Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2 practice questions

What is on Paper 2?

• Paper 2 covers algorithms, programming and logic.
• It is a written paper of 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 75 marks — 50% of the IGCSE.
• Questions are a mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer extended responses. Expect pseudocode, trace tables and logic circuits.
• Always check the latest specification on your exam board's website, as details can change between exam years.

Paper 2 practice questions with answers

6 original questions across the 3 Paper 2 topics. Try each one before reading the answer.

1. Cambridge: Algorithm design and problem solving

   1. Decomposition means:

   • • Removing detail
   • • Breaking a problem into smaller parts
   • • Sorting a list
   • • Testing data

   Answer: Breaking a problem into smaller parts

   Each sub-problem is easier to solve.

2. Cambridge: Algorithm design and problem solving

   2. Which flowchart symbol represents a decision?

   • • Oval
   • • Rectangle
   • • Diamond
   • • Parallelogram

   Answer: Diamond

   Decisions have two or more outgoing paths.

3. Cambridge: Programming concepts and databases

   3. Which data type stores TRUE or FALSE?

   • • INTEGER
   • • STRING
   • • BOOLEAN
   • • REAL

   Answer: BOOLEAN

   Boolean values are used in conditions.

4. Cambridge: Programming concepts and databases

   4. State the difference between a variable and a constant.

   Answer: A variable's value can change during execution; a constant's cannot

   Constants improve readability and safety.

5. Cambridge: Hardware, CPU and logic

   5. Which register holds the address of the next instruction?

   • • MDR
   • • ACC
   • • PC
   • • CIR

   Answer: PC

   The program counter tracks execution position.

6. Cambridge: Hardware, CPU and logic

   6. State the three stages of the machine cycle.

   Answer: Fetch, decode, execute

   Repeated continuously while the computer runs.

Where Paper 2 marks are usually lost

• Giving vague definitions — examiners want the precise technical term.
• Losing marks in trace tables by skipping rows or misreading loop conditions.
• Writing code or pseudocode that ignores the exact input and output the question asks for.
• Answering 'explain' questions with a single fact instead of a fact plus a reason.
• Mixing up binary, denary and hexadecimal conversions under time pressure.

How to pick up the extended-answer marks

• Underline the command word and the focus of the question before writing — most dropped marks come from answering a different question.
• Plan for one or two minutes: three or four points, each backed by evidence and explained.
• Keep linking back to the question in every paragraph, not just the conclusion.
• For 'evaluate' or 'how far do you agree' questions, weigh both sides and finish with a clear judgement.

Timing that works under pressure

• Check the marks per question and give each one time in proportion, keeping spare minutes for checking at the end.
• Bank the short questions first, then return to the longer answers with your remaining time.
• If a question stalls for more than two minutes, write down what you know and move on — partial marks still count.
• Leave five minutes to check spelling of key terms, units and whether any question part was skipped over a page break.

Revise each Paper 2 topic

• Cambridge: Algorithm design and problem solving (66 questions)
• Cambridge: Programming concepts and databases (66 questions)
• Cambridge: Hardware, CPU and logic (66 questions)

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2 FAQs

What topics are on Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2?

Paper 2 assesses algorithm design, programming, databases and Boolean logic, including a scenario-based programming task.

How long is Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2?

It is a 1 hour 45 minutes written exam worth 75 marks, which is 50% of the IGCSE. Check your board's latest specification for any changes.

How should I revise for Computer Science Paper 2?

Practise answering questions rather than rereading notes. Short daily sets of five questions per topic, marked straight away, expose weak areas faster than a long passive revision session.