD. Some statements apply to more than one example of off-line storage. [6]

Question 5
Elle uses both CDs and DVDs to store her school projects.
(a) Give one similarity between a CD and a DVD.
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(b) State one difference between a CD and a DVD.
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Question 6
Programs can be written in a low-level language.
(a) Identify two features of a low-level language.
Feature 1 ..............................................................................................................................................................
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Feature 2 ..............................................................................................................................................................
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(b) Give one example of a low-level language.
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(c) Give one drawback of writing programs in a low-level language, instead of a high-level language.
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Computer O-Level Paper 1 - Theory of Computer Science Mr Ravi Akaloo: 5 926 4218

Question 7
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.
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(b) Give one reason why a programmer would choose to write a program in a high-level language, instead
of a low-level language.
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Question 8
Annie writes a paragraph of text as an answer to an examination question about programming languages.
Using the list given, complete Annie’s answer by inserting the correct six missing terms. Not all terms will
be used. [6]
• Assembly • Converter • Denary • Hexadecimal • High-level language
• Low-level language • Machine Code • Source Code • Syntax • Translator

The structure of language statements in a computer program is called the ……………………………… .

A programming language that uses natural language statements is called a ..................................................... .
When programs are written in this type of language they need a ................................................................ to
convert them into ................................................... .
A programming language that is written using mnemonic codes is called a ................................. . An
example of this type of language is .............................................................. language.

Question 9
Six statements about assembly language are shown. Tick whether the statement is true or false. [6]
Computer O-Level Paper 1 - Theory of Computer Science Mr Ravi Akaloo: 5 926 4218

Question 10
Five statements about interpreters and compilers are shown in the table below. Study each statement.
Tick (✓) to show whether the statement refers to an interpreter or to a compiler. [5]

Question 11
A smartphone needs both RAM and ROM.
State why a smartphone needs RAM and ROM.
RAM ....................................................................................................................................................................
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ROM ....................................................................................................................................................................
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(b) Give one reason why an SSD, rather than a HDD, is used in the mobile device.
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