0478.1.3.05 — Understand the purpose of and need for data • Compression exists to reduce the size of the file: past paper questions
Real questions on 0478.1.3.05 — understand the purpose of and need for data • compression exists to reduce the size of the file
The newest 20 of 30 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0478/11 · May/June 2026 · Q8b(ii)[2]
The student wants to compress the video. Give two methods of compression that the student could use to compress the video.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q3g(i)[2]
Give two reasons why the video streaming service chose lossless compression instead of lossy compression.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q3g(iii)[4]
Explain how the videos are compressed using lossless compression.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q5c(i)[1]
State what is meant by cloud storage.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q5c(ii)[2]
Explain the advantages to the student of storing their data on cloud storage instead of storing the data locally on their home computer.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q5c(iii)[2]
Explain the advantages to the student of storing their data locally on their home computer instead of using cloud storage.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1e(iv)[4]
A backup of the database is made at the end of each day using optical storage. Describe how the database is written to the optical storage.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
Give the name of the process that is used to reduce the size of a file. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(ii)[1]
One reason the size of a file may need reducing is so that it has a shorter transmission time. Give one other reason why the size of a file may need reducing.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · October/November 2024 · Q1b[3]
three benefits of reducing the size of a file for storage and transmission.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2024 · Q2a[1]
State the effect the compression has on the report file.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2024 · Q2b[2]
Give two benefits of compressing the report file before emailing it.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · October/November 2023 · Q5c[3]
The musician compresses the sound file using lossless compression instead of lossy compression. Explain why the musician would choose to use lossless compression instead of lossy compression.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2023 · Q7d[1]
The photographer compresses the image using a method that permanently reduces the colour depth and resolution of the image. Identify which compression method the photographer uses.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2023 · Q7e[2]
One benefit for compressing the image is to reduce the storage space it uses. Give two other benefits of compressing the image.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2023 · Q3bi[1]
State what effect this has on the file size.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2023 · Q3biii[2]
Give two reasons why the text file may have been compressed. 1 ........................................................................................................................................ ..........................................................................................................................
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · October/November 2022 · Q4[4]
State two methods she could use to help prevent accidental loss of data in this way. Describe how each method would help prevent accidental loss of the data.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2022 · Q6c[2]
The video files are compressed using lossy compression. Give two benefits of using lossy compression to compress the video files. Benefit Benefit
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2022 · Q6c[6]
Data can also be damaged accidentally. One example of how data can be damaged accidentally is by shutting down a computer before saving data. To prevent this from happening, a user should make sure they have saved all data before shutting down a computer. Complete the table by giving three other examples of how data ca...
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Some candidates gave a suitable definition. Limited responses • Some candidates described cloud storage as being remote servers, without differentiating between cloud storage and other servers that are not part of cloud storage. • Some candidates identified it as being data storage on servers without identifying the location of these servers to differentiate them from a...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q5(c)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates were able to identify an advantage of storing data on the cloud, with candidates often giving several appropriate advantages. Limited responses • Some candidates gave advantages that were not unique to cloud storage, for example that the data could be accessed at any time. Data on a local secondary storage device can be accessed at any time.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q5(c)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates identified at least one advantage to the student of storing the data locally. Limited responses • Some candidates gave a response that the data could be accessed without Wi-Fi. The cloud does not require Wi-Fi access; a wired network connection will still provide access to the data. • Some candidates identified that it would be cheaper, without explaining...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q5(c)(iii) (Cambridge)
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