Examination

Learning Objectives

• Answer every section of the examination paper.
• Complete the practical task accurately within the time allowed.
• Apply the conventions of the topics taught this term.
• Analyse the result and plan the Second Term revision.

Before the Examination

Arrive early and confirm that the practical computers are working. Lay out two pens, a pencil, an eraser, a ruler and the identification card. Read the whole instruction sheet before touching the keyboard and note the required file name, folder and format.

A file saved under the wrong name or in the wrong folder is treated as missing.

During the Written Paper

The paper will include objective questions that test single facts, names and classifications. It will also include short answer questions that test definitions, differences and short explanations.

Answer every question. Begin with the ones you are sure of. In a classification question, write the group before each item. In a list question, number the items so that each can be marked. Show the working for any conversion.

A conversion answer without working may be marked wrong even when the result is correct.

A program that runs is not necessarily correct, because a logic error gives no message.

During the Practical Paper

Work in the order given. Create the file, enter the content, apply the required formatting or function, then save with the exact name in the exact folder. Save at each stage rather than only at the end.

Check the finished file against the task before the time ends: the required sheet, database or program exists, the required functions or statements have been used, and the file name matches the instruction.

After the Examination

The marked script is analysed by counting the marks lost on each question. A question that most learners missed identifies a topic to reteught in the Second Term.

The Second Term begins with revision of the weak topics and then moves to new work, which continues with programming, databases and networks.

Marks are lost on the instruction more often than on the topic, so the instruction is read before the work begins.

Practical Work

1. Read the whole instruction sheet before starting the practical task.
2. Note the required file name, folder, format and language before typing.
3. Save the file at each stage of the task.
4. Test a program with at least three sets of data, including a zero.
5. Check the finished file against every item in the instruction before the time ends.
6. Note the topics that felt weakest for the Second Term revision plan.

Scenario-Based Questions

1. Explain why most marks in a practical examination are lost on the instruction rather than on the skill.
2. Describe how you would check a finished database against the practical instruction.
3. A candidate has eight minutes left and the file has not been saved. Explain the priority order.
4. Explain how the result of the examination is used to plan the Second Term work.
5. Explain why a conversion answer should show the working.
6. Explain the difference between an objective question and an essay question.
7. A program gives a result that is too high on every test case. Explain what this suggests and how you would find it.
8. ODELAMI

First Term Examination Practice Questions

These questions are taken from the First Term examination and Continuous Assessment papers for this class. Answer them in full sentences.

1. (a) What is a Word Processor? Mention three (3) practical uses of word processing software in modern offices. (b) Explain the purpose of text formatting features such as Bold, Italic, and Underline. (c) A plain text document consists of 4,096 characters (where 1 character = 1 Byte). Calculate its exact size in Kilobytes (KB) and determine how many bits are contained in that file. Show workings.
2. (a) Define Computer Security Threats (Malware) and list three (3) examples of malicious software. (b) Explain the roles of Antivirus software and Firewalls in safeguarding computer systems. (c) If a network data transmission channel transfers data at a speed of 8 Megabits per second (Mbps), calculate how many Megabytes (MB) of data are transferred in 10 seconds. Show your workings.
3. (a) Define Computer Software and classify it into its main categories, giving two examples of each. (b) Explain the primary functions of an Operating System. (c) A software application installer has a file size of 24 Megabits (Mb). Convert this file size into Megabytes (MB) and further into Kilobytes (KB). Show all steps.
4. (a) Define the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and explain the specific roles of its two main components (ALU and CU). (b) Explain the concepts of Cold Booting and Warm Booting. (c) A system diagnostic log file consumes 5,120 Bytes of storage space. Convert this file size into Kilobytes (KB) and calculate how many bits that file occupies. Show all workings.
5. (a) What is a Spreadsheet Package? Give two popular examples. (b) Explain the importance of the equal sign (=) when entering formulas in a spreadsheet and describe the difference between a row and a column. (c) Perform the following storage scale conversions, showing all intermediate steps: (i) Convert 1.5 Terabytes (TB) into Gigabytes (GB). (ii) Convert 2,048 Megabytes (MB) into Gigabytes (GB). (iii) Arrange the following storage capacities in ascending order: 8,192 Bits, 1 MB, 512 KB, 2 GB.
6. (a) Define a Computer Network and list three (3) classifications based on geographical coverage (LAN, MAN, WAN). (b) State two (2) reasons why networking computers is essential for resource sharing and communication in schools. (c) State two (2) differences between a Web Browser and a Search Engine.

Lesson objectives

By the end of the examination week, learners should be able to:

1. Demonstrate recall of the term's concepts under examination conditions.
2. Apply knowledge to unfamiliar examples in objective and short-answer questions.
3. Complete a practical task within the time allowance using correct procedure.
4. Name, save and submit files correctly.
5. Explain their practical output when questioned by the examiner.

Examination design

For Senior Secondary 2 the totals are: Section A objective 20 marks, Section B short answer 30 marks, Section C essay 10 marks, Section D practical 20 marks, total 80. Section A samples recall. Section B samples explanation, comparison and classification. Section D samples practical database, logic-gate and program skills.

Teacher activities

1. Confirm the approved timetable, venue, seating and invigilation before the week begins.
2. Brief learners on the paper structure, the time for each section and the materials allowed.
3. Set out three practical stations: database schema, logic-gate construction and program execution, with one invigilator per station where possible.
4. Prepare offline equivalents for learners without device access: printed sketchbook, paper truth-table template and paper program tracing task.
5. Mark using the agreed scheme, moderate a sample of scripts and record scores.
6. Return scripts with feedback and hand over to Third Term.

Student activities

1. Attend the briefing and note the time allowed per section.
2. Complete Section A, then Section B, allocating time as instructed.
3. Move through the practical stations in the assigned order.
4. Save work with the correct filename and confirm it opens before leaving the station.
5. Answer the examiner's question on their practical output.
6. Collect marked scripts and record the topics to revise in Third Term.

Practical / learning evidence

The completed examination script, the saved practical file for each candidate and the practical rubric sheets. Retain scripts, marking guides and representative learner work for moderation as required by the assessment framework.

Resources and preparation

Printed question papers and answer sheets, a marking guide and rubric per station, working computers with a database tool or spreadsheet and a graphics package, a stopwatch and printed sketchbooks. Check every machine the day before, and prepare two spare machines where possible. Ensure power backup and an offline alternative for each station.

Assessment for learning

Mark Section D against the practical rubric: task interpretation, procedure, technical accuracy, schema correctness, truth table and program, file naming and saving, organisation and explanation. Moderate a sample of scripts across all sections, and flag any question where more than a third of learners scored zero for review of the teaching rather than the learners.

Inclusion and access

Provide extra time and large-print papers where approved, seat learners with visual or hearing needs appropriately, and allow the offline equivalent for any learner without device access so that no candidate loses practical marks because of equipment. Keep the practical criteria identical across the digital and paper routes.

After the examination

Record scores against the class list, return scripts with brief feedback, and hand over to Third Term: Python basics, e-commerce, project work and SSCE preparation. Note any topic where the class average fell below the school's threshold and schedule it as a Third-Term retrieval starter.