Community resourceWorksheet
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: 6 explanation cells, 4 multiple-choice questions, 1 fill-in-the-blanks cell and 4 written answers. 32 marks, about 60 minutes.
Series: J277 1.2.1-1.2.3 · Memory and storage, part 4 of 6.
Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher
- 15 cells
- About 60 minutes
- CC BY-SA 4.0
- Shared 17 Aug 2026
- Updated 9 Sept 2026
Preview
The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.
Memory and storage 4: choosing secondary storage
There is no single best storage device for every situation. A good choice depends on what the user needs.
By the end of this worksheet, you should be able to:
- explain six characteristics used to compare storage
- apply those characteristics to a scenario
- make and justify a storage recommendation
- distinguish closely related terms such as durability and reliability
- avoid vague claims such as “it is better” or “it is faster”
Work through the explanation, checks and applications in order. Use the final challenge to connect several ideas.
Which device normally uses solid-state storage?
- ADVD
- BMagnetic tape
- CSSD
- DHard disk drive
1. Six comparison characteristics
OCR expects you to compare storage using:
- capacity: the amount of data that can be stored
- speed: how quickly data can be read or written
- portability: how easily the device can be carried and used in different places
- durability: how well it resists physical damage
- reliability: how consistently it continues to store and retrieve data correctly over time
- cost: the purchase price or cost per unit of storage
The most important characteristics change with the scenario. A photographer travelling every day may prioritise portability and durability. A backup server may prioritise capacity, reliability and cost per gigabyte.
- access speed
- resolution
- cost
- portability
- durability
- volatility
- capacity
- reliability
2. Develop each reason
A recommendation needs a feature and an application.
-
Too vague: “Choose an SSD because it is faster.”
-
Better: “Choose an SSD because it has a faster access speed, so the video editor can load and save large project files more quickly.”
-
Too vague: “Choose an HDD because it is cheaper.”
-
Better: “Choose an HDD because it has a lower cost per gigabyte, so the school can purchase enough capacity for many backups within its budget.”
State the choice first. Then link each characteristic directly to something in the scenario.
Which answer gives the best developed justification?
- AUse optical because discs are discs
- BUse an SSD because it is better
- CUse an HDD because it stores things
- DUse an SSD because its fast access speed will reduce the time taken to load large editing files
3. A worked recommendation
Scenario: A musician carries a storage device between venues. It must load large sound files quickly and may be knocked while travelling.
Choice: Solid-state storage.
Justification:
- It has a fast access speed, so large sound files can be loaded quickly.
- It has no moving parts, making it more resistant to damage while being transported.
- SSDs and USB flash drives can be compact and portable.
The answer does not claim that solid state lasts forever. It selects the characteristics that matter to this user.
A small company needs an inexpensive device to store several terabytes of archived video. The device will remain safely in one office. Recommend magnetic or solid-state storage and justify your choice.
State your choice. Develop two reasons using capacity, cost per gigabyte, access speed or movement.
Students type their answer here.
A film club wants to post copies of a finished film to members who have compatible disc drives. Recommend a storage medium and justify it with two relevant characteristics.
Consider physical distribution, purchase cost, portability and capacity.
Students type their answer here.
4. Durability is not reliability
The terms overlap, but they are not identical.
- A durable device resists physical damage, for example when moved or dropped.
- A reliable device continues to store and retrieve data correctly over time.
A device can be physically tough but still fail electronically. No storage technology has an unlimited life span. Avoid claims such as “an SSD can never break” or “solid state always lasts longer than magnetic storage”.
Which statement describes durability rather than reliability?
- AThe device is resistant to damage when carried between locations
- BThe drive has enough capacity for every file
- CThe data can be read quickly
- DThe device continues to retrieve data correctly over many years
Which three recommendations are sensibly matched to the stated priority? Select all that apply.
- ALow-cost multi-terabyte fixed backup: magnetic HDD
- BFast storage in a moving laptop: optical disc
- CSmall removable camera storage: solid-state memory card
- DScratch-resistant archival disc: unprotected optical disc
- EInexpensive physical distribution to compatible players: optical disc
A student must choose between a 2 TB magnetic HDD and a 1 TB SSD for editing videos on a laptop that travels to school each day. Identify which device should be used and justify the choice.
State the choice first. Apply characteristics such as capacity, read/write speed, portability, durability and cost to the student's actual use. A characteristic must be explained in context to gain the mark.
Students type their answer here.
Challenge: explain why “solid state is the best storage” is not a useful general conclusion.
Compare at least three characteristics and use two contrasting scenarios to show why priorities change.
Students type their answer here.
Closed-book review
Recall the six characteristics:
- capacity
- access speed
- portability
- durability
- reliability
- cost
For each one, say what it means. Then choose a storage device for one person you know and justify it using two characteristics.
Final check: replace every vague word such as “better”, “faster” or “cheaper” with a precise comparison and consequence.