0478_m26_er — 2026 March Computer Science 0478 Examiner Report · 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.

Repeating information already given in the question stem

“A number of candidates restated what the question had already told them rather than adding new information or explanation.”— 0478 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Read the question and note what information is already provided. Your answer must add something new. If the question says 'RAM is volatile', do not repeat 'RAM is volatile' — explain what volatile means and why it matters (data is lost when power is turned off).

Describing encryption as making data 'unreadable' instead of 'meaningless'

“Candidates described encrypted data as 'unreadable' which is incorrect — the data can still be read, but it appears meaningless without the decryption key.”— 0478 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Encrypted data is not 'unreadable' — it IS readable, just meaningless without the key. The correct phrasing: 'Encryption converts plaintext into ciphertext that appears meaningless to anyone who intercepts it without the decryption key.' The data can be seen; it just cannot be understood.