2210_s26_qp_11 — 2026 May-June Computer Science 2210 Question Paper 1 Variant 1

2210_s26_qp_11 — 2026 May-June Computer Science 2210 Question Paper 1 Variant 1 · Cambridge CAIE O Level

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2210_s26_qp_11 — 2026 May-June Computer Science 2210 Question Paper 1 Variant 1

This is the official Cambridge O Level Computer Science (2210) Question Paper 1 (Variant 1) from the 2026 May-June examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 2210_s26_qp_11 · 2210/11/m/j/26 qp · 2210/11 May/June 2026 qp

Paper 1: Computer Systems — This is Paper 1: Computer Systems, worth 75 marks with a duration of 1h 45m. Short-answer and structured questions covering data representation, communication and internet technologies, hardware and software, security, and ethical/legal/environmental impacts. Use technical terminology throughout.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (2210_s26_ms_11). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Computer Science question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Computer Science (2210).

MSView Mark Scheme: Mark Scheme 1 (v1)

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Same paper, other years

Computer Science (2210) Question Paper 1 (Variant 1) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

QP2025 May-June QP2024 May-June QP2023 May-June QP2021 May-June QP2019 May-June QP2018 May-June QP2017 May-June QP2016 May-June QP2015 May-June

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Computer Systems

Based on analysis of 2 official Cambridge documents (2023)

Generic descriptions of sensor-based systems instead of applying to the given context

“Very few candidates were able to provide a detailed, technical and accurate response for this question. Many candidates gave a generic description of a system that uses sensors and microprocessors.”— 2210 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: When a question gives a scenario (e.g. a water tank system), name the specific sensor for that context (e.g. level sensor), describe what it measures, how the microprocessor compares the reading to a stored value, and what output device acts on the decision. Never write a generic 'sensor sends data to microprocessor' answer — always tie every step to the scenario.

Unable to describe sound representation — confusing sample rate/resolution with image concepts

“Few candidates were able to state what is meant by the sample rate and resolution. Some candidates tried to describe the sample resolution in relation to an image.”— 2210 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Sample rate = the number of samples taken per second (measured in Hz). Sample resolution (bit depth) = the number of bits used to store each sample. Higher sample rate captures more detail in the sound wave; higher resolution means each sample is more precise. Do not confuse with image resolution (pixels) — these are sound-specific concepts.

Describing benefits of compilers instead of how they operate

“Few candidates were able to accurately and technically describe the operation of a compiler. The most common mark point awarded was for stating an executable file is created. Some candidates described the benefits of a compiler, rather than the operation.”— 2210 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: When asked how a compiler works: (1) it translates the entire source code into machine code/object code in one go, (2) it checks the whole program for errors before execution, (3) it reports all errors found after compilation, (4) it produces an executable file that can run without the compiler. If the question says 'describe the operation', focus on the translation process — not advantages like 'runs faster'.

View full exam guide for Computer Science (2210) →