IGCSE Computer Science (9–1) 0984 · Topic 4

Software: past paper questions

24 real questionsasked in 6 of the last 10 exam series2019–2026usually: Give, Identify, State, Describe, Explain

Real questions on software

The newest 20 of 24 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0984/11 · May/June 2026 · Q4d[4]
One function performed by the operating system is managing peripherals. A role of this function is to install the drivers needed for the optical mouse. Complete the table with the missing functions and roles of an operating system. function role providing an interface It makes sure that two processes do not access the...
See it on the paper →
0984/11 · May/June 2026 · Q5d[4]
(d) Atranslator is one function of an IDE. Identify two other functions of an IDE. State the purpose of each function. FUNCTION .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PUIDOSC ..........
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2026 · Q7a[1]
State what is meant by a low-level language.
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2026 · Q7b[2]
Identify two examples of a low-level language. 1.
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2026 · Q7c[1]
Give an example of a translator that can be used for a low-level language.
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2026 · Q7d[2]
(d) State two reasons why the programmer chose a low-level language instead of a high-level language to write the program. Voce .......... eect .......... .......... ..........
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2026 · Q7e[3]
(e) The programmer uses an integrated development environment (IDE) to write the program. Identify three terms from the given list that are functions of an IDE. auto-correction binary converter internet protocol (IP) address media access control (MAC) address machine independence prettyprint protocol identifier run-tim...
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[2]
Describe what is meant by assembly language.
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5a[1]
Identify the name of this type of interrupt.
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[4]
Explain how the interrupt is serviced after it is placed in the queue. (b) The interrupt is placed in a queue.
See it on the paper →
0984/11 · May/June 2025 · Q8b[1]
The robot has firmware. State what is meant by firmware.
See it on the paper →
0984/11 · May/June 2025 · Q8c[2]
Interrupts are generated when the robot is operating in the factory. Give two examples of interrupts that may be generated when the robot is in operation.
See it on the paper →
0984/11 · May/June 2025 · Q9a[3]
Each computer has an operating system. One function of the operating system is to manage memory. Describe the role of the operating system in managing memory.
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2025 · Q3a[2]
The programmer uses a high-level language to write the program. One reason for writing the program using a high-level language is that it is easier to read and write. Give two other reasons why the programmer chose to use a high-level language.
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(ii)[4]
Give two other functions commonly found in an IDE. State the role of each function. Function Role Function Role
See it on the paper →
0984/11 · May/June 2024 · Q6a[1]
State the purpose of firmware.
See it on the paper →
0984/11 · May/June 2024 · Q6b[1]
Give one example of firmware.
See it on the paper →
0984/11 · May/June 2024 · Q6c[2]
Give two examples of system software.
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2023 · Q5a[1]
Tick (3) one box to show which statement is correct about writing computer programs in a high‑level language. A Mnemonics are used to create instructions. B The computer program is harder to debug than a low‑level language program. C The computer program is machine independent. D The hardware of the computer can be dir...
See it on the paper →
0984/12 · May/June 2023 · Q10a[4]
Describe the difference between system software and application software. Give an example of each software in your answer.
See it on the paper →

What examiners said

Few candidates were able to state what is meant by firmware. Candidates need to have a better understanding of firmware.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/11 Q8(b) (Cambridge)

Many candidates were able to give two correct examples of interrupts. Some candidates gave response such as ‘keyboard’ or ‘mouse’. These are just devices and not examples of interrupt. Candidates need to make sure they are accurate in their example state what about the device would cause an interrupt to be generated, for example pressing a key on the keyboard.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/11 Q8(c) (Cambridge)

Candidates found this question challenging. It would be beneficial for candidates to have a greater understanding of what is involved in the key functions of an operating system, such as memory management.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/11 Q9(a) (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Download 0984 papers

In the syllabus

1 0478.4.1.01 — Describe the difference between system •

Describe the difference between system •
System software provides the services that the
computer requires, including operating system
and utility software • Application software provides the services that the user requires
Describe the role and basic functions of an • Including:
– managing files – handling interrupts – providing an interface – managing peripherals and drivers – managing memory – managing multitasking – providing a platform for running applications – providing system security – managing user accounts
Understand how hardware, firmware and •
Applications are run on the operating system
• The operating system is run on the firmware
• The bootloader (firmware) is run on the hardware
Describe the role and operation of interrupts • Including: – how an interrupt is generated – how it is handled using an interrupt service routine – what happens as a result of the interrupts •
Software interrupts include division by zero and two processes trying to access the same memory location •

2 0478.4.1.02 — System software provides the services that the

System software provides the services that the

3 0478.4.1.03 — computer requires, including operating system

computer requires, including operating system

4 0478.4.1.04 — and utility software • Application software provides the services that the user requires

and utility software • Application software provides the services that the user requires

5 0478.4.1.05 — Describe the role and basic functions of an • Including:

Describe the role and basic functions of an • Including:

6 0478.4.1.06 — – managing files – handling interrupts – providing an interface – managing peripherals and drivers – managing memory – managing multitasking

– managing files – handling interrupts – providing an interface – managing peripherals and drivers – managing memory – managing multitasking – providing a platform for running applications – providing system security – managing user accounts

7 0478.4.1.07 — Understand how hardware, firmware and •

Understand how hardware, firmware and •

8 0478.4.1.08 — Applications are run on the operating system

Applications are run on the operating system

9 0478.4.1.09 — • The operating system is run on the firmware

• The operating system is run on the firmware

10 0478.4.1.10 — • The bootloader (firmware) is run on the hardware

• The bootloader (firmware) is run on the hardware

11 0478.4.1.11 — Describe the role and operation of interrupts • Including: – how an interrupt is generated – how it is handled using an interrupt service ro

Describe the role and operation of interrupts • Including: – how an interrupt is generated – how it is handled using an interrupt service routine – what happens as a result of the interrupts •

12 0478.4.1.12 — Software interrupts include division by zero and two processes trying to access the same memory location •

Software interrupts include division by zero and two processes trying to access the same memory location •

13 0478.4.1.13 — Hardware interrupts include pressing a key on the keyboard and moving the mouse

Hardware interrupts include pressing a key on the keyboard and moving the mouse

14 0478.4.2.01 — Explain what is meant by a high-level language •

Explain what is meant by a high-level language •
Advantages and disadvantages include:
– ease of reading and writing code,
e.g. low-level is hard to read – ease of debugging code – machine independence – direct manipulation of hardware
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a • Including an understanding that an interpreter is
mostly used when developing a program and a compiler is used to translate the final program
Explain the role of an IDE in writing program • Including:
– code editors – run-time environment – translators – error diagnostics – auto-completion – auto-correction – prettyprint

15 0478.4.2.02 — Advantages and disadvantages include:

Advantages and disadvantages include:

16 0478.4.2.03 — – ease of reading and writing code,

– ease of reading and writing code,

17 0478.4.2.04 — e.g. low-level is hard to read – ease of debugging code – machine independence – direct manipulation of hardware

e.g. low-level is hard to read – ease of debugging code – machine independence – direct manipulation of hardware

18 0478.4.2.05 — Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a • Including an understanding that an interpreter is

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a • Including an understanding that an interpreter is

19 0478.4.2.06 — mostly used when developing a program and a compiler is used to translate the final program

mostly used when developing a program and a compiler is used to translate the final program

20 0478.4.2.07 — Explain the role of an IDE in writing program • Including:

Explain the role of an IDE in writing program • Including:

21 0478.4.2.08 — – code editors – run-time environment – translators – error diagnostics – auto-completion – auto-correction – prettyprint

– code editors – run-time environment – translators – error diagnostics – auto-completion – auto-correction – prettyprint

Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.