SS 3 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.

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

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. In a diagram question, draw the diagram and label it rather than describing it.

A diagram described in words is marked as missing, so the diagram is drawn.

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 database, page or program exists, the required rules or tags 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.

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 names, folders and formats before typing.
3. Save the file at each stage of the task.
4. Follow every link on the finished page and open it in a second browser.
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 diagram question should be answered with a drawing.
6. Explain the difference between an objective question and an essay question.
7. A classification answer gives four correct items but writes no group headings. Explain how the marks are awarded.
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) Define a Computer Network and list three (3) classifications based on geographical coverage (LAN, MAN, WAN). (b) Compare and contrast Bus Topology and Star Topology in computer networking. (c) A network data transmission channel operates at a speed of 16 Megabits per second (Mbps). Calculate how many Megabytes (MB) of data are transferred across this channel in 15 seconds. Show all steps.
2. (a) Differentiate between a Web Browser and a Search Engine, giving two (2) popular examples of each. (b) Explain what a URL is and describe its main components when accessing web pages. (c) A web page cache folder contains 2,048 Kilobytes (KB) of data. Convert this storage size into Megabytes (MB) and further convert it into bits. Show complete calculations.
3. (a) Define Software Piracy and explain why it is considered an illegal and unethical practice. (b) Differentiate between Copyright and Patent protection in intellectual property. (c) An enterprise database record file is exactly 6,144 Bytes. Convert this file size into Kilobytes (KB) and calculate how many 512-byte blocks are required to store this file. Show complete calculations.
4. (a) Define a Database Management System (DBMS) and state two (2) advantages of databases over traditional file systems. (b) Explain the following database terms: (i) Record (ii) Field (iii) Primary Key (c) A database backup file measures 5 Gigabytes (GB). Convert this capacity into Megabytes (MB) and calculate how many 4 MB database tables can fit into that storage space. Show workings.
5. (a) Define Digital Citizenship and state three (3) pillars of responsible online behavior. (b) Explain the concept of a Digital Footprint and discuss how students can maintain a positive online reputation. (c) A digital portfolio website folder contains 10,240 characters (assuming 1 character = 1 Byte). Calculate its exact size in Kilobytes (KB) and determine how many bits that folder occupies. Show workings.
6. (a) What is Cybersecurity? State three (3) common computer security threats or malware types. (b) Explain the protective roles of Antivirus software and Firewalls in defending computer networks. (c) Perform the following storage scale conversions, showing all intermediate steps: (i) Convert 2 Terabytes (TB) into Gigabytes (GB). (ii) Convert 4,096 Megabytes (MB) into Gigabytes (GB). (iii) Arrange the following storage capacities in descending order: 16,384 Bits, 2 MB, 1,024 KB, 3 GB.