Practical Questions

Graphic

1. Give two features of vector images.

(2)

• Made up of lines/curves/points/shapes

• Image can be enlarged without loss of quality/distortion

• Image can be made smaller without loss of detail

• Small file size/takes up little storage space

• Based on mathematical equations

• Uses co-ordinates

2. Explain one advantage of using a vector image rather than a bitmap image for a logo.

(2)

A vector image is created using co-ordinates which can be recalculated when resized (1) which means that it
can be enlarged without loss of quality/distortion (1)

3. Give one drawback of using vector graphics to represent natural objects.

(1)

Vector graphics often look stylized or unnatural (1)

4. Explain why vector graphics do not pixelate when they are enlarged.

(3)

Because they are made up of co-ordinates and lines (1), which are recalculated (1) when the image is
redrawn (1).

5. Give two features of bitmap images.

(2)

• Made up of tiny dots called pixels/made up of individual pixels

• Each pixel can be edited

• Different colour modes – e.g. RGB, CMYK

Allow drawbacks such as:

• Bitmap images have a large file size/ takes up more storage space

• Bitmap images are pixelated when enlarged

6. Explain one drawback of using a bitmap image for a logo.

(2)

• Bitmap images are unsuitable if the logo is made larger (1) as they would become pixelated (1)

OR

• Can increase file size (1) which would increase download time / processing / take up more storage space
(1)

OR

• When logo is made smaller (1) could lose detail (1)

7. Explain one reason why bitmaps are suitable for photographic images.

(2)

• Bitmap images are detailed (1) because they have a high pixel count/have high resolutions (1)

• Bitmap images look realistic (1) as they represent lots of colours/can have a large colour depth (1)

8. State two ways of removing unwanted parts of an image.

(2)

• Erase tool

• Recolouring or airbrushing

• Clone stamp/clone tool

• Heal/healing brush/tool

• Selection tools and layer mask/copy and paste another part of the image

• Cropping

9. Explain one reason why it is important to use white space well when designing a digital product.

(2)

If there is not enough white space (1), the information could appear cramped (1).

10. State one accessibility need relating to the use of colour in product designs.

(1)

• Colour-blindness (1)
• Partial-sightedness (1)

11. Describe how layers can be used to create an image.

(2)

Layers allow elements to be placed (1) on top of or beneath each other on the z axis (1).

12. State the name of the small elements that make up a bitmap image.

(1)

• Pixels

Database

Data Types

Relationships
Validation Check

Validation Rule

Set a validation rule for the Gender field to check that the field only accepts ‘M’ or ‘F’ (range check and
length check) by setting validation rule to ‘M’ or ‘F’.
Relational Operators

1. Explain the need for validation when creating a database.

(2)

Less chance of errors (1) because the user can only select from a list of options rather than key in their own
(1)

2. This image shows the properties and values for the ‘Customer email’ field.

State the name of the property that would be used as a presence check for the Customer email field.

(1)

• ‘Validation Rule’ or ‘Required’ (1)

3. Give one reason why a presence check has not been used for the Customer email field.

(1)

Customer may not have an email address / The form would not be able to be completed (1)

4. Explain why the CUSTOMER table stores the dates of birth of customers rather than their ages.

(2)

• age would need to be updated annually/date of birth is fixed

• allows timely special offers for customers

• allows additional identification checks.

5. Explain why a one-to-many relationship is used between the PLACE and STAY tables.

(2)

• multiple stays are possible

• each hotel is unique

• one-to-many link allows for multiple stays in the same hotel.

6. Explain why it is preferable to split the information into separate tables rather than storing all the
information in one table.

(2)

• Less repetition in data entry

• Possibility of linking information with other tables which might need security (e.g. pay/personal
information)

• Less error in data entry.

7. State what is meant by the term ‘primary key’.

(1)

• A unique identifier / uniquely identifies each record in a table

8. State what is meant by the term ‘foreign key’.

(1)

• A primary key in another table

9. Explain why a primary key is used in a database.

 (2)

• A unique way to identify a record (1) so that duplicate entries cannot be made (1)

• To identify each record in a table (1) because the primary key must be unique (1)

10. Explain one advantage of using a relational database rather than a single table.

(2)

To avoid repeated data / data redundancy (1) which can make a file too large / save on space / avoids
mistakes / changes only need to be made once (1)

11. This image shows the properties and values for the Accommodation type field in the ACCOMMODATION
table.

Explain one problem that could occur if the ‘Limit to List’ property had a value of ‘No’.

(2)

• A user could choose not to select from the list and type in anything they wanted (1) which could result in
errors (1)

OR

• Errors could be included (1) because a user could choose not to select from the list and type in anything
they wanted (1)

12. State the reason why a query may require a logical operator.

(1)

To make a comparison with something else within the query

13. Give one reason why tables are linked together with relationships before entering data.

(1)

• To prevent duplicate records being entered

• To reduce errors

14. Give one reason why Lucia has used speaker notes.

(1)

• So that she could just use bullets and use the notes for additional information

• To save including all the information on the slides – would be too much

15. Explain one reason why referential integrity should be enforced for relationships in a database.

(2)

• It is a form of data validation (1) so it makes sure that invalid data cannot be entered into any two of the
tables (1)

• System of rules that ensure database data is valid (1) so that you cannot accidentally delete a record in
one table if it exists in a related table (1)

• You cannot accidently delete a record (1) because it is a foreign key in another table (1)

• Invalid data cannot be entered (1) because the foreign key must exist as a primary key first (1)

• The database will only allow data to be entered (1) from a foreign table (1) into a linked table (1) if the
related record exists (1).

16. Explain one reason why Like “*haus*” would be used in a database search.

(2)

To return any occurrence of hotels with haus in their name (1) because without it there would be no hotel
with just the name haus (1)

17. Give one reason why number is not used as a data type for a telephone number in a database.

(1)

• The database does not recognise the leading 0 of the phone number

• Never likely to perform a calculation with a telephone number

• May have symbols such as + (which cannot be stored in a number field)

18. Explain one reason why the Contact field in the CLIENTS table uses lookup validation.

(2)
Less chance of errors (1) because the user can only choose from a list/does not have to key in the options
(1)

19. Explain one reason why the tables in the database are related.

(2)

• Reduces errors (1) because duplicate records will be prevented (1)

• Minimised redundant data (1) because they are linked by the keys (1)

• Saves time (1) because you don’t have to key in the same information repeatedly (1)

• More accurate (1) as you only have to update in one table (1)

20. Give the most appropriate data type Brogan should use for the Customer Contact Number field.

(1)

• Text/ Short Text

21. Give the most appropriate field size Brogan should use for the Customer Contact Number field.

(1)

• 10/11/12/13/14/15

22. The PARTY table includes the Date field.

State one appropriate validation check that could be used on the Date field.

(1)

• Type check

• Presence check

• Range check

• Format check

23. The CUSTOMER table includes the Preferred Contact Method field.

Explain one reason why the field uses ‘limit to list’ on the lookup list.

(2)

• To prevent errors (1) because a user can only select from the list (email or mobile) rather than being able
to type in anything they wanted (1)

• A user can’t type in anything they wanted (1) which prevents errors (1)

• To force the user to use only the choices given (1) as it prevents the addition of any new ones (1)
24. State two reasons why validation is used in a database.

(2)

• To ensure that the data entered is acceptable (1)

• To reduce data entry errors (1)

• To enforce referential integrity (1)

25. Identify three validation checks that can be carried out on data.

(3)

• Presence check

• Type check

• Length check

• Range check

• Referential integrity

26. State the type of validation check that would be used to select all records between specified dates.

(1)

• Range check

Spreadsheet

1. Explain why it is useful to have linked worksheets in a spreadsheet.

(2)

• Fewer errors (when entering data as data already entered) (1) because data changed on one will
automatically change on the other (1)

OR

• Data can be grouped together (1) so that it is more readable/manageable (1)

2. Explain why absolute referencing is used in spreadsheets.

(2)

• To allow cell references to be replicated (1) so that cell references remain static (1)
OR

• Formulae/functions can be replicated (accurately) (1) because cell references do not change (1)

OR

• Absolute references do not change (1) when copied to other cells (1), meaning that a cell reference can be
fixed (1) and reducing the likelihood of errors and the work required to avoid errors (1).

3. Explain one advantage of using named ranges in a spreadsheet.

(2)

• The range details are stored / more human readable (1) so you do not need to remember the range
address (1)

OR

• Absolute referencing is not necessary when replicating (1) because named ranges remain constant (1)

4. Explain one advantage of using lookup tables in a spreadsheet.

(2)

• Tables of values don't need to be repeated on the spreadsheet (1) so makes the content more
manageable / efficient (1)

OR

• Values only need editing at a single point (1) which reduces errors / keeps data consistent

5. Explain one advantage of using the SUM function in a spreadsheet.

(2)

• To speed up the process/efficient (1) because you don’t need to individually key in the cell references (1)

OR

• Reduces errors (1) as you do not have to key in individual cell references (1)

6. State the purpose of a chart legend.

(1)

• To identify data when there is more than one set of data

7. Sam has a worksheet showing the star ratings of the hotels the members will be staying in.
The function =COUNTIF(B3:B14,B7) has been used in cell B15.

Describe how this function works with this data.

(3)

1. It looks in the range of cells B3 to B14

2. It compares the value of the cells to match the content of cell B7 (which is 4 star rating)

3. It returns a value of 3

OR

1. It compares the values in the range B3:B14

2. With the value in B7

3. And returns the number of matches

8. State the feature labelled A.

(1)

• Named range
9. State the result of using the length (len) function on the contents of cell A1.

(1)

• the number of characters in the cell – 26

10. Describe how the function =PRODUCT(A4:C4,2) works.

(2)

• It multiplies the (three) cells together (1)

• then multiplies the answer by 2 (1)

• (A4*B4*C4) * 2

• (4 x 3 x 3) x 2

11. Give one benefit of using functions in spreadsheets.

(1)

To simplify the use of formulae/ to save time entering loads of data into a formula/ accept examples

=A1+A2+A3+A4+A5 would be simplified to become =SUM(A1:A5)

=(A1+A2+A3+A4+A5)/5 would be simplified to become =AVERAGE(A1:A5)

12. State the purpose of the length (LEN) function in a spreadsheet.

(1)

• It counts the number of characters in a cell/used

• To generate the length of the contents in the cell

13. Explain one reason why an automated date and time field is used in a spreadsheet.

(2)

The date and time are always current (1) because it updates/refreshes (when the spreadsheet is opened) (1)

14. Describe how a VLOOKUP works.

 (4)

It finds a given value (1) in the first column of a given array (1) and returns the corresponding value (1) from
a given column (1).

15. State the most appropriate chart type to represent values as a proportion of a whole.

(1)

• Pie chart

16. State the most appropriate chart type to show the correlation between two sets of data values.

(1)

• Scattergram

17. State the most appropriate chart type to compare values between different categories or groups.

(1)

• Bar or column chart

18. Describe how a trend line can be used with a series of data to make predictions.

(1)

A trend line shows the general direction of data values or line of best fit (1), which can be extended beyond
the range of the latest date (1).

19. State the advantage of using formulae in a spreadsheet to perform a calculation, rather than working
out the answer and manually entering the result.

(1)

The formulae will automatically update when values in referenced cells are changed (1).

Presentation

1. Explain one benefit to Simon of using a master slide for his presentation.

(2)

• A consistent look to all slides (1) so the company portrays a professional look (1)

• Quicker to make changes to slides (1) as only the master slide needs to be changed / not all slides need to
be changed (1)
• Quicker to add new slide (1) as all basic formatting has been performed (1)

2. Give two advantages of using a master slide when creating a presentation.

(2)

• Saves time when creating the slides

• Ensures consistency between slides

• Easily follows house style

• Once created they don’t need to worry about placement and style

3. Explain one benefit of using placeholders when creating a presentation.

(2)

Consistency of slides (1) as the placeholders are all pre-formatted (1)

4. Which would make a presentation most readable?

(1)

• High contrast between background and text

5. State one reason why it is not appropriate to place lots of text on a slide.

(1)

• It may distract the audience (1)

• The audience might not listen to the speaker (1)

6. List three font enhancements that can be applied to text.

(3)

• Bold

• Underline

• Italic

7. Describe how transitions can be used in a presentation.

(2)

To emphasize the changes (1) between slides (1)

8. Give one way of reducing the amount of text on a slide while providing the same amount of information.

(1)

• Use images that represent the text (1)

• Summarise points into bullet points (1)

9. Explain why action buttons would be useful for presentations shown in kiosk mode.

(2)

• To provide navigation (1) because some users who will not have access to keyboard and mouse (1)

• To provide navigation (1) because presentations are often published in kiosk mode for use with a
touchscreen interface (1)

10. Give two destinations that hyperlinks can link to from within a presentation.

(2)

• URLs

• Slides

• Local files

• Email addresses

11. List three print layouts available for presentations.

(3)

• Handouts

• Full page slides

• Notes pages

12. Describe two ways in which presenter view can support a speaker during a presentation.

(4)

• It can help a speaker to time their presentation (1) by displaying timings (1)

• Speakers can prepare for the next slide (1) which is displayed as a thumbnail (1)

• Notes for the slides are displayed (1), allowing the speaker to use them to introduce animations at the
correct point (1)
Word Processing

1. Give two reasons why organisations use a house style.

(2)

• Consistency of design/layout between products

• Brand recognition

• Easier for composers to focus on content rather than style.

2. State one reason why it is important to change the default filenames when saving files.

(1)

• to make filenames relevant to the content

• default / blank files are not filled with content

• supports version control

• helps user find files

3. Lucia wants to create a letter to send to customers.

Explain one benefit to Lucia of using mail merge to do this.

(2)

• Fewer errors/saves time (1) because the letter is only created once and sent to everyone (1)

• Saves time (1) because she only has to write the letter once (1)

• Reduced errors (1) because the contact information is already in the table (1)

• It is efficient/improves consistency (1) because you can reuse the letter to send to new/more contacts (1)

4. Describe how mail merge can be applied to a document.

(4)

A data source is selected (1) and fields from it are placed into the document (1), which is then populated (1)
from selected records (1).

5. A database can be used as a data source for a mail merge. State two other data sources that can be used
for a mail merge.

(2)

• Spreadsheet

• Delimited file such as .csv file

• A table in a word-processed document

• A contact list such as a mail application contact list

6. Give one salutation that can be used in a formal letter.

(1)

• Dear [Title Surname]

7. Give one complimentary close that can be used in a letter.

(1)

• Yours sincerely

• Kind regards

8. Give one reason why standard conventions, such as salutation, are used when writing letters.

(1)

• consistent layout

• more formal/standard

• ensure all information is included

9. State one reason why it is important to use sensible filenames when saving files.

(1)

• easier to find the file later

• easier for someone else to find the file

10. Explain one reason why ‘Save As’ is used, rather than ‘Save’, when saving a file.

(2)

• Save as allows you to change the filename (1) so that you can save a file with something other than the
default name provided (1)

• Save as allows you to change the file destination (1) so that you can save a file anywhere other than the
default destination (1)

• Save as allows you to change the file format (1) so that you can save a file in any format other than the
default format (1)

• Save as allows for version control (1) so you can go back to earlier versions (1)
11. Spelling and grammar tools have been used to check some text.

Explain one reason why proofreading is still required.

(2)

• The software may be set to a different country (1) so although the word is spelt correctly in that language,
the software thinks it is an error (1)

• The word used may be a name (1) which as there are so many different names it is impossible for the
software to recognise it (1)

• The word may be so badly spelt (1) which means the software has no idea of what the word should be so
won’t recognise it (1)

• The word may be a homonym/spelt correctly (1) but not in the right context (1)

12. Give one reason why it is important to save work regularly.

(1)

• So you don’t lose your work if there is a problem with your computer

• Any changes to work are saved as you go along

13. Explain one reason why it is important to use folder structures when organising work.

(2)

To ensure work relating to the same subject area is stored in the same place (1) because it is easier to find
at a later date aids collaborative working others can understand the hierarchy of the structure (1)

• Easier to find files/folders (1)

• Easier for someone else to find files/folders (1)

• Allows you to organise files/folders (1)

• Don’t have loads of files in the same place (1)

14. State one software facility that can be used to ensure accuracy when reviewing a document.

(1)

• Spelling check

• Grammar check

• Proofread

• Thesaurus

15. Describe the difference between data and information.

(2)
• Data are raw (such as numbers, words, symbols) (1) whereas information is data that has been processed
to be meaningful (1)

• Data are unorganised facts (1) whereas information is a collection of data that gives it meaning (1)

16. State one type of data and describe how it can be turned into information.

(2)

Number data (1) is turned into information through the creation of graphs or charts (1).

17. Explain one advantage of using a table to present information.

(2)

The information is more organised (1) so it is easier to read/understand (1)

18. Identify three errors in this text.

How was I suposed two know Mr Singh.

(3)

• Spelling error because should be spelled ‘supposed’ (1)

• Grammar error because the sentence should end with a question mark (?) (1)

• Contextual error because ‘two’ should be given as ‘to’ (1)

19. Explain why using a house style can improve finished products when multiple documents are created for
one organization.

(2)

A house style ensures that documents are consistent (1), which helps to create a brand or corporate identity
(1).

20. State what is meant by the term ‘serif font’.

(1)

A typeface that adds a short line, known as a serif, to the ends of some letters (1).

21. State one drawback of using serif fonts on devices with low-resolution screens.

(1)

A low-resolution screen may not be able to display the serif details and make the text difficult to read (1).
22. State the reason why including versions in filenames is useful when developing a digital product.

(1)

It enables you to go back to previous versions (1).

23. State three published file formats.

(3)

• .pdf

• .pptx

• .jpeg

24. Describe how a user could use the MAJOR.REVISION.BUILDdate.BUILDnumber filename format to help
them to find files at a later date.

(3)

It allows the user to set the version (1), date (1) and build number for that date (1).

25. State one method used to secure a file.

(1)

• Add a password (1)

26. State the reason why exporting a file is different from saving the file.

(1)

Exporting files saves them in a format that cannot be edited (1). E.g., Pdf format

27. Explain why an automatic spell checker will not pick up all text errors.

(2)

If words are used out of context (1) but spelled correctly (1), they will not be highlighted by the spell
checker.

28. State two page orientations.

(2)

• Portrait

• Landscape
29. Identify three items that could be placed in a page footer.

(3)

• Page title

• Author name

• Page numbers

• Date/time document created/modified

• File name/location

Web Authoring

1. <img src=slalom.jpg alt=”Image of skier”>

State one reason why the code will not display the image.

(1)

• There are no “ ” around the image – the image will not display

<img src=”slalom.jpg” alt=”Image of skier”>

2. Explain one reason why alt text has been used on the image.

(2)

• If the image does not display (1) then users would still know what the image is (1)

• Some people are visually impaired (1) which means they will still know what the image is (1)

• Some people have limited bandwidth (1) so they would not be able to download the image data (1)

• Images provide context to the information presented (1) which makes it clear to users what is being
shown (1)

• Images are often used to provide information that is not included in the main text (1) so users can see still
be provided with the full information (1)

3. Give one advantage of using a template when setting up web pages.

(1)

• To ensure consistency between pages

• Saves time (accept quicker)

• Easily follows house style

• The developer can concentrate on the content / does not have to think about the placement and style
4. Which html element is used for a hyperlink?

(1)

• <a>

5. Explain why image files should not be moved from their original location once they have been added to a
web page.

(4)

Image files are referenced, not embedded (1), so the web browser (1) will not be able to find them if their
location is altered (1). This will result in a broken link and will make the browser display a placeholder image
(1).

6. State the use of a table in a web page.

(1)

To provide the layout into which content can be added (1)

7. State the use of animation in a web page.

(1)

To draw attention to important information (1)

8. Which file name would be first displayed by the browser.

(1)

• Index.html

9. State three types of content that can be added to a web page.

(3)

• Animation

• Image

• Text

• Buttons

• Video