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J277 1.2.2 Choosing secondary storage

Part 4 of 6 · J277 1.2.1-1.2.3 · Memory and storage

The recommendation question in section 1.2, where the mark depends on fitting the reason to the user.

Students will:

  • explain the six characteristics used to compare storage
  • apply those characteristics to a scenario
  • make and justify a storage recommendation
  • distinguish durability from reliability
  • replace vague claims with developed reasons

Inside: 4 text sections, 3 multiple-choice activities, 2 completion activities, 4 written answers. 23 marks. Suggested teaching time: 45–65 minutes.

Includes a teacher guide with suggested sections, timings and common misconceptions.

Series: J277 1.2.1-1.2.3 · Memory and storage, part 4 of 6.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 13 cells
  • About 60 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026
  • Updated 27 Oct 2026

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The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Choosing secondary storage

The best device depends on the task. Choose characteristics that matter to the user, then explain their consequences.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which device normally uses solid-state storage?

  • ADVD
  • BMagnetic tape
  • CMemory card
  • DHard disk drive

1. Six comparison characteristics

CharacteristicMeaning
CapacityHow much data can be stored.
Read/write speedHow quickly data can be accessed or saved.
PortabilityHow easily a device is carried and used elsewhere.
DurabilityResistance to physical damage.
ReliabilityContinuing to store and retrieve data correctly over time.
CostPurchase price or price per unit of storage.

A large backup may prioritise capacity and cost per GB. A drive carried daily may prioritise portability and durability.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
Answer 1 is the amount stored. Answer 2 concerns reading and writing data quickly. Answer 3 concerns price.
  • Capacity
  • Read/write speed
  • Cost
  • Reliability

2. Build a reason

Feature → consequence for the user.

  • For a music club loading large recordings: fast SSD read/write access reduces time spent loading and saving files.
  • For a school keeping many backups: an HDD's lower cost per GB can provide sufficient capacity within the budget.

The choice alone is not a developed reason.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which answer develops a reason for an SSD used to edit videos?

  • AIt is better
  • BIt is fast
  • CFast read/write access reduces delays when opening large video projects
  • DIt never breaks
Written answer4 marks

A company archives several terabytes of video on a drive kept safely in one office. Its budget is limited. Recommend an HDD or SSD and give two developed reasons.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer4 marks

A film club posts a 2 GB film to members with DVD drives. A DVD holds 4.7 GB. Explain two reasons why DVD is suitable.

Students type their answer here.

3. Durability and reliability

A durable case can resist a knock, but the electronics inside might still fail. Durability concerns physical damage; reliability concerns continuing to work correctly over time.

No moving parts can improve resistance to movement damage. It does not guarantee that an SSD will never fail.

Multiple choice1 mark

A drive resists being knocked while carried. Which characteristic is this?

  • ACapacity
  • BDurability
  • CCost per GB
  • DRead/write speed
Fill in the blanks3 marks
Name the characteristic. (a) Easy to carry elsewhere: Answer 1. (b) Resists physical damage: Answer 2. (c) Continues to work correctly over time: Answer 3.
Written answer4 marks

A student edits videos on a laptop carried to school daily. Compare a 2 TB HDD with a 1 TB SSD by explaining one advantage of each for this student.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

A student says, 'An SSD has no moving parts, so it can never fail.' Explain why this conclusion is incorrect.

Students type their answer here.