Community resourceWorksheet

J277 1.2 Memory and storage consolidation

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

The end-of-topic checkpoint for memory and storage, pulling together primary storage, virtual memory, storage technologies and data units.

Students will:

  • recall the whole topic without scaffolding
  • correct flawed statements about memory and storage
  • calculate capacities and show the working
  • recommend storage for a stated user and justify it
  • apply knowledge in focused answers and improve them after feedback

Inside: 5 text sections, 1 multiple-choice activity, 4 completion activities, 6 written answers. 23 marks. Suggested teaching time: 40–60 minutes.

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

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

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 16 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026
  • Updated 27 Oct 2026

Preview

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

Memory and storage consolidation

Answer from memory, then apply your knowledge. Use 1 GB = 1,000 MB and ignore storage overheads in calculations. Completion and multiple-choice feedback is held for teacher review.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
Name the primary memory. (a) Volatile working memory holding current data: Answer 1. (b) Fixed start-up instructions retained without power: Answer 2. (c) Frequently used items for faster CPU access than RAM: Answer 3.
Written answer1 mark

State why a computer needs secondary storage for saved work in addition to RAM.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

Give two differences between RAM and ROM. Compare both memories for each difference.

Students type their answer here.

1. Working space and performance

A laptop has limited RAM and an SSD. Several large applications are open, so their working data no longer fits in RAM.

Written answer3 marks

Describe how virtual memory makes space for data the laptop needs now, and what happens when moved data is needed again.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

The laptop repeatedly moves data between RAM and virtual memory. Explain why this can reduce performance.

Students type their answer here.

2. Choose for the user

A wildlife filmmaker carries a drive while travelling. It must read and write large video files and may be knocked in transport.

Written answer4 marks

Recommend an HDD or SSD for the filmmaker. Give two developed reasons using different storage characteristics.

Students type their answer here.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
Name each technology. (a) HDD: Answer 1. (b) DVD: Answer 2. (c) USB flash drive: Answer 3.

3. Capacity

Show operations where working is requested. Numerical answers are marked separately. Count complete files only.

Written answer2 marks

A drive has 6 GB free and videos are 240 MB each. Show the operations needed to find how many complete videos fit, using 1 GB = 1,000 MB.

Students type their answer here.

Fill in the blanks1 mark
Using 1 GB = 1,000 MB and ignoring overheads, 6 GB free holds Answer 1 complete videos of 240 MB each.
Fill in the blanks1 mark
A backup has 2,400 files of 5 MB each. Use 1 GB = 1,000 MB and ignore overheads. Total size = Answer 1 GB.
Multiple choice1 mark

Another backup requires 14 GB. Which conclusion is correct with 16 GB free?

  • AIt fits with 2 GB spare
  • BIt fits with 30 GB spare
  • CIt does not fit because 16 is greater than 14
  • DIt cannot be compared without converting to bits

4. Improve one answer

Choose one answer to improve. Check the matching teaching worksheet, then improve that response. Focus on a precise memory role, a linked storage reason or a visible calculation method.