2025 May/June · Paper 12 · Q36 marksRecognition systems
2025 May/June · Paper 12 · Q76 marksSatellite systems
2025 May/June · Paper 12 · Q123 marksBanking applications
2024
2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q7 (a, b)6 marksExpert systems
2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q11 (a, b)6 marksCommunication media and ePublications
2024 May/June · Paper 12 · Q9 (a, b)6 marksExpert systems
2024 May/June · Paper 12 · Q104 marksMonitoring, measurement and control
2023
2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q10 (c)5 marksOnline booking systems
2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q11 (a, b)11 marksRetail and internet shopping
2023 May/June · Paper 12 · Q13 (a)4 marksComputer modelling
2023 May/June · Paper 12 · Q14 (a)4 marksCommunication media and ePublications
2022
2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q64 marksComputer modelling
2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q88 marksMonitoring, measurement and control
2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q106 marksBanking applications
2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q11 (c)6 marksMonitoring, measurement and control
2022 May/June · Paper 12 · Q116 marksRobotics and computer control
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References only, not question text. Open Official paper ↗ where Cambridge publishes the paper,
or see the official Cambridge past-papers page; for other papers, ask your
school. “Paper 42” means Paper 4, variant 2.
Practice questions
Original questions written by HomiLabs in the style of the exam, with answers and mark schemes. They are not
Cambridge past paper questions and have not been reviewed by Cambridge. Try each one before opening the answer.
Q1Monitoring, measurement and control · Core · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)A weather station in Gilgit records the air temperature and rainfall every 10 minutes. A greenhouse near Quetta keeps its temperature between 22 °C and 26 °C. Explain why the weather station is an example of a monitoring system and the greenhouse is an example of a control system.[2]
(b)Name two sensors, other than temperature sensors, that could be used in the greenhouse.[2]
Show answer
(a) The weather station only takes/records/displays readings from sensors and does not change anything. The greenhouse system uses the readings to switch devices (heater, fan, window motor) on or off through actuators to change the conditions.
1 mark: monitoring = readings recorded/displayed, no action taken. 1 mark: control = computer uses readings to operate actuators/devices to change conditions.
1 mark each. Do not accept brand names or 'heat sensor'.
Q2Monitoring, measurement and control · Core · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)For each application, name the most suitable sensor.(i) Detecting a person walking past a shop's automatic door.(ii) Switching on street lights when it gets dark.(iii) Detecting when a car is waiting at a traffic light.(iv) Measuring the acidity of water in a fish farm.[4]
Show answer
(a) (i) infrared/motion sensor (ii) light sensor (iii) pressure sensor (or magnetic field/induction loop sensor) (iv) pH sensor
1 mark each.
Q3Monitoring, measurement and control · Standard · Paper 1 style · 5 marks
(a)A hatchery in Punjab uses a microprocessor-controlled incubator to keep eggs at 37.5 °C. Describe how the microprocessor controls the temperature.[5]
Show answer
(a) A temperature sensor constantly measures the temperature; the analogue reading is converted to digital by an ADC; the microprocessor compares the reading with the preset value (37.5 °C) stored in memory; if it is lower, a signal is sent (through a DAC/actuator) to switch the heater on (and fan off); if it is higher, the heater is switched off/the fan is switched on; this process repeats continuously.
1 mark each for any five: sensor measures temperature; ADC converts analogue to digital; compares with preset value; below → heater on; above → heater off/fan on; actuator/DAC used to operate device; process continuous loop.
Q4Monitoring, measurement and control · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 6 marks
(a)An environmental agency wants to monitor the pollution level in the River Ravi at 20 points along its length. It is choosing between using computers with sensors and sending staff to take readings by hand. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computers with sensors.[6]
Show answer
(a) Advantages: readings can be taken 24 hours a day and at regular, precise intervals; readings are more accurate/no human error; staff do not need to visit dangerous or polluted places; results can be sent automatically and analysed/graphed immediately; sudden pollution events are noticed quickly and alarms can be raised; cheaper in staff costs in the long term. Disadvantages: high initial cost of sensors, computers and communication links; sensors can be damaged, stolen or fouled and need maintenance/calibration; power failure or a fault may lose data; staff may lose jobs or need retraining. Conclusion weighing both sides.
Max 4 for one side only. 1 mark per expanded valid point; 1 mark for a reasoned conclusion. Answers must refer to the river scenario for full marks.
Q5Online booking systems · Core · Paper 1 style · 3 marks
(a)A family in Karachi books cinema tickets online. Give three advantages to the family of booking online rather than at the cinema box office.[3]
Show answer
(a) Any three: can book at any time of day; no need to travel to the cinema to book/no queuing; can see the seat plan and choose the seats they want; can compare times/prices easily; e-ticket sent to phone so no paper ticket to lose; may get special online offers.
1 mark each for three distinct advantages. Do not accept 'quicker' or 'easier' without a reason.
Q6Online booking systems · Standard · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)An airline's online booking system must make sure the same seat is never sold to two customers. Describe how the system does this.[4]
Show answer
(a) When a customer selects a seat, the system checks the central database that it is available; the seat is temporarily held/locked for that customer while they complete payment so no one else can select it; when payment is completed the database is updated immediately (real-time processing) so the seat shows as booked; if payment is not completed within a time limit, the seat is released.
1 mark each for any four: checks availability in database; seat locked/held during transaction; database updated immediately/real-time; other users see seat as unavailable; seat released after timeout.
Q7Online booking systems · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 6 marks
(a)A concert organiser in Lahore is closing its box office and will sell all tickets through an online booking system. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks to the organiser.[6]
Show answer
(a) Benefits: fewer box-office staff so lower wage costs; tickets sold 24/7 to customers worldwide; real-time seat availability prevents double booking; payments received immediately/electronically; customer data collected for marketing; e-tickets reduce printing costs; sales reports instantly available. Drawbacks: cost of setting up/maintaining the website and booking software; customers without internet access/cards may not buy tickets, losing sales; risk of hacking/data breach and fake websites; system crash on busy release days loses sales/reputation; staff made redundant; fees charged by payment providers. Conclusion.
Max 4 for one side only. 1 mark per expanded point; 1 mark for a reasoned conclusion.
Q8Robotics and computer control · Core · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)A car factory near Karachi uses robots to weld and spray-paint car bodies. Give three advantages to the factory of using robots for these tasks.[3]
(b)Give one disadvantage to the factory of using robots.[1]
Show answer
(a) Any three: robots can work 24 hours a day without breaks; every weld/coat of paint is the same/consistent quality; more accurate than humans; no wages to pay/lower running costs; can work in dangerous environments (fumes, sparks) so workers are safer; higher productivity.
1 mark each.
(b) e.g. very expensive to buy and install; need regular maintenance/specialist technicians; cannot adapt to unexpected situations; a breakdown can stop the production line.
1 mark.
Q9Robotics and computer control · Standard · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)A large online shop uses robots in its warehouse to fetch shelves of goods and bring them to human packers. Describe how the robots can move around the warehouse safely and find the correct shelves.[4]
Show answer
(a) Robots are controlled by a central computer that sends them the location of the required shelf; they navigate using sensors such as cameras/barcodes or markers on the floor (or GPS-like indoor positioning); proximity/infrared/ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles or people so the robot slows or stops; the robot reads the shelf's barcode/RFID tag to confirm it is the correct shelf before lifting it.
1 mark each for any four valid points.
Q10Robotics and computer control · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 6 marks
(a)A textile factory in Faisalabad plans to replace many of its machine operators with robots. Discuss the effects of this decision on the factory's workers.[6]
Show answer
(a) Negative: many operators may lose their jobs (unemployment); remaining workers may have to retrain; work may become deskilled/repetitive supervision; fear and lower morale. Positive: new jobs for robot programmers, technicians and maintenance staff; workers removed from noisy, dusty or dangerous tasks so fewer injuries; retrained workers may earn higher wages; more interesting supervisory work; shorter hours possible. Conclusion.
Max 4 for one side only. 1 mark per expanded point; 1 mark for a reasoned conclusion. Answers must be about workers, not the factory's profits.
Q11Expert systems · Core · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)Name four components of an expert system.[4]
Show answer
(a) Any four: knowledge base; rules base; inference engine; user interface; explanation system.
1 mark each.
Q12Expert systems · Standard · Paper 1 style · 5 marks
(a)A farmer uses an expert system to identify a disease affecting her wheat crop. Describe how the expert system produces a diagnosis.[5]
Show answer
(a) The user interface asks the farmer questions about the symptoms (e.g. colour of leaves, spots); the farmer answers, often by choosing yes/no or from options; the inference engine uses the rules base to compare the answers with facts in the knowledge base; the inference engine decides which question to ask next based on previous answers; it produces a diagnosis/list of possible diseases with probabilities; the explanation system shows the reasoning behind the conclusion; suggested treatment given.
1 mark each for any five valid points in a logical order.
Q13Expert systems · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 7 marks
(a)Describe how an expert system for diagnosing faults in mobile phones would be created.[5]
(b)State two other applications of expert systems.[2]
Show answer
(a) Information is gathered from human experts (repair technicians) by interviews/questionnaires and from manuals/other sources; the knowledge base is created and populated with facts; a rules base of IF…THEN rules is created; the inference engine is designed/linked to the rules; the user interface is designed to ask questions and show results; an explanation system is included; the system is tested using faults with known solutions and results compared with the experts' diagnoses.
1 mark each for any five valid steps.
(b) Any two: medical diagnosis; mineral/oil prospecting; car engine fault diagnosis; tax/financial advice; chess games; plant/animal identification; insurance or credit risk assessment.
1 mark each.
Q14Retail and internet shopping · Core · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)Give three advantages to customers of buying groceries through the internet.[3]
(b)Give one disadvantage to customers of internet shopping.[1]
Show answer
(a) Any three: no need to travel/saves fuel and time; can shop 24/7; goods are delivered to the home (useful for elderly/disabled people); easy to compare prices on different websites; can see a full range of products/reviews; fewer impulse purchases because a list is used.
1 mark each.
(b) e.g. cannot see/feel goods before buying; risk of fraud/fake websites; delivery charges; delays in delivery; needs internet access and a bank card; returns can be difficult.
1 mark.
Q15Retail and internet shopping · Standard · Paper 1 style · 5 marks
(a)A supermarket in Islamabad uses an automatic stock control system linked to its checkouts. Describe how the stock level of an item is kept up to date and how new stock is ordered.[5]
Show answer
(a) The bar code on the item is scanned at the checkout; the product code is used to search the stock database for the item's record; the price and description are sent back to the checkout; the stock level in the record is reduced by one (by the number sold); the new stock level is compared with the reorder level; if it is at or below the reorder level, an order is automatically sent to the supplier/flag set; the record is flagged as 'on order' so it is not reordered again; when new stock arrives, the stock level is increased.
1 mark each for any five valid points.
Q16Retail and internet shopping · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 6 marks
(a)The owner of a clothing shop in Hyderabad is closing her shop and selling only through her own online store. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to the owner.[6]
Show answer
(a) Advantages: no rent or shop running costs (electricity, staff); can sell to customers across the country/abroad 24/7; fewer staff needed; stock can be kept in a cheaper warehouse; customer data collected for targeted marketing; can update prices/offers instantly. Disadvantages: cost of building and maintaining a secure website; must pay for delivery/packaging and handle returns; loses passing customers who browse in person; customers cannot try clothes on so more returns; risk of hacking/fraud; staff may need retraining or lose jobs; strong competition from large online sellers. Conclusion.
Max 4 for one side only. 1 mark per expanded point; 1 mark for a reasoned conclusion.
Q17Communication media and ePublications · Core · Paper 1 style · 3 marks
(a)A student reads a history textbook as an eBook on a tablet. Give two features of the eBook that are not available in the printed book.[2]
(b)Give one disadvantage of the eBook compared with the printed book.[1]
Show answer
(a) Any two: words can be searched; text size can be changed; hyperlinks to other pages/websites/glossary; embedded video/audio/animations; built-in dictionary; bookmarks and notes that can be removed/edited easily; can be read aloud by text-to-speech; can be read in the dark (backlit).
1 mark each.
(b) e.g. needs a charged device; screen can cause eye strain; device is expensive/can be stolen or damaged; may be harder to share or lend.
1 mark.
Q18Communication media and ePublications · Standard · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)A publisher in Lahore is deciding whether to publish its monthly science magazine as an ePublication instead of on paper. Describe two advantages and two disadvantages to the publisher of the ePublication.[4]
Show answer
(a) Advantages: no printing, paper or distribution costs; can reach readers worldwide instantly; can include video, animations and hyperlinks; can be updated/corrected after release; data on readers can be collected. Disadvantages: readers without devices or internet access are lost; easier to copy and share illegally; cost of developing for different devices/formats; some readers prefer paper so sales may fall; advertisers may pay less.
1 mark each for two advantages and two disadvantages (expanded).
Q19Communication media and ePublications · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 6 marks
(a)A provincial health department wants to make people aware of a new polio vaccination drive. It is considering a website, printed posters and a social media campaign. Evaluate the use of these three methods for this purpose.[6]
Show answer
(a) Website: can hold detailed information, maps of centres and video; can be updated; but people must know about it and have internet access. Posters: seen by everyone passing, including people without internet or phones; good in rural areas/clinics; but limited information, cannot be updated once printed, cost of printing and distribution, can be damaged. Social media: reaches many people quickly, especially young people; can be shared and targeted to areas; cheap; interactive (questions answered); but misinformation and negative comments can spread; does not reach people without smartphones; older people may not use it. Reasoned conclusion, e.g. a combination is best.
1 mark per valid evaluative point (benefit or drawback) about the methods, up to 5; 1 mark for a reasoned conclusion. Max 4 if only one method discussed.
Q20Banking applications · Core · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)A customer inserts her bank card into an ATM and asks to withdraw Rs 10 000. Describe the processing that takes place after she has entered her PIN.[4]
Show answer
(a) The PIN entered is compared with the PIN stored on the card chip/bank's records; if it is wrong the customer is asked to try again (card retained after three failed attempts); the bank's computer is contacted to check that the card is valid/not stolen; the account balance is checked to see that there are enough funds; the daily withdrawal limit is checked; if all checks are passed, the cash is dispensed and the account is debited by Rs 10 000; a receipt may be printed.
1 mark each for any four processing steps. Do not credit descriptions of input or output devices.
Q21Banking applications · Standard · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)Many shops in Pakistan now accept contactless card payments. Describe how a contactless payment is made.[2]
(b)Give one advantage and one disadvantage to the customer of contactless payments.[2]
Show answer
(a) The customer holds the card/phone close to the reader (within a few centimetres); data is transmitted wirelessly using RFID/NFC; payment is authorised (usually without a PIN for small amounts) and the amount is deducted from the account.
1 mark: card held near reader. 1 mark: RFID/NFC wireless transfer and payment authorised.
(b) Advantage: faster at the checkout; no need to enter a PIN; no need to carry cash. Disadvantage: a stolen card can be used for small payments without a PIN; easy to spend more than intended; risk of the card being read by a hidden reader (skimming).
1 mark each.
Q22Banking applications · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 6 marks
(a)A bank is encouraging its customers to use internet banking instead of visiting branches. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to customers of internet banking.[6]
Show answer
(a) Advantages: can bank at any time from anywhere; no travel costs or queuing; easy to check balances and statements; transfers and bill payments made instantly; useful for disabled or elderly people who find travel difficult; alerts for transactions. Disadvantages: needs internet access and a device; risk of phishing/pharming/hacking and fraud; less personal service/cannot discuss problems face to face; easy to make a mistake with account numbers; some customers (elderly) lack skills/confidence; branch closures affect those who cannot use internet banking; social isolation. Conclusion.
Max 4 for one side only. 1 mark per expanded point; 1 mark for reasoned conclusion. Answers must be about customers, not the bank.
Q23Recognition systems · Standard · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)Describe the difference between optical mark recognition (OMR) and optical character recognition (OCR), giving a suitable use for each.[4]
Show answer
(a) OMR detects marks (shaded boxes/lines) in set positions on a pre-printed form, e.g. multiple-choice exam answer sheets, lottery tickets, school registers. OCR reads printed or handwritten characters from a scanned image and converts them into text that can be edited/stored, e.g. reading passports at airports, digitising printed documents, number plate recognition.
Q24Recognition systems · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 5 marks
(a)A shopping mall car park in Karachi uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to record when cars enter and leave. Describe how ANPR is used when a car arrives at the entrance barrier.[5]
Show answer
(a) A sensor (e.g. pressure/infrared) detects the car arriving; a camera captures an image of the front of the car; software locates the number plate in the image (and adjusts brightness/contrast); OCR is used to identify the individual characters; the registration number is stored in a database with the date and time of entry; the barrier is raised (actuator) and an LED display may show a welcome message; when the car leaves, the plate is read again and the time difference used to calculate the charge.
1 mark each for any five valid steps in sequence.
Q25Computer modelling · Core · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)City planners in Lahore use a computer model to test the effect of new traffic lights at a busy junction before installing them. Give three advantages of using a computer model.[3]
(b)Give one reason why the results of the model might not match what happens in reality.[1]
Show answer
(a) Any three: cheaper than building/testing the real junction; safer — no risk of accidents to real drivers; many different 'what if' scenarios/timings can be tried quickly; time can be speeded up so years of traffic can be simulated quickly; no disruption to real traffic; easy to change the variables and compare results.
1 mark each.
(b) The model is only as good as the data and rules used — real drivers' behaviour, accidents, weather or events may not be included/may be unpredictable.
1 mark.
Q26Computer modelling · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 5 marks
(a)The government uses a computer model to predict flooding along the River Indus during the monsoon. Describe how the model could be used to help plan for floods.[3]
(b)Explain why the predictions of a flood model may be inaccurate.[2]
Show answer
(a) Data such as rainfall, river levels, ground height, dam releases and past floods are entered; 'what if' questions are asked, e.g. what if rainfall is 30% above average; the model predicts which areas will flood and when; planners can use the predictions to decide where to build embankments, when to warn and evacuate people and where to place relief supplies.
1 mark each for any three valid points.
(b) Any two: the model is a simplification of reality; input data may be incomplete or inaccurate (e.g. faulty sensors, rainfall forecasts); unexpected events such as embankment failure may not be included; the rules/formulas may be based on past events that do not represent the future (e.g. climate change).
1 mark each.
Q27Satellite systems · Standard · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)Describe how a satellite navigation (satnav) system in a delivery van works out the van's position and guides the driver.[4]
Show answer
(a) The satnav receives signals from (at least three/four) GPS satellites; each signal includes the time it was sent; the satnav calculates its distance from each satellite from the time taken for the signal to arrive; the position is found by comparing the distances (trilateration); the position is shown on a stored map; the computer calculates a route to the destination and gives spoken/visual directions.
1 mark each for any four valid points.
Q28Satellite systems · Standard · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)State what is meant by a geographic information system (GIS).[1]
(b)Give three uses of a GIS.[3]
Show answer
(a) A computer system that captures, stores, analyses and displays data linked to geographical locations (maps) in layers.
1 mark.
(b) Any three: emergency services planning routes/locating incidents; planning new roads, schools or hospitals; mapping flood risk or disease outbreaks; environmental agencies monitoring forests/wildlife; utility companies mapping pipes and cables; police mapping crime hotspots; telecom companies planning mast locations.
1 mark each.
Q29Medical applications · Core · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)Patients in an intensive care unit are monitored by computers with sensors. Name two sensors that could be used.[2]
(b)Give two advantages of using computers rather than nurses to monitor these patients.[2]
Show answer
(a) Any two: temperature sensor; pressure sensor (blood pressure); pulse/heart-rate sensor; oxygen (oximeter) sensor; respiration/breathing sensor.
1 mark each.
(b) Any two: readings taken continuously, 24/7, without breaks; more accurate readings/no human error; alarms sound immediately if readings go outside safe limits; readings stored and displayed as graphs automatically; nurses are freed to carry out other tasks; several patients monitored at once.
1 mark each.
Q30Medical applications · Challenge · Paper 1 style · 4 marks
(a)Describe two ways in which 3D printers are used in medicine.[2]
(b)Explain two benefits to patients of prosthetic limbs made by 3D printing.[2]
Show answer
(a) Any two: making prosthetic limbs (artificial hands/legs) designed to fit an individual; making implants such as bone/joint or dental implants; making models of a patient's organs so surgeons can plan operations; making personalised medical tools; tissue engineering/printing artificial tissue (research).
1 mark each for two described uses.
(b) Any two: custom-made from scans to fit the individual exactly, so more comfortable; much cheaper than traditional prosthetics, so more affordable; quick to produce, so children can easily get replacements as they grow; can be made in local clinics/remote areas.
1 mark each for an explained benefit.
Similar questions
Questions that test the same subtopic in different years, grouped so you can work on one skill at a time.
References only: find each question in its paper (official link where available, otherwise through your school).
Monitoring, measurement and controlRare3 questions · 2/9 sessions
