0478_m22_PM_22_NOTICE — 2022 March Computer Science 0478 PM 2 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

Not using the context given in the question

“Candidates gave generic answers rather than relating their response to the specific scenario described in the question.”— 0478 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Always use the scenario from the question in your answer. If the question describes a school library system, write about 'the library database' and 'borrowing records', not generic examples. Examiners want to see that you can apply knowledge to the given context.

Using programming language syntax instead of Cambridge pseudocode

“Candidates used Python or Java syntax instead of Cambridge pseudocode conventions, which could not be credited.”— 0478 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Paper 2 requires Cambridge pseudocode, not Python or Java. Key differences: assignment uses ←, not =. String concatenation uses &. Arrays use square brackets. IF/THEN/ELSE/ENDIF, WHILE/ENDWHILE, FOR/TO/NEXT. Learn the Cambridge pseudocode guide — it is available on the Cambridge website.

Using IF statement instead of a loop for input validation

“Candidates used an IF statement to check input validity, but this only checks once. Validation requires a loop that repeatedly asks for input until a valid value is entered.”— 0478 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Input validation must use a loop, not IF. Pattern: INPUT Value → WHILE Value < 1 OR Value > 100 → OUTPUT "Invalid, try again" → INPUT Value → ENDWHILE. An IF only checks once; a WHILE/REPEAT loop keeps asking until the user enters valid data.