9618 Oct/Nov 2022 Past Papers — A Level Computer Science
AS & A Level Computer Science — the Oct/Nov 2022 examination series: 12 question papers with their mark schemes, the examiner report and the grade thresholds. Under each paper is ZAK's question map: the topic, marks, command words and assessment objectives of every question, each one a click away from its mark scheme in the past-paper practice tool.
Papers
12
4 papers × 3 variants
Questions mapped
95
900 marks
Examiner report
Yes
per-question comments
Grade thresholds
Yes
marks needed for each grade
Paper 1 — Theory Fundamentals
1h 30m · 75 marks · 25% of A Level (50% of AS)
9618/11 Paper 1, variant 1
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 11 | Information Representation | State, Explain, Give, Convert, Show | AO1 6 · AO2 5 |
| Q2 | 4 | Security, Privacy and Data Integrity | Draw | AO1 4 |
| Q3 | 4 | Hardware | Complete, Draw | AO2 4 |
| Q4 | 15 | Databases | State, Describe, Give, Write, Complete | AO1 12 · AO2 3 |
| Q5 | 11 | Processor Fundamentals | State, Describe, Identify, Tick, Program | AO1 8 · AO2 3 |
| Q6 | 11 | Processor Fundamentals | State, Show, Tick, Trace | AO1 3 · AO2 8 |
| Q7 | 11 | Processor Fundamentals+ System Software (5), Information Representation (3) | State, Describe, Explain | AO1 8 · AO2 3 |
| Q8 | 4 | Communication | Describe | AO1 4 |
| Q9 | 4 | Hardware | Describe, Explain | AO1 4 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 9 questions · 75 marks mapped.
9618/12 Paper 1, variant 2
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 9 | System Software | State, Explain, Draw | AO1 9 |
| Q2 | 5 | Information Representation | Convert, Show | AO1 1 · AO2 4 |
| Q3 | 7 | Hardware | Explain, Complete, Draw | AO1 2 · AO2 5 |
| Q4 | 6 | Security, Privacy and Data Integrity | State, Describe | AO1 6 |
| Q5 | 11 | Databases | State, Describe, Explain, Write | AO1 8 · AO2 3 |
| Q6 | 9 | Information Representation+ Security, Privacy and Data Integrity (5) | Describe, Explain | AO1 9 |
| Q7 | 12 | Processor Fundamentals | Write, Compare, Show, Trace | AO2 12 |
| Q8 | 8 | Information Representation | State, Explain, Complete, Tick | AO1 6 · AO2 2 |
| Q9 | 2 | Ethics and Ownership | Describe | AO1 2 |
| Q10 | 6 | Communication | Describe, Identify, Give, Complete | AO1 5 · AO2 1 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 10 questions · 75 marks mapped.
9618/13 Paper 1, variant 3
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 7 | Information Representation+ Hardware (2) | Explain, Give, Calculate, Tick | AO1 5 · AO2 2 |
| Q2 | 14 | Databases+ Information Representation (2) | Describe, Identify, Write, Complete | AO1 6 · AO2 8 |
| Q3 | 4 | System Software | Draw | AO1 4 |
| Q4 | 7 | Processor Fundamentals | State, Describe, Identify | AO1 7 |
| Q5 | 5 | Hardware | Complete, Draw | AO2 5 |
| Q6 | 10 | Processor Fundamentals | Explain, Give, Compare, Show, Trace | AO1 3 · AO2 7 |
| Q7 | 10 | Communication | Identify, Give, Complete | AO1 10 |
| Q8 | 6 | Ethics and Ownership | Describe, Explain | AO1 6 |
| Q9 | 4 | Information Representation | State, Convert | AO1 2 · AO2 2 |
| Q10 | 8 | Hardware | Describe, Explain, Identify, Justify | AO1 6 · AO2 2 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 10 questions · 75 marks mapped.
Paper 2 — Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills
2h · 75 marks · 25% of A Level (50% of AS)
9618/21 Paper 2, variant 1
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 12 | Programming+ Data Types and Structures (5) | State, Explain | AO2 6 · AO3 6 |
| Q2 | 5 | Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving | Explain, Identify | AO2 5 |
| Q3 | 5 | Data Types and Structures | Describe | AO2 5 |
| Q4 | 12 | Data Types and Structures | Explain, Complete | AO2 12 |
| Q5 | 5 | Data Types and Structures | Write | AO3 5 |
| Q6 | 7 | Programming | State, Complete | AO2 7 |
| Q7 | 10 | Programming | Give, Write, Calculate | AO2 2 · AO3 8 |
| Q8 | 19 | Programming | Give, Write | AO2 2 · AO3 17 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 8 questions · 75 marks mapped.
9618/22 Paper 2, variant 2
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 11 | Programming+ Software Development (3) | State, Identify, Give, Complete | AO2 3 · AO3 8 |
| Q2 | 11 | Data Types and Structures+ Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving (5), Software Development (2) | Describe, Explain, Complete, Examine | AO2 11 |
| Q3 | 13 | Data Types and Structures | Explain, Identify, Complete | AO2 13 |
| Q4 | 7 | Data Types and Structures+ Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving (7) | Give, Write | AO2 1 · AO3 6 |
| Q5 | 4 | Programming | Write, Examine | AO3 4 |
| Q6 | 11 | Programming | Give, Write, Complete | AO2 4 · AO3 7 |
| Q7 | 18 | Data Types and Structures+ Programming (11) | State, Write | AO2 2 · AO3 16 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 7 questions · 75 marks mapped.
9618/23 Paper 2, variant 3
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 12 | Software Development+ Data Types and Structures (4) | State, Give, Complete | AO2 12 |
| Q2 | 3 | Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving | Identify | AO2 3 |
| Q3 | 5 | Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving | Describe | AO2 5 |
| Q4 | 10 | Data Types and Structures | State, Describe | AO2 10 |
| Q5 | 17 | Data Types and Structures+ Programming (13) | Describe, Explain, Give, Write | AO2 8 · AO3 9 |
| Q6 | 11 | Programming | Write, Complete | AO2 5 · AO3 6 |
| Q7 | 17 | Data Types and Structures+ Programming (13) | Describe, Write | AO2 3 · AO3 14 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 7 questions · 75 marks mapped.
Paper 3 — Advanced Theory
1h 30m · 75 marks · 25% of A Level
9618/31 Paper 3, variant 1
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 9 | Data Representation | State, Write, Show | AO2 9 |
| Q2 | 5 | Communication and Internet Technologies | Outline | AO1 5 |
| Q3 | 8 | Data Representation | State, Write | AO1 2 · AO2 6 |
| Q4 | 4 | System Software | Draw | AO1 4 |
| Q5 | 3 | System Software | Write, Evaluate | AO2 3 |
| Q6 | 8 | Security | State, Describe, Explain | AO1 8 |
| Q7 | 7 | Hardware and Virtual Machines | Write, Complete, Draw | AO1 2 · AO2 5 |
| Q8 | 4 | Hardware and Virtual Machines+ System Software (4) | State, Explain | AO1 4 |
| Q9 | 4 | Artificial Intelligence | Describe, Outline | AO1 4 |
| Q10 | 6 | Hardware and Virtual Machines | Describe, Tick | AO1 6 |
| Q11 | 8 | Further Programming | Complete, Define | AO1 3 · AO2 5 |
| Q12 | 9 | Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving | State, Describe, Complete | AO1 3 · AO2 6 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 12 questions · 75 marks mapped.
9618/32 Paper 3, variant 2
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6 | Data Representation | State, Write, Calculate, Show | AO1 2 · AO2 4 |
| Q2 | 4 | System Software | Identify, Outline | AO1 4 |
| Q3 | 6 | Communication and Internet Technologies | Describe, Explain, Complete | AO1 4 · AO2 2 |
| Q4 | 10 | Data Representation | Write | AO2 10 |
| Q5 | 6 | Hardware and Virtual Machines | Describe | AO1 6 |
| Q6 | 6 | Security | State, Explain | AO1 6 |
| Q7 | 4 | Artificial Intelligence | Describe | AO1 4 |
| Q8 | 8 | Hardware and Virtual Machines | State, Draw, Show | AO1 1 · AO2 7 |
| Q9 | 9 | System Software | Describe, Explain | AO1 9 |
| Q10 | 6 | Further Programming | Complete, Define | AO1 3 · AO2 3 |
| Q11 | 10 | Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving | Explain, Complete | AO1 2 · AO2 8 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 11 questions · 75 marks mapped.
9618/33 Paper 3, variant 3
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 9 | Data Representation | State, Write, Show | AO2 9 |
| Q2 | 5 | Communication and Internet Technologies | Outline | AO1 5 |
| Q3 | 8 | Data Representation | State, Write | AO1 2 · AO2 6 |
| Q4 | 4 | System Software | Draw | AO1 4 |
| Q5 | 3 | System Software | Write, Evaluate | AO2 3 |
| Q6 | 8 | Security | State, Describe, Explain | AO1 8 |
| Q7 | 7 | Hardware and Virtual Machines | Write, Complete, Draw | AO1 2 · AO2 5 |
| Q8 | 4 | System Software | State, Explain | AO1 4 |
| Q9 | 4 | Artificial Intelligence | Describe, Outline | AO1 4 |
| Q10 | 6 | Hardware and Virtual Machines | Describe, Tick | AO1 6 |
| Q11 | 8 | Further Programming | Complete, Define | AO1 3 · AO2 5 |
| Q12 | 9 | Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving | State, Describe, Complete | AO1 3 · AO2 6 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 12 questions · 75 marks mapped.
Paper 4 — Practical
2h 30m · 75 marks · 25% of A Level
9618/41 Paper 4, variant 1
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 23 | Further Programming+ Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving (12) | Write | AO3 23 |
| Q2 | 31 | Further Programming | Write, Amend | AO3 31 |
| Q3 | 21 | Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving | Write, Amend | AO3 21 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 3 questions · 75 marks mapped.
9618/42 Paper 4, variant 2
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 23 | Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving+ Further Programming (19) | Write, Amend | AO3 23 |
| Q2 | 31 | Further Programming | Write, Name, Amend | AO3 31 |
| Q3 | 21 | Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving | Write, Amend, Rewrite | AO3 21 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 3 questions · 75 marks mapped.
9618/43 Paper 4, variant 3
| Q | Marks | Topic | Command words | AO mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 23 | Further Programming+ Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving (12) | Write | AO3 23 |
| Q2 | 31 | Further Programming | Write, Amend | AO3 31 |
| Q3 | 21 | Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving | Write, Amend | AO3 21 |
Q links open the question with its mark scheme. 3 questions · 75 marks mapped.
Topics in this session
Marks per topic, added up over every variant of the paper (a question that spans topics shares its marks between them). See how each topic behaves across all sessions on the Statometer.
Paper 1 225 marks over 3 variants
- Processor Fundamentals55 marks · 24% · trend
- Information Representation42 marks · 19% · trend
- Communication20 marks · 9% · trend
- System Software18 marks · 8% · trend
- Security, Privacy and Data Integrity15 marks · 7% · trend
- Ethics and Ownership8 marks · 4% · trend
Paper 2 225 marks over 3 variants
- Programming114 marks · 50% · trend
- Data Types and Structures74 marks · 33% · trend
- Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving25 marks · 11% · trend
- Software Development13 marks · 6% · trend
Paper 3 225 marks over 3 variants
- Data Representation50 marks · 22% · trend
- Hardware and Virtual Machines40 marks · 18% · trend
- System Software35 marks · 16% · trend
- Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving28 marks · 12% · trend
- Further Programming22 marks · 10% · trend
- Communication and Internet Technologies16 marks · 7% · trend
- Artificial Intelligence12 marks · 5% · trend
Paper 4 225 marks over 3 variants
- Further Programming134 marks · 59% · trend
- Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving92 marks · 41% · trend
Command words in this session
How many of the session's questions use each command word — each one tells you what the mark scheme wants.
- Write 33
- Describe 32
- State 30
- Explain 26
- Complete 25
- Give 13
- Draw 11
- Identify 11
- Show (that) 9
- Amend 7
- Tick 6
- Outline 5
- Calculate 3
- Convert 3
- Define 3
- Trace 3
- Compare 2
- Evaluate 2
- Examine 2
- Justify 1
- Name 1
- Program 1
- Rewrite 1
Question papers, mark schemes, examiner reports and grade thresholds are © Cambridge Assessment International Education; the links open the PDFs on PapaCambridge (BestExamHelp or Cambridge's own site where PapaCambridge lacks a file). The question map shows references, marks and ZAK's topic and assessment-objective tagging only — topics and AOs are estimated from the question and mark-scheme wording.