AKU-EBClass IX (SSC Part I)CHAPTER-WISE ERQS • EXTENDED RESPONSE

Computer Science — Chapter-Wise Extended Response Questions (ERQs)

Practice 4–6 mark structured derivations, graph interpretations, and multi-part problems from 2024 & 2025 Annual Paper II, Model Paper II, and curriculum banks with official marking schemes and E-Marking scripts.

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UNIT 1 • 3 EXTENDED QUESTIONS (ERQS)

Unit 1: The Computer System

2025 Syllabus Outcome (1.2.4): illustrate the Von Neumann Architecture using a block diagram;
EITHER
a.
i.Draw the block diagram of a computer system. (2 Marks)
ii.Describe the function of any FOUR components of block diagram drawn in part i. (4 Marks)
OR
b. Exemplify the purpose of big data in each of the following fields. (6 Marks)
•Healthcare
•Internet of Things (IoT)
•Manufacturing
📋 Official Checking Hints (Marking Rubric • 6 Marks)
  • Part a(i): Draws a labelled block diagram showing Input, CPU (CU & ALU), Memory, and Output units (2 Marks); OR Part b: Healthcare big data application with example (2 Marks).
  • Part a(ii): Accurately describes the function of first two components (2 Marks); OR Part b: IoT big data application with example (2 Marks).
  • Part a(ii): Accurately describes the function of remaining two components (2 Marks); OR Part b: Manufacturing big data application with example (2 Marks).
✓ MODEL SOLUTION (Full Marks Guidance)
Option a (Von Neumann / Computer System Block Diagram):
•i. Block Diagram (2 Marks): Input Unit →\rightarrow Central Processing Unit (Control Unit + Arithmetic Logic Unit) ↔\leftrightarrow Memory Unit (Primary & Secondary Storage) →\rightarrow Output Unit.
•ii. Functions of Four Components (4 Marks):
1.Input Unit: Accepts raw data and instructions from the user via devices like keyboard, mouse, or sensors and converts them into binary form.
2.Control Unit (CU): Directs and coordinates all operations inside the computer by fetching, decoding, and managing instruction execution signals.
3.Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all arithmetic calculations (+,−,×,÷+, -, \times, \div) and logical comparisons (<,>,=<, >, =).
4.Memory Unit / Output Unit: Memory stores data and instructions temporarily (RAM) or permanently (SSD/HDD), while the Output Unit converts processed binary results into human-readable form on screens or printers.
Option b (Purpose of Big Data in Three Fields — 6 Marks):
1.Healthcare (2 Marks): Analyses electronic health records (EHRs), wearable patient monitors, and genomic datasets to predict disease outbreaks, personalise treatment plans, and detect early clinical warning signs.
2.Internet of Things (IoT) (2 Marks): Processes continuous real-time sensor streams from smart homes, connected vehicles, and smart city grids to automate energy conservation and traffic control.
3.Manufacturing (2 Marks): Uses industrial sensor telemetry for predictive maintenance of factory machinery, automated defect detection on assembly lines, and supply-chain inventory optimisation.
Examiner Suggestion for Improvement: Ensure code syntax, HTML tags, and flowchart trace table steps are written clearly inside the allocated space.
2025 Syllabus Outcome (1.2.3): describe primary and secondary storage devices based on location, cost, capacity, access time, data processing method, and storage technology such as semiconductor (SSD), magnetic (HDD), and optical;
EITHER
a.
i.Compare primary and secondary storage devices based on their location with respect to the Central Processing Unit (CPU). (2 Marks)
ii.Discuss the function of primary and secondary storage devices for data processing in real-time scenarios. (4 Marks)
OR
b.
i.Explain the differences between impact and non-impact printers with TWO examples. (3 Marks)
ii.Give ONE advantage of using laser printers in a modern office environment focusing on speed, print quality and operational costs each. (3 Marks)
📋 Official Checking Hints (Marking Rubric • 6 Marks)
  • Part a(i): 1 mark each for comparing location of primary (on motherboard near CPU) and secondary storage (farther/external via I/O) (2 Marks); OR Part b(i): 1 mark for difference between impact and non-impact printers + 2 marks for examples (3 Marks).
  • Part a(ii): 1 mark for each highlighted point on real-time processing in primary vs permanent retention in secondary storage (4 Marks); OR Part b(ii): 1 mark each for advantage of laser printers in speed, print quality, and operational costs (3 Marks).
✓ MODEL SOLUTION (Full Marks Guidance)
Option a (Primary vs. Secondary Storage Devices — 6 Marks):
•i. Location with Respect to CPU (2 Marks):
•Primary Storage (RAM/ROM): Located directly on the motherboard very close to the CPU and communicates directly with the processor via the high-speed system bus.
•Secondary Storage (HDD/SSD/Optical/USB): Located farther away from the CPU (connected via I/O controllers or external ports) and cannot be accessed directly by the CPU without first loading data into RAM.
•ii. Function in Real-Time Data Processing Scenarios (4 Marks):
1.Primary Storage Function (2 Marks): Holds currently executing programs and live incoming data streams (e.g., active calculations or real-time sensor readings) for ultra-fast, nanosecond retrieval and manipulation by the CPU.
2.Secondary Storage Function (2 Marks): Provides high-capacity, non-volatile permanent storage for archiving completed files, databases, and operating system installations (e.g., saving an Excel spreadsheet onto an SSD or USB drive) after real-time processing is complete.
Option b (Impact vs. Non-Impact Printers & Laser Printer Advantages — 6 Marks):
•i. Differences & Two Examples (3 Marks):
•Difference (1 Mark): Impact printers form characters by physically striking an inked ribbon against the paper using pins or hammers (producing loud noise and lower speed), whereas non-impact printers form characters and images without physical contact with the paper using laser beams, toner, or ink spray (operating quietly at high speed).
•Two Examples (2 Marks):
•Impact Printer Examples: Dot-Matrix Printer, Daisy-Wheel Printer (or Line Printer).
•Non-Impact Printer Examples: Laser Printer, Inkjet Printer (or Thermal Printer).
•ii. Advantages of Laser Printers in a Modern Office (3 Marks):
1.Speed (1 Mark): Prints entire pages at once (page printer) at high speeds (20–60+ pages per minute), handling large office workloads rapidly.
2.Print Quality (1 Mark): Produces razor-sharp, high-resolution text and graphics (600–2400 DPI) free from ink smudging.
3.Operational Costs (1 Mark): Has a very low cost per page in high-volume office printing because a single toner cartridge prints thousands of pages.

Examiner Commentary (Better Responses): In 5a, better responses clearly contrasted primary memory (near/directly connected to CPU for immediate fast processing) with secondary storage (farther/external for permanent storage). In 5b, better responses contrasted electromechanical ribbon striking in impact printers (Dot Matrix) with non-contact laser/inkjet printing and gave specific points on speed, DPI quality, and low per-page toner cost.

⚠ WEAKER RESPONSE (Common Misconceptions & Lost Marks)
In 5a, weaker responses confused SSD/HDD as primary storage or claimed primary memory stores data permanently. In 5b, weaker responses claimed impact printers are 'more advanced and portable' or gave vague statements about laser printers without addressing speed, print quality, and operational cost.
Examiner Suggestion for Improvement: Review the 2025 E-Marking Notes for examiner commentary on better vs weaker responses.
2025 Syllabus Outcome (1.9.3): explain guided media and unguided media;
EITHER
a.
i.Write TWO differences between guided (wired) and unguided (wireless) media. (2 Marks)
ii.Describe any TWO examples of guided media. (4 Marks)
OR
b.
i.Define network topology. (1 Mark)
ii.Give any FOUR benefits of using ring topology as compared to other topologies (bus, star, mesh). (4 Marks)
iii.Draw the diagram of ring topology. (1 Mark)
📋 Official Checking Hints (Marking Rubric • 6 Marks)
  • Part a(i): 1 mark for each complete difference between guided and unguided media (2 Marks); OR Part b(i)+(iii): 1 mark for defining network topology + 1 mark for ring topology diagram (2 Marks).
  • Part a(ii): 2 marks for each guided media example (2 statements per example = 4 Marks); OR Part b(ii): 1 mark for each of four valid benefits of ring topology (4 Marks).
✓ MODEL SOLUTION (Full Marks Guidance)
Option a (Guided vs. Unguided Media — 6 Marks):
•i. Two Differences between Guided and Unguided Media (2 Marks):
1.Physical Pathway: In guided (wired) media, data signals travel along a solid physical conductor (copper wire or glass optical fibre), whereas in unguided (wireless) media, electromagnetic signals propagate freely through air or vacuum without physical cables.
2.Directionality & Security: Guided media provides a directed point-to-point path with higher security and less interference, whereas unguided media broadcasts signals omnidirectionally or line-of-sight and is more susceptible to atmospheric interference and eavesdropping.
•ii. Two Examples of Guided Media (4 Marks — 2 Marks each):
1.Twisted-Pair Cable (2 Marks): Consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI); widely used in Ethernet LANs in two forms: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP).
2.Fibre-Optic Cable (or Coaxial Cable) (2 Marks): Consists of a thin glass or plastic core surrounded by cladding that transmits data as pulses of light using total internal reflection, offering extremely high bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic noise.
Option b (Network Topology & Ring Topology — 6 Marks):
•i. Definition of Network Topology (1 Mark): Network topology is the physical or logical layout/arrangement of computers, cables, and networking devices in a communication network.
•ii. Four Benefits of Ring Topology Compared to Bus/Star/Mesh (4 Marks):
1.No Central Server/Hub Required: Unlike star topology, it does not require a central hub or switch to manage connectivity between nodes.
2.Organised Unidirectional Data Flow (No Collisions): Data packets travel in one direction around the ring using token passing, eliminating packet collisions common in bus topology.
3.Lower Cabling Cost than Mesh/Star: Requires significantly less cabling than mesh or star topology since each node only connects to its two immediate neighbours.
4.Equal Access for All Nodes: Every workstation has equal opportunity to transmit data via the token, preventing a single node from monopolising bandwidth.
•iii. Diagram of Ring Topology (1 Mark):
•A closed circular loop connecting Node 1 →\rightarrow Node 2 →\rightarrow Node 3 →\rightarrow Node 4 →\rightarrow back to Node 1.

Examiner Commentary (Better Responses): In 6a, better responses contrasted physical wire pathways vs air/wireless propagation and described twisted-pair, coaxial, and fibre-optic cables with two clear statements each. In 6b, better responses defined network topology accurately, listed four distinct advantages of ring topology, and drew a closed loop connecting all computer nodes.

⚠ WEAKER RESPONSE (Common Misconceptions & Lost Marks)
In 6a, weaker responses gave vague statements and listed 'cameras, printers, and TV' as examples of guided media instead of twisted-pair, coaxial, or fibre-optic cables. In 6b, weaker responses confused ring topology with bus or star topology.
Examiner Suggestion for Improvement: Review the 2025 E-Marking Notes for examiner commentary on better vs weaker responses.
UNIT 4 • 1 EXTENDED QUESTIONS (ERQS)

Unit 4: Data and Analysis

2025 Syllabus Outcome (1.2.4): illustrate the Von Neumann Architecture using a block diagram;
EITHER
a.
i.Draw the block diagram of a computer system. (2 Marks)
ii.Describe the function of any FOUR components of block diagram drawn in part i. (4 Marks)
OR
b. Exemplify the purpose of big data in each of the following fields. (6 Marks)
•Healthcare
•Internet of Things (IoT)
•Manufacturing
📋 Official Checking Hints (Marking Rubric • 6 Marks)
  • Part a(i): Draws a labelled block diagram showing Input, CPU (CU & ALU), Memory, and Output units (2 Marks); OR Part b: Healthcare big data application with example (2 Marks).
  • Part a(ii): Accurately describes the function of first two components (2 Marks); OR Part b: IoT big data application with example (2 Marks).
  • Part a(ii): Accurately describes the function of remaining two components (2 Marks); OR Part b: Manufacturing big data application with example (2 Marks).
✓ MODEL SOLUTION (Full Marks Guidance)
Option a (Von Neumann / Computer System Block Diagram):
•i. Block Diagram (2 Marks): Input Unit →\rightarrow Central Processing Unit (Control Unit + Arithmetic Logic Unit) ↔\leftrightarrow Memory Unit (Primary & Secondary Storage) →\rightarrow Output Unit.
•ii. Functions of Four Components (4 Marks):
1.Input Unit: Accepts raw data and instructions from the user via devices like keyboard, mouse, or sensors and converts them into binary form.
2.Control Unit (CU): Directs and coordinates all operations inside the computer by fetching, decoding, and managing instruction execution signals.
3.Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all arithmetic calculations (+,−,×,÷+, -, \times, \div) and logical comparisons (<,>,=<, >, =).
4.Memory Unit / Output Unit: Memory stores data and instructions temporarily (RAM) or permanently (SSD/HDD), while the Output Unit converts processed binary results into human-readable form on screens or printers.
Option b (Purpose of Big Data in Three Fields — 6 Marks):
1.Healthcare (2 Marks): Analyses electronic health records (EHRs), wearable patient monitors, and genomic datasets to predict disease outbreaks, personalise treatment plans, and detect early clinical warning signs.
2.Internet of Things (IoT) (2 Marks): Processes continuous real-time sensor streams from smart homes, connected vehicles, and smart city grids to automate energy conservation and traffic control.
3.Manufacturing (2 Marks): Uses industrial sensor telemetry for predictive maintenance of factory machinery, automated defect detection on assembly lines, and supply-chain inventory optimisation.
Examiner Suggestion for Improvement: Ensure code syntax, HTML tags, and flowchart trace table steps are written clearly inside the allocated space.
UNIT 5 • 1 EXTENDED QUESTIONS (ERQS)

Unit 5: Applications of Computer Science

2025 Syllabus Outcome (5.1.2): discuss the application of AI in the following fields: a. healthcare, b. robotics, c. education, d. transportation, e. entertainment, f. natural language process (NLP);
EITHER
a. A car manufacturing company aims to reduce production time and enhance safety in its factories. They plan to introduce AI-powered robots that can perform tasks such as assembling parts, detecting product defects, and managing inventory.
Based on the given scenario,
i.suggest any TWO improvements that Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with robotics, can bring in car manufacturing company. (2 Marks)
ii.write any TWO possible challenges that the company may face. (2 Marks)
iii.should the company completely depend on AI-powered robots? Support your answer with a reason. (2 Marks)
OR
b.
i.Suggest any ONE way for each of the following sources through which computer systems can be protected from malware. (4 Marks)
•Infected flash drives or CDs
•Pirated software
•Internet
•Email attachments
ii.Which one of the given sources is more likely to spread malware? Give a reason to support your answer. (2 Marks)
📋 Official Checking Hints (Marking Rubric • 6 Marks)
  • Part a(i): Two valid improvements of AI/robotics in manufacturing (2 Marks); OR Part b(i): Preventive measures for flash drives and pirated software (2 Marks).
  • Part a(ii): Two valid challenges of adopting AI/robotics (2 Marks); OR Part b(i): Preventive measures for Internet and Email attachments (2 Marks).
  • Part a(iii): Clear evaluation with reasoned justification on human oversight (2 Marks); OR Part b(ii): Identifies most likely malware vector with logical reason (2 Marks).
✓ MODEL SOLUTION (Full Marks Guidance)
Option a (AI & Robotics in Car Manufacturing — 6 Marks):
•i. Two Improvements (2 Marks):
1.Higher Precision & Faster Assembly: AI-guided robotic arms operate 24/7 with millimetre accuracy and computer-vision quality inspection, significantly reducing assembly time and defect rates.
2.Enhanced Worker Safety: Robots handle hazardous welding, heavy lifting, and toxic paint spraying, reducing workplace injuries.
•ii. Two Possible Challenges (2 Marks):
1.High Initial Capital & Maintenance Cost: Purchasing, programming, and maintaining industrial AI robotics requires substantial financial investment.
2.Workforce Displacement & Retraining: Factory staff may face job displacement and require technical upskilling to operate automated systems.
•iii. Complete Dependence Evaluation (2 Marks): No, the company should not completely depend on AI-powered robots because human supervision is essential for handling unexpected system failures, creative problem-solving, ethical decisions, and cybersecurity incidents.
Option b (Malware Protection & Threat Evaluation — 6 Marks):
•i. Preventive Measures for Each Source (4 Marks):
1.Infected flash drives or CDs: Scan all removable USB drives with updated antivirus software and disable AutoRun before opening files.
2.Pirated software: Only install licensed or verified open-source software from official vendor repositories.
3.Internet: Enable a network firewall, use HTTPS websites, and keep browser security patches and anti-malware real-time protection active.
4.Email attachments: Never open unexpected executable (.exe, .scr) or macro attachments from unknown senders; scan attachments first.
•ii. Most Likely Source to Spread Malware (2 Marks): The Internet (or Email attachments) is most likely to spread malware because billions of users are continuously connected online, allowing malicious links, drive-by downloads, and phishing attachments to reach thousands of computers simultaneously without physical contact.
Examiner Suggestion for Improvement: Ensure code syntax, HTML tags, and flowchart trace table steps are written clearly inside the allocated space.
UNIT 6 • 1 EXTENDED QUESTIONS (ERQS)

Unit 6: Impact of Computing

2025 Syllabus Outcome (5.1.2): discuss the application of AI in the following fields: a. healthcare, b. robotics, c. education, d. transportation, e. entertainment, f. natural language process (NLP);
EITHER
a. A car manufacturing company aims to reduce production time and enhance safety in its factories. They plan to introduce AI-powered robots that can perform tasks such as assembling parts, detecting product defects, and managing inventory.
Based on the given scenario,
i.suggest any TWO improvements that Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with robotics, can bring in car manufacturing company. (2 Marks)
ii.write any TWO possible challenges that the company may face. (2 Marks)
iii.should the company completely depend on AI-powered robots? Support your answer with a reason. (2 Marks)
OR
b.
i.Suggest any ONE way for each of the following sources through which computer systems can be protected from malware. (4 Marks)
•Infected flash drives or CDs
•Pirated software
•Internet
•Email attachments
ii.Which one of the given sources is more likely to spread malware? Give a reason to support your answer. (2 Marks)
📋 Official Checking Hints (Marking Rubric • 6 Marks)
  • Part a(i): Two valid improvements of AI/robotics in manufacturing (2 Marks); OR Part b(i): Preventive measures for flash drives and pirated software (2 Marks).
  • Part a(ii): Two valid challenges of adopting AI/robotics (2 Marks); OR Part b(i): Preventive measures for Internet and Email attachments (2 Marks).
  • Part a(iii): Clear evaluation with reasoned justification on human oversight (2 Marks); OR Part b(ii): Identifies most likely malware vector with logical reason (2 Marks).
✓ MODEL SOLUTION (Full Marks Guidance)
Option a (AI & Robotics in Car Manufacturing — 6 Marks):
•i. Two Improvements (2 Marks):
1.Higher Precision & Faster Assembly: AI-guided robotic arms operate 24/7 with millimetre accuracy and computer-vision quality inspection, significantly reducing assembly time and defect rates.
2.Enhanced Worker Safety: Robots handle hazardous welding, heavy lifting, and toxic paint spraying, reducing workplace injuries.
•ii. Two Possible Challenges (2 Marks):
1.High Initial Capital & Maintenance Cost: Purchasing, programming, and maintaining industrial AI robotics requires substantial financial investment.
2.Workforce Displacement & Retraining: Factory staff may face job displacement and require technical upskilling to operate automated systems.
•iii. Complete Dependence Evaluation (2 Marks): No, the company should not completely depend on AI-powered robots because human supervision is essential for handling unexpected system failures, creative problem-solving, ethical decisions, and cybersecurity incidents.
Option b (Malware Protection & Threat Evaluation — 6 Marks):
•i. Preventive Measures for Each Source (4 Marks):
1.Infected flash drives or CDs: Scan all removable USB drives with updated antivirus software and disable AutoRun before opening files.
2.Pirated software: Only install licensed or verified open-source software from official vendor repositories.
3.Internet: Enable a network firewall, use HTTPS websites, and keep browser security patches and anti-malware real-time protection active.
4.Email attachments: Never open unexpected executable (.exe, .scr) or macro attachments from unknown senders; scan attachments first.
•ii. Most Likely Source to Spread Malware (2 Marks): The Internet (or Email attachments) is most likely to spread malware because billions of users are continuously connected online, allowing malicious links, drive-by downloads, and phishing attachments to reach thousands of computers simultaneously without physical contact.
Examiner Suggestion for Improvement: Ensure code syntax, HTML tags, and flowchart trace table steps are written clearly inside the allocated space.