0478.1.3.07 — Understand how files are compressed using • Lossy compression reduces the file size by: past paper questions
Real questions on 0478.1.3.07 — understand how files are compressed using • lossy compression reduces the file size by
The newest 16 of 16 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1c(iii)[4]
The text file needs to be compressed. Identify the most appropriate type of compression for the text file. Justify your choice. compression type justification
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[2]
The employee compresses the image files using lossy compression before sending them. Lossy compression reduces the size of the image files. Give two other reductions that lossy compression makes to the images.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2025 · Q2d[3]
The student uses lossless compression to compress the image file. Explain how the image file is compressed using lossless compression.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · May/June 2025 · Q2a[1]
Give the name of the partitioned section of the secondary storage that is used in this process.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2025 · Q2c(i)[3]
Explain the reasons why the artist chose lossless compression instead of lossy compression to compress this image file.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2024 · Q2c[3]
Explain why lossy compression is not suitable. (c) The employee decides to use lossless compression to compress the file.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2023 · Q6a[1]
Tick (3) one box to show which is not a characteristic of cloud storage. A Data is accessed through a network B Data is stored locally C Data is stored remotely D Physical servers are used to store the data
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2023 · Q6b[4]
Explain two advantages for the owners of the company of storing its data in cloud storage.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2023 · Q6c[2]
Explain one disadvantage to employees of the company storing data in the cloud.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2023 · Q3bii[4]
Describe how lossless compression compresses the text file.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2023 · Q4d[1]
The photographer compresses an image file before it is emailed. Give one reason why a file is compressed.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · May/June 2022 · Q6b[1]
Compression can be used to reduce the size of a file. Tick (3) to show whether the JPEG file is a lossy compressed file or a lossless compressed file or not a compressed file. Tick (3) Lossy compressed file Lossless compressed file Not a compressed file
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2021 · Q6[7]
The paragraph describes an MP3 file, MP4 file and a MIDI file. Complete the paragraph using the list of terms. Not all terms in the list need to be used. • • • • • • • • • • • • • can cannot compressed image microphone MIDI MP3 MP4 notes pixels speaker should uncompressed files are a multimedia format that stores video...
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2021 · Q7b(i)[3]
Describe how lossless compression reduces the file size of the video.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · October/November 2021 · Q7b(ii)[1]
State why Julius uses lossless compression, rather than lossy compression.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2021 · Q2a[3]
Gurdeep compresses the high definition photographs to create the thumbnails. She uses lossy compression. Describe how lossy compression creates the thumbnails.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Few candidates were able to fully explain how lossless compression would reduce the size of the image file. Many candidates gave a very generic response about a generic file and did not relate their response to the context given in the question. For example, many candidates explained how lossless compression would reduce the size of a text file, by finding repeating words. Candidates are reminded...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0478/12 Q2(d) (Cambridge)
Many candidates correctly recognised that this was a description of virtual memory.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0478/13 Q2(a) (Cambridge)
Responses commonly identified that lossless did not lose or permanently delete any data from the image. Some responses included reference to lossless not impacting or changing the quality of the image. Fewer responses explained why this was required in this scenario; those candidates that did, often identified that lossy may results in pixelation or blurring of elements in the image.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0478/12 Q2(c)(i) (Cambridge)
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