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OCR H446 1.1.3 Input, output and storage consolidation

Part 5 of 6 · H446 1.1.3 · Input, output and storage

OCR H446 1.1.3: Input, output and storage consolidation. This worksheet consolidates device selection, storage choice, memory-state reasoning and virtual-storage evaluation across two unfamiliar contexts.

Students will:

  • justify device and storage choices
  • apply memory-state reasoning
  • evaluate virtual-storage choices in unfamiliar contexts

Inside: 5 explanation cells, 4 written answers, 2 multiple-choice questions and 1 fill-in-the-blanks cell. 48 marks, about 60 to 75 minutes.

Series: H446 1.1.3 · Input, output and storage, part 5 of 6.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 12 cells
  • About 60 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 31 Aug 2026
  • Updated 3 Sept 2026

Preview

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

Input, output and storage consolidation

Begin with closed-book retrieval and apply the device, storage and memory models without returning to the worked examples.

Apply device and storage reasoning: coastal habitat stations

Small stations measure tide height and salinity, warn nearby workers without relying on sound, and retain readings between monthly collections. Some stations are fixed on sheltered walls; others are carried on boats.

Written answer10 marks

Design an input → processing or storage → output path for one station. Your design must include:

  • the exact data captured by the input device;
  • a silent warning produced by the output device;
  • why each device suits a wet or noisy environment;
  • one device that performs two roles, with both roles explained.

Name each device, state its exact data or effect and explain why it suits the conditions. Do not assume a touchscreen is only output if it also captures touch.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer10 marks

Recommend storage for a carried station and for a fixed high-capacity central archive. Compare magnetic, flash and optical types on the constraints that matter, include one irrelevant true property and explain why it should not decide the choice.

Likely flash for carried station and magnetic for central archive; credit alternatives with explicit assumptions.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which response best explains why a storage property matters in this situation?

  • AFlash has no moving parts, so boat vibration is less likely to damage the station's storage
  • BFlash is modern
  • CMagnetic storage is always largest
  • DOptical storage uses light

Check your first application

Before moving to the next context, check that each device answer names the exact data or effect. For each storage choice, identify what the situation needs, give a relevant property and explain why that property matters here.

Apply memory and virtual-storage reasoning: analysis room and remote partners

The analysis workstation runs several large mapping applications. A compact controller must retain fixed operating instructions after power loss. Partner laboratories see a shared drive that is physically hosted at a remote research centre.

Written answer10 marks

Complete all four parts.

  1. Explain how additional RAM may affect the workstation.
  2. Describe a non-BIOS use of ROM in the controller and explain one advantage.
  3. Correct the claim ‘RAM is cache’.
  4. Correct the claim ‘ROM is useful only because it cannot be read’.

For RAM, link active data, virtual memory or swapping and performance. For ROM, link the stored content, persistence or controlled writing and a useful effect in the controller.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer12 marks

Trace a partner opening a file from the shared drive to the remote physical media. Then:

  • explain two benefits for the partner laboratories;
  • explain two drawbacks;
  • explain why this is virtual storage rather than virtual memory or a virtual machine.

Apply access, collaboration, resilience, connectivity, bandwidth, cost, control or availability only when relevant.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement is accurate?

  • AVirtual memory is a cloud backup
  • BVirtual storage can appear local while the file is physically remote
  • CROM loses its contents when power is removed
  • DMore RAM always doubles CPU performance
Fill in the blanks4 marks
Input captures checkpoint gap 1; output produces information or an effect; storage retains data. A storage choice needs a relevant property and an explanation of why it checkpoint gap 2. RAM holds active state; ROM retains checkpoint gap 3 content. Virtual storage is physically checkpoint gap 4 but may appear local.

Review your understanding

Check that you can classify devices by current role, justify physical suitability, distinguish storage type from device, track RAM and ROM states, explain the additional-RAM mechanism and trace virtual storage to remote physical media. Rework any response that relies only on a label or generic benefit.