G10 COMP SCI OPENER TERM 3 2026 MS

COMPUTER STUDIES GRADE 10

TERM 3 OPENER EXAMINATION 2026

MARKING SCHEME

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QUESTION 1 (Total: 8 marks)

(a) A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according to a set of stored instructions, and produces output, which may be stored for future use.[B2]

(b) Any TWO: speed (processes data very fast); accuracy (produces highly accurate results with minimal error); large storage capacity (can store huge amounts of data); diligence/automation (can perform repetitive tasks without getting tired or bored); versatility (can perform many different types of tasks).[B2 B2]

(c) Any ONE, e.g.: Abacus — used for counting and basic arithmetic calculations; Pascaline — used for addition and subtraction; Napier's bones — used for multiplication and division.[B1 B1]

QUESTION 2 (Total: 12 marks)

(a) Any THREE: supercomputer; mainframe computer; minicomputer/server; microcomputer (desktop/laptop/PC).[B1 B1 B1]

(b) An input device is a hardware device used to enter data and instructions into the computer, e.g. keyboard, mouse or scanner. An output device is a hardware device used to present processed data (information) to the user, e.g. monitor, printer or speaker.[B1 def + B1 example, ×2 = 4]

(c)(i) A — Input Unit; B — Central Processing Unit (CPU); C — Output Unit.[B1 B1 B1]

(c)(ii) The Control Unit directs and coordinates the operations of the computer — it fetches, decodes and controls the execution of instructions, and manages the flow of data between the CPU and other components.

[B2]

QUESTION 3 (Total: 16 marks)

(a) A bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer, represented as a single binary digit (0 or 1). A byte is a group of 8 bits, typically used to represent a single character.[B1 B1]