Modelling: past paper questions
Real questions on modelling
The newest 12 of 12 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q13[8]
A car company uses simulations to test its cars. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using computer simulations in this context.
See it on the paper → - 9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q13[8]
A car company uses simulations to test its cars. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using computer simulations in this context.
See it on the paper → - 9626/12 · February/March 2025 · Q11[8]
A driving school is using computer simulations to improve its lessons. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using simulators for this purpose.
See it on the paper → - 9626/12 · October/November 2024 · Q6[6]
Describe the reasons why computer models are used.
See it on the paper → - 9626/11 · October/November 2023 · Q9a[4]
Describe the benefits of using simulations in this scenario.
See it on the paper → - 9626/11 · October/November 2023 · Q9b[4]
Describe the drawbacks of using simulations in this scenario.
See it on the paper → - 9626/13 · October/November 2023 · Q11[8]
Weather forecasting makes use of computer models. Analyse the effectiveness of computer models for producing weather forecasts.
See it on the paper → - 9626/11 · May/June 2022 · Q2[4]
Flight simulators are used to train pilots to fly modern jet aircraft. Describe a typical flight simulator.
See it on the paper → - 9626/13 · May/June 2022 · Q7[5]
A company has been asked by a government to construct a nuclear reactor. A computer model will be created before the reactor is built. Explain why a computer model is needed in this scenario.
See it on the paper → - 9626/12 · May/June 2021 · Q10a[3]
Describe three advantages of using a computer-based model to run a simulation for these reactions.
See it on the paper → - 9626/12 · May/June 2021 · Q10b[2]
Describe two disadvantages of using a computer-based model to run a simulation for these reactions.
See it on the paper → - 9626/12 · May/June 2020 · Q11[5]
A construction company is preparing to build a road bridge. Before building the bridge, it will create a computer model of the bridge to test the designs that have been produced. Explain why the company considers it necessary to produce a computer model.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question focused on the use of simulators to give driving lessons. Again, some candidates made somewhat wild and unsupportable claims. For instance, some candidates claimed that simulators saved the business money. Whilst cars may be used less, there is still the issue of the cost of the simulator itself, so such a claim is difficult to support. In answering questions such as these, candidat...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9626/12 Q11 (Cambridge)
In this question, the focus was on the use of a model to run simulations when designing a nuclear power plant. The reference to a nuclear power plant implies a degree of peril beyond, for example, a model to run simulations when planning a new greenhouse. Secondly, the scenarios are being used as part of the design process. Therefore, candidates should discuss the benefits of using a model to test...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9626/11 Q9(a) (Cambridge)
This was a less context-specific question which could have been answered well with standard statements. As with the answers to part 9(a), candidates tended to give relatively complex answers which were longer than they needed to be. Candidates tended to focus on the fact that scenarios can be complex, and simulations are not guaranteed to be accurate.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9626/11 Q9(b) (Cambridge)
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