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J277 1 Paper 1 independent mini-assessment
Part 4 of 5 · J277 Paper 1 · Exam transition
A 40-mark independent mini-assessment sampling all six OCR J277 Paper 1 specification areas.
Students will:
- answer under independent, non-calculator conditions
- show calculation and binary working in full
- match the length of an answer to the marks available
- move between systems, data, networks and impacts without prompts
- use the feedback to target revision afterwards
Inside: 7 explanation cells, 1 number grid, 4 multiple-choice questions and 10 written answers. 40 marks, about 60 minutes.
Series: J277 Paper 1 · Exam transition, part 4 of 5.
Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher
- 22 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.
Paper 1 exam transition 4: independent mini-assessment
This 40-mark mini-assessment samples all six OCR J277 Paper 1 specification areas. It uses original questions and contexts while reflecting the range of response styles students may meet.
Suggested conditions:
- work independently
- do not use a calculator
- show calculation and binary working
- write an amount that matches the marks available
- allow about 45 minutes, then use feedback for targeted revision
There is intentionally less scaffolding here than in the teaching worksheets.
Section A: systems architecture and memory
Which register stores the address of the next instruction to be fetched?
- AAccumulator
- BProgram counter
- CMemory data register
- DCurrent instruction register
Explain how cache can improve CPU performance. (3 marks)
Use precise technical language.
Students type their answer here.
A smart heating controller is an embedded system. State two characteristics that make it an embedded system. (2 marks)
Give two distinct characteristics.
Students type their answer here.
Explain one difference between RAM and ROM and one use of ROM in the heating controller. (3 marks)
Make the comparison explicit, then apply the use.
Students type their answer here.
Section B: data representation and calculations
Complete the two 8-bit binary additions and show all carries.
Show the carry row because it is part of the working.
a)Add these 8-bit binary numbers: 00011111 + 00000011.
b)Add these 8-bit binary numbers: 01000110 + 10101101.
An uncompressed greyscale image is 400 pixels wide, 300 pixels high and uses 8 bits per pixel. Calculate its size in bytes. Show your working. (3 marks)
No calculator is required.
Students type their answer here.
A set of sensor files uses 3,000 KB. Calculate the size in bytes using 1 KB = 1,000 bytes. Show your working. (2 marks)
Write the conversion and label the final unit.
Students type their answer here.
Why can Unicode represent more characters than ASCII?
- AUnicode removes every leading zero
- BASCII stores images as pixels
- CUnicode uses a larger range of character codes
- DASCII is a compression algorithm
Section C: networks and security
A college connects computers in two buildings in the same campus LAN. State the function of a switch and the function of a router. (2 marks)
Give one precise function for each device.
Students type their answer here.
The college adds many wireless devices while available bandwidth stays the same. Explain how this may affect network performance. (3 marks)
Make the direction and consequence clear.
Students type their answer here.
Which address is assigned to a network interface and is used within a local network?
- AURL
- BDomain name
- CFile path
- DMAC address
A fake email persuades an administrator to reveal their password. Name the broad form of attack and explain one control that could limit the resulting risk. (3 marks)
Identify the attack, name a suitable control and explain how it works.
Students type their answer here.
Section D: systems software and impacts
Explain how an operating system supports multitasking. (3 marks)
Refer to processor time and memory/resources.
Students type their answer here.
Which utility rearranges fragmented parts of files on a magnetic hard disk so they are stored together?
- ADefragmentation
- BEncryption
- CData compression
- DUser management
Section E: extended response
A regional bus company plans to replace paper timetables and cash payments with an app-only service. The app will show live locations, sell tickets and collect journey data.
Consider passengers, employees, the company and the wider community.
Discuss the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of the bus company's plan. (8 marks)
Write a structured and balanced response. Develop relevant benefits and drawbacks, apply them to affected groups and reach a supported overall view.
Students type their answer here.
End of assessment
Do not change an answer simply because another section reminded you of a topic. First check the wording, the marks and your original reasoning. After submission, group errors by cause: missing knowledge, imprecise language, weak application, incomplete working or time management.