Short Test (15 minutes)

Topic: IGCSE ICT Written Assessment - Storage Devices and Media

Section 1: True or False (10 marks)

Determine if the statements provided are true or false by selecting () the appropriate option. Each question carries
one mark.
True False
1 Solid-state drives (SSDs) have faster data access speed compared to hard disk drives (HDDs).
2 Magnetic tapes are commonly used for primary storage in computers.
3 USB flash drives are considered volatile storage devices.
4 Optical discs have larger storage capacity than Blu-ray discs.
5 Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of secondary storage device.
6 Cloud storage requires an internet connection to access and store data.
7 Magnetic tapes are more resistant to physical damage compared to solid-state drives (SSDs).
8 External hard disk drives are typically more portable than USB flash drives.
9 DVDs are an example of magnetic storage media.
10 Volatile storage devices retain data even when power is turned off.

Section 2: Fill in the Blanks (20 marks)

Fill in the blanks by providing the missing word(s) from the options provided. Each question carries two marks.

1. The maximum storage capacity of a standard DVD is __________.

a) 4.7 GB b) 8.5 GB c) 16 GB d) 32 GB

2. __________ is a volatile storage device used for temporary storage of data and program instructions during active
operation.
a) USB Flash Drive b) Random Access c) Hard Disk Drive d) Solid-State Drive
Memory (RAM) (HDD) (SSD)

3. Cloud storage allows for convenient __________ of data from anywhere with an internet connection.
a) access b) backup c) sharing d) retrieval

4. Magnetic tapes are commonly used for long-term data storage and __________ purposes.
a) backup b) retrieval c) archival d) transfer

5. The primary difference between a USB flash drive and an external hard disk drive is the form factor and
__________.
a) storage capacity b) data transfer speed c) durability d) connectivity

6. A __________ storage device loses its stored data when the power is turned off or interrupted.
a) volatile b) non-volatile c) primary d) secondary

7. CDs and DVDs are examples of __________ storage devices.

a) optical b) magnetic c) solid-state d) flash

8. The main disadvantage of cloud storage is the dependency on __________ connectivity.

a) internet b) Wi-Fi c) Bluetooth d) cellular

9. USB flash drives are typically used for __________ or storing smaller files.
a) transferring b) backing up c) archiving d) streaming

10. Blu-ray discs have a larger storage capacity compared to __________.

a) CDs b) DVDs c) magnetic tapes d) USB flash drives
Section 3: Short Answer Questions (20 marks)

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

Ensure your responses are accurate and concise.
Each question carries two marks.

a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of optical storage devices like CDs and DVDs.

b) Explain the difference between volatile and non-volatile storage devices, and provide examples of each.

c) Explain the concept of cloud storage.

d) Emphasize the importance of choosing appropriate storage media based on data requirements and reliability.