SS 2 First Term

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.