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Mark Scheme (Provisional)

Summer 2021

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE

In Information and Communication Technology
(4IT1)

Paper 01: Written Paper

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Summer 2021
Question Paper Log Number P66496A
Publications Code 4IT1_01_2106_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2021
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General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to
their perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should
be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if
the candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark
scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the
principles by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be
limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark
scheme to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
Any two from:
1a
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• GPS
• 3G
• 4G
• 5G
• Infra-red (IR)
• Near-field communication (NFC)

Accept any other appropriate wireless connectivity

(2)
type

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
Any two from:
1b Reference to storage device, Accept either ‘disk’ or
• Hard disk / Magnetic disk
rather than the media it uses ‘disc’
• Flash (disk) / Solid state
e.g. Hard drive, disk drive etc.
• Optical (disk) Accept examples (e.g.
USB stick, USB drive, pen drive.
• (Magnetic) Tape ‘Blu-ray’ for ‘optical
• Cloud disk’)
(2)
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Question Answer Mark
Number
1c The only correct answer is B – ISP

A is not correct because GPS is used to locate devices, rather than connect to the Internet
C is not correct because LAN is a type of network, not a method of connectivity
D is not correct because NFC is short-range peer-to-peer connectivity, rather than Internet connectivity.
(1)

Question Answer Mark

Number
1d The only correct answer is D – Processor

A is not correct because control software is a specialist application that can be installed as required
B is not correct because a keyboard is not always needed (e.g. in some embedded systems)
C is not correct because operating systems are not found in all computers (e.g. some embedded systems).
(1)

Question Answer Mark

Number
1e The only correct answer is A - Laptop

B is not correct because a mainframe would be too bulky to use as a desktop replacement computer
C is not correct because a media player would not have the resources required to replace a desktop computer
D is not correct because a server stores shared data that can be accessed by clients.
(1)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
A description to include two linked points from:
1f Reference to cost Award understanding, rather than
• Portability
use of ‘mark scheme terminology’.
• Internet connectivity
e.g.
• Cloud storage
• Hosted applications • You can access Internet apps (1) to
• Collaboration work with others (1)
e.g. • It is light (1) so you can transport it
Workers can connect to the Internet (1) to access easily between work and home (1) (2)
cloud storage (1)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
• 1 mark for sight of 8 (or 23) 1000 for 1024 Award 1 mark for sight of:
1g
• 1 mark for sight of 1024 16,777,216 OR 16,384
• 1 mark for complete expression: as implies sight of 1024
16 x 10242 x 8
Award 2 marks for sight of:
Accept for 10242
8,388,608 OR 8,192 OR 131,072
• 1024 x 1024 as implies sight of 8 AND 1024
• 220
Example of a two-mark response:
Although not required by the question, award all • Sight of 8
three marks for the result of the calculation: • Sight of 1024
134,217,728

Example of a three-mark response:

(3)
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Question Answer Mark
Number
One mark for one item in the correct location.
1hi
Two marks for all items in the correct location.

Award if the correct drives given, rather than latters C, A, B

(2)

Question Answer Do Not Additional Guidance Mark

Number Accept
Two descriptions, each to include two linked points
1hii Two marks are available for each linked
from:
response.
• Mechanical process
• Latency A single mark can be awarded for an
• Read/write head appropriate independent point.
• Non-sequential data Award understanding, rather than use
• RPM of ‘mark scheme terminology’. e.g.
• Platters / disk(s)
• If the read head is slow (1) in getting to
e.g. the data (1)
The latency (1) of the read/write head (1) • It uses a motor (1) to spin the disk (1)

The revolutions per minute (RPM) (1) at which the

platter/disk spins (1)
(4)
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Question Answer Do Not Additional Guidance Mark
Number Accept
Award one mark for a benefit e.g.: Examples of linked responses:
1hiii
• It is more sustainable
• Reduces/mitigates the impact on the food It is more sustainable (1) because fewer
chain precious metals used/required/mined (1)
• Less need to find more raw materials
and one mark any one reason for that Reduces/mitigates the impact on the
benefit, e.g. food chain (1) because fewer waste
• less plastic used materials leak into the ground/water
• fewer precious metals used/required/mined supply/food chain (1)
• it stops waste materials leaking into the
ground/water supply/food chain The need to mine more is delayed (1)
• less energy/fossil fuel used in the production because precious metals are reused (1)
process
Non-renewable resources like oil are not
depleted (1) because less plastic is used
(1)
(2)

Question Answer Mark

Number
The only correct answer is D - Utility
1hiv

A is not correct because control software creates an output based on input(s)

B is not correct because office-productivity software is centred on creating documents and manipulating data
C is not correct because project management software allows users to plan, collaborate and work towards
deadlines.
(1)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
• Wiki Accept:
2a
• Forum • News groups
• Message
Accept: ‘Website’ boards
Accept: Examples (e.g. Wikipedia) • Review sites
Accept: Any other appropriate user-generated
reference sites
(2)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
A drawing that shows three from: Award the mark if the
2b
• Microphone device is not labelled
• Speaker / headphone / earphone but can be easily
• Touch screen / keyboard / buttons recognised.
• Display screen
(3)

Question Answer Mark

Number
The only correct answer is D - Secures data
2c

A is not correct because setting file permissions does not improve encryption
B is not correct because setting file permissions does not increase storage
C is not correct because setting file permissions does not increase backup speeds.
(1)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
A description to include two linked points:
2d A single mark can be awarded for an
• Challenge / Verification of media
appropriate independent point.
• Human readable / not machine readable
• Restricts automated access to systems Award understanding, rather than
use of ‘mark scheme terminology’.
e.g. e.g.
Requires verification of images/characters/sounds (1) • Something that only a human can
that can only be understood by humans (1) understand (1) so bots cannot carry
out DDS attacks (1)
Accept ‘read’ for ‘understood’.
• Picking out parts of an image that
show traffic lights (1) which is
something that only humans could
see (1)
• Understanding text (1) that is not
something a computer could
scan (1)
(2)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
Award one mark for a positive impact of cloud-based Responses that Award understanding, rather than
2e
services on learning and one mark for any one reference a use of ‘mark scheme terminology’.
reason for that positive impact. benefit to e.g.
something
• Can work with others (1) as hosted
e.g. other than
on Google (1)
Access from anywhere/anytime / (1) learning, e.g. a
because storage/applications are hosted online (1) benefit to the • Students do not need to travel to
school (e.g. school, less bullying (1) as you can
Reduced cost of providing learning (1) because more saving money, work without seeing your
students can be reached with a single resource (1) power) or the classmates with less mental health
environment problems (1)
Collaboration made easier (1) because the document (no access to • can access on the move (1) because
is hosted online (1) books may the file is hosted online (1)
save trees)
Accept any other appropriate response • can learn from home (1) because
Teams is in the cloud (1)
• work is available from a central
location (1) [no second mark]
(2)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
A description to include two linked points from:
2f Reference to A single mark can be awarded for an
• Mobile phone network / 3G / 4G / 5G
web browser appropriate independent point.
• Internet
• Data sent/received Award understanding, rather than
• Use of wireless connectivity / radio waves use of ‘mark scheme terminology’.
e.g.
e.g. • Put your SIM in (1) to receive data
The mobile phone network (1) provides access to the over the phone network (1)
Internet (1)
• Use 4G (1) to access the Internet (1)
(2)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
Any one from:
2g Award
• Access the Internet when on the move
understanding,
• Lack of wired infrastructure
rather than use of
• Poor performance of wired connectivity
‘mark scheme
• Cheaper than having both a landline and
terminology’. e.g.
mobile contract.
• More secure than using a third-party provider • Send messages
(e.g. public Wi-Fi) when you are going
to see your friends
Accept any other appropriate reason. (1)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
Award one mark for a benefit and one mark for any
2h Award understanding, rather
one reason for that benefit. ‘Faster’ on its own
than use of ‘mark scheme
e.g.
terminology’. e.g.
Faster data transfer (1) because of lower latency /
higher bandwidth / no blockages (1) • Able to transfer a file more
quickly (1) as wired has more
More secure (1) because you would need physical bandwidth (1)
access to the media (1)
• Less lag (1) because other
More reliable (1) because not as susceptible to signal waves can’t affect it (1)
interference (1) • The connection won't drop
out (1) as not affected by
distance or walls (1) (2)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
Award one mark for each correct line, up to a maximum
3a Do not award marks if
of three marks.
more than one line drawn
to or from a box.

(3)
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Question Answer Mark
Number
3b
The only correct answer is D - Storage

A is not correct because memory does not have software installed to it

B is not correct because not correct because an OMR reader does not have software installed to it
C is not correct because a processor does not have software installed to it.
(1)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
Award one mark for a benefit and one mark for any
3c Award understanding, rather than
one reason for that benefit.
use of ‘mark scheme terminology’.

e.g. e.g.
• It enhances security (1) because it fixes It fixes bugs (1) so she is less likely
bugs/vulnerabilities (in the software) (1) to get a virus (1)
• It provides new features (1) so she can be
more productive (1) Makes her laptop more secure (1) as
• It ensures compatibility (1) because the exploits are closed (1)
operating system/hardware has changed (1) It will give her better graphics (1) to
she has a better experience (1)
(2)
Accept any other appropriate response.
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
Award one mark for a reason and one mark for an ‘experience could be
3d Responses related to blocking
expansion. negatively impacted’
inappropriate content.
e.g. may be articulated as
• There is limited bandwidth available (1) because ‘low Internet speed’,
it has to be shared between many users (1) etc.
• Users experience could be negatively impacted
(1) because not enough bandwidth is available to
stream a high quality video (1)
• It would reduce the bandwidth available to other
users (1) because video requires lots of data /
bandwidth (1)
• There would be a greater cost (1) because
increasing the bandwidth is expensive (1)
(2)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
Any two from
3e
• Cooperative/Online gaming
• Catch-up TV
• Booking systems
• Multi-user sports (e.g. Peloton etc)
• Online training/gym sessions
• Crafting/hobby sessions
• eBooks
• Choirs/music/sing alongs
• Video parties
• Quizzes
• Cook-alongs

Accept ‘brand names’ (e.g. iPlayer)

Accept any other reasonable response.
(2)

Question Answer Mark

Number
3f The only correct answer is B - GPS does not use an Internet connection

A is not correct because GPS is not used by all digital devices

C is not correct because GPS does not use cloud computing
D is not correct because GPS is not better if open source software is used.
(1)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
A description to include four from: A description of a process requires
3g(i)
Users’ previous activity / visits / page views (stored logically linked responses. Individual
in cookies) (1) are read (1) then analysed (1) then statements are awarded 1 mark max.
matched (1) with posts that contain similar key data
Candidates may respond using other
/ metadata (1)
examples of transactional data and/or
examples of metadata (4)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
Award one mark for a reason and one mark for an ‘Security’ for ‘privacy’
3g(ii) Award
expansion.
understanding,
e.g.
rather than use of
• To protect privacy (1) because personal
‘mark scheme
data/information is gathered/used (1)
terminology’.
• To protect privacy (1) because companies
sometimes use data for customised/targeted e.g.
marketing / tracking / personalisation (1) It can make your data
less private (1)
because companies
can spy on you (1) (2)
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Question Answer Mark
Number
4a The only correct answer is B - Copyright, Designs and Patents Act

A is not correct because the computer Misuse Act protects against unauthorised access and modification of data
C is not correct because the Human Rights Act protects the rights and freedom of UK citizens
D is not correct because the Data Protection Act controls how personal information and data is handled.
(1)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
Any three from: Responses related to payment
4b
• Wider audience / widespread reach of the
Internet
• Links from other sites / targeted marketing
• Collecting customer’s (transactional) data
• Music can be sold at any time

Accept any other reasonable response

(3)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
Two linked explanations, each including one way he
4c Award
has protected himself and one reason for doing it:
understanding,
e.g.
rather than use of
• His profile is private (1) so that he can control
‘mark scheme
/ only people he allows can see his
terminology’.
information (1)
• Location settings are off (1) so that e.g.
criminals/people who want to do him harm He’s used a cartoon
cannot find him (1) image (1) so you can’t
• He uses an avatar (1) so that people cannot see what he really
identify him from his image (1) looks like (1) (4)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
Award one mark for a reason and one mark for an
4d Award understanding, rather than
expansion.
use of ‘mark scheme terminology’.
e.g.
• An embedded system cannot carry out complex e.g.
requests (such as these) / can only carry out An embedded system has less
limited operations (1) because it has less processing power (1) because it only
processing power (1) has to run simple programs. (1) (2)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance
Number
Any two from:
4ei

• Recording
• Layering / multi-track

• Cut
• Join
• Trim
• Split

• Solo
• Mute
• Crossfade
• Fade in
• Fade out
• Group
• Bounce
• Mixdown

• EQ / equalisation
• Effects (e.g. reverb)
• Reverse
• Noise reduction
• Normalisation
• Compression
• Change tempo

Accept any other reasonable response

(2)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
Two descriptions, each to include one feature and one
4eii Award
use of that feature for the given scenario.
understanding,
e.g.
rather than use of
• Gantt chart / timeline (1) to visualise
‘mark scheme
milestones/dependencies / sequence subtasks
terminology’.
(1)
• Collaboration/scheduling tools (1) to share the e.g.
workload / notify others when a task is ready for Share button (1) so
them to process (1) you can work with
• Reporting tools (1) to keep key stakeholders others (1)
informed of progress. (1)
• Human resource management tools (1) so
(4)
stakeholders can see who is doing which task (1)
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Question Indicative content
Number
4f Candidates should discuss different aspects, giving evidence for each one.

Aspect Advantages of desktops Disadvantages of desktops

Components Performance of desktop components far outperforms Components (processors / hard drive /
other form factors, meaning audio processing will be graphics etc.) are more powerful, so
faster. require more cooling and the fans
Audio editing requires the latest performance with create noise, which could affect
increasing demand from new software features. recording.
Convergence and high quality
peripherals removes the need for
multiple specialist devices.
Portability / New Touchscreen input peripherals are now common, Laptops / Tablets / Smartphones:
form factors making audio work more natural. Long battery life, size, weight, user
interface, integrated sensors and apps
make it easier to work on the move,
allowing instant recording of ideas.
Connectivity Wired connections are more reliable and often faster, -
meaning ideas can be shared quicker. More
connectivity options so increased compatibility with
specialist peripherals.
Cost Desktops can be custom built cheaply Convergence continues to reduce cost
of mobile devices
Upgradability / Desktop form factor is becoming the only one to allow -
Maintenance user to do this, futureproofing and reducing long term
costs.
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Level Mark Descriptor (AO3 – Discuss)
0 No rewardable material.
1 1-3 A limited number of points will be identified, which may only support one point of view.
At least one point will have evidence to support it.
The discussion will have few (if any) links to the scenario.
There may be a conclusion, but this is likely to be a simple statement.
The response will lack clarity and organisation.
2 4-5 A range of points will be identified, which compare different points of view, though the discussion may be unbalanced.
Some points will be supported by evidence.
The comparisons will include links to the scenario but may include some generic points.
A conclusion will be included, which will link with the comparison, though the link may be implicit.
The response will show some focus but may not be well organised.
3 6-8 The discussion compares a range of different points of view.
Most points will be supported by evidence.
The majority of the discussion will link to the scenario.
A conclusion will be given that clearly links to the comparisons made in the discussion.
The response will show good focus and organisation.
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
5a Award one mark for a drawback and one mark Award understanding,
for a reason for the drawback. rather than use of ‘mark
e.g. scheme terminology’.
• The images may be less clear/colourful/engaging
e.g.
(1) because less data is used to represent the
image (1) images may be pixelated
• It might be harder to navigate (1) because it (1) because the
might not be obvious what the images on the resolution is too low (1)
buttons are (1) site looks unprofessional
(1) as images are
pixelated (1) (2)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
5b Award one mark for each component and one Devices that do not transfer
mark for a function of that component. data: e.g.
e.g.
Filter
Modem (1) converts digital data to/from a digital
Firewall
form (1)
Server
Gateway (1) connects a LAN to a WAN (1)
Switch/Hub (1) connects multiple devices (1)
Router (1) finds the best path for data across a
network (1)
Wireless Access Point / WAP (1) allows devices to
connect to the network using Wi-Fi (1)
Bridge (1) connects two LANs (1)
Fibre optic / copper cable / radio waves (1) that
transmit the data (1)
(4)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
An explanation such as:
5c Award understanding,
The data is not stored permanently (1) because it is
rather than use of
buffered / cached (1)
‘mark scheme
terminology’.
e.g.
The music is
downloaded to the
device as the user is
listening (1) it is not
stored on the device (1)

The data is stored in

the buffer (1) until it
has finished playing (1)

Only a small amount of

data (1) is downloaded
into a buffer (1)

Users can listen to the

music while it is being
downloaded (1) [no
second mark]
(2)
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Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark
Number
A description to include three linked points:
5d
Encryption (1) encodes/scrambles data / makes data
unreadable (1) using a key (1)
(3)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
A description to include:
5e
WPA generates a new key for each device on the
network (1) rather than using a shared key (1)
(2)

Question Answer Do Not Accept Additional Guidance Mark

Number
An explanation to include a positive impact and a
5f Award
reason for that impact.
understanding,
e.g.
rather than use of
Applications load more quickly (1) because there is
‘mark scheme
less load on the server’s processor (1)
terminology’.
e.g.
A simpler application
loads more quickly (1)
as less processing
power (1) is required
There is less lag (1) as
less processing power
is required (1) (2)
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Question Indicative content
Number
5g Candidates should draw on evidence including strengths, weaknesses, alternative actions, relevant data or information. They
should come to a supported judgement of how online communities have impacted on how we socialise.

The indicative content is not exhaustive/prescriptive, and students should be credited for other relevant content.
• Nature of relationships (e.g. the way in which friendships develop)
• Ability to make connections and build networks (access to wider range of people / cultures)
• Social networks / SMS / Text (chat)
• Voice / Video calling / messaging
• Body language / emotion / tone of voice / non-verbal communication / nuance of language (can be misinterpreted / lost)
• Speed at which connections/friendships can be made in person vs online
• Safety features (may restrict access to some people)
• ‘Bubbles’ may mean we are not linked with people outside of our usual social groups
• Allows people to socialise when not allowed to socialise in person
• We can become distracted from in person communication
• It has brought a greater focus to socialising, an ‘always available’ culture / less opportunities to ‘switch off’
• Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) can lead to less meaningful interactions / interaction for the sake of interacting.
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Level Mark Descriptor (AO3 – Evaluate)
0 No rewardable material.
1 1-3 An attempt at evaluation will have been made.
A range of evidence will be identified, though not all of it will be useful.
Some of the evidence will have been discussed.
The discussion will have few (if any) links to the subject and/or context.
There may be a conclusion, but this is likely to be a simple statement and not a supported judgement.
The response will lack clarity and organisation.
2 4-5 The evaluation will have identified evidence that can be used to make a judgement.
There will be a range of useful evidence including some of strengths, weaknesses and/or relevant data.
The discussion of evidence will have some links to the subject and/or context.
There will be a conclusion that makes a judgement on the subject’s qualities.
The response will show some focus but may not be well organised.
3 6-8 The evaluation will have reviewed evidence and provided a conclusion.
An appropriate range of evidence will be identified and used.
The evidence will be used to come to a judgement that uses most of the evidence.
A conclusion will be given that clearly links to the comparisons made in the discussion.
The response will show good focus and organisation.
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