0478

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) - February-March 2022 Past Papers

Download 6 free IGCSE Computer Science past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the February-March 2022 Cambridge examination session. Includes question papers for all variants with full solutions.

About IGCSE Computer Science (0478)

IGCSE Computer Science covers computational thinking, programming, data representation, hardware, software, and networks. Candidates must write algorithms, trace code execution, and understand how computer systems work.

What this exam tests: Key skills include pseudocode writing, binary/hex conversions, database design, and logic circuit analysis.

Papers available in variants 11, 12, 13 for different time zones. All variants cover the same Computer Science syllabus with equal difficulty.

Grade Thresholds

Study Resources for Computer Science

Prepare for your exam with these complementary resources:

Revision Notes
24 topics
Flashcards
266 cards
Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge

0478 February-March 2022 Papers

0478 Paper 1 - Theory

1 hr 45 min • 75 marks

Tests broad syllabus knowledge with 40 questions. Each question has four options (A-D). Core tier paper.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2

0478 Paper 2 - Problem-solving and Programming

1 hr 45 min • 50 marks

Extended tier multiple choice with more challenging questions covering the full syllabus. 40 questions, 45 minutes.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2

Other Resources

Additional materials to help you prepare and understand how exams are marked.

Examiner Report

Insights from examiners on how students performed. Learn common mistakes to avoid and what examiners look for in top answers.

View

Examiner Insights - February-March 2022

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Read each question very carefully to ensure you fully understand what is being asked. Identify key words, and underline the requirements.
  • • Provide context-relevant and precise answers, avoiding generic or vague statements. Be specific with numbers!
  • • Thoroughly review fundamental concepts, such as data types, number systems, and error detection methods.
  • • Practice applying your knowledge to practical scenarios, such as those presented in the pre-release material.
  • • When writing code/pseudocode, make sure that the same variable identifiers are used throughout. Do not use spaces in variable identifier names.
Paper 12 - Paper 1 Theory

Candidates often provided appropriate responses and justifications. However, some struggled with reading the questions carefully and answering what was asked, for example, differentiating between uses and features or describing versus explaining. Answering the questions in the correct context, with relevant examples, is essential.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Carefully read and understand the question before answering; identify keywords and specific requirements.
  • ✓ Provide precise and context-relevant answers, avoid vague statements and general descriptions.
  • ✓ Revise error detection methods (parity checks, checksums) and understand how they work.

Common Mistakes:

Q1(b) (Number systems)
✗ Converting to denary instead of hexadecimal.
→ Carefully read the question to identify the target number base. Ensure you understand the conversion process between binary, denary and hexadecimal.
Q2(b) (Image storage)
✗ Giving a general description of camera function or secondary storage instead of focusing on the specifics of image storage using pixels and binary values.
→ Focus on the specifics requested in the question. For image storage, concentrate on explaining how pixels represent colour using binary values.
Q2(c)(i) (Data compression)
✗ Simply restating that data is reduced without explaining the benefits of data compression or giving an example of a compression type, instead of explaining data compression itself.
→ Explain what data compression *is* (reducing file size) and *why* it's used (more efficient storage and transmission). Explain how data compression changes or removes data.
Q2(c)(i) (Data compression)
✗ Believing that data compression makes the process easier for the user to send a file.
→ Consider the receiver's experience too. Explain that a compressed file transfers faster and reduces file size limits. Focus on speed and size, not ease of user steps.
Paper 22 - Paper 2 Problem-solving and Programming

Candidates who prepared using the pre-release material (Golf scoring) demonstrated a stronger grasp of Section A. Reading questions attentively and focusing on what they explicitly ask is crucial. Many candidates attempted all questions.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice completing trace tables accurately and clearly, using ink (not pencil with overwrites).
  • ✓ Pay close attention to inequality signs in conditional statements (e.g., < vs. <=).
  • ✓ Practice algorithm design using pseudocode or flowcharts, focusing on clarity and completeness.

Common Mistakes:

Q1(a) (Variables and Constants)
✗ Explaining what a variable/constant is used for instead of *why* it was chosen. Using identifiers with spaces
→ Differentiate between the *purpose* and the *reason* for using a variable/constant. Variable values can change at runtime. Constants never change.
Q1(b) (Arrays)
✗ Including programming code without explanation of how the array values were set to zero.
→ Provide clear explanations of the algorithm used to initialize arrays, describing the steps involved in setting the values to zero. Don't just show the code, describe it.
Q1(d) (Finding minimum value (winner))
✗ Identifying the player with the *highest* number of strokes as the winner, instead of the *lowest* number of strokes.
→ Carefully analyze the problem statement to understand the criteria for determining the winner. Ensure your algorithm correctly identifies the minimum value, not the maximum.
Q4(a) (Trace Tables)
✗ Not realizing that the last two values of the input data will not be used.
→ Thoroughly understand the algorithm before completing the trace table. Pay attention to any conditions that may skip or terminate iterations, affecting which input values are processed.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0478 February-March 2022. View full report →

About Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) is one of the most popular qualifications taken by students worldwide. The February-March 2022 examination session included 2 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0478 past papers from February-March 2022, including question papers (QP), mark schemes (MS), and examiner reports (ER). Use these resources to practice under timed conditions and understand how examiners award marks.

View all 0478 past papers → | All 2022 sessions →

Get Computer Science Study Tips

Join students preparing for 0478. Get weekly study tips, new past papers alerts, and exam reminders.

0478 Study Tips & FAQ

What are paper variants?

Cambridge releases multiple variants of each paper (e.g., Paper 11, 12, 13) to accommodate different time zones around the world and maintain exam security.

  • Variant 1 (e.g., 11, 21): Usually for Zone 1 (Americas)
  • Variant 2 (e.g., 12, 22): Usually for Zone 2 (Europe, Africa)
  • Variant 3 (e.g., 13, 23): Usually for Zone 3 (Asia, Oceania)

All variants cover the same syllabus and have similar difficulty. Practice with any variant to prepare effectively for your exam.

How to use Mark Schemes effectively

Mark schemes show exactly how examiners award marks for each question. Understanding them helps you write answers that earn full marks.

Example from a Physics mark scheme:

Q: Calculate the speed of a car that travels 150m in 5 seconds. [2]

Mark scheme answer:

• speed = distance / time [1 mark for formula]

• speed = 150 / 5 = 30 m/s [1 mark for correct answer with unit]

Tips:

  • Look for key words that must appear in your answer
  • Note how many points are needed for each mark
  • Check if units are required for the final mark
  • Understand the difference between "state" (brief) and "explain" (detailed)
Understanding Grade Thresholds

Grade thresholds show the minimum marks needed for each grade. They vary each session based on paper difficulty — harder papers have lower thresholds.

Example Grade Thresholds (out of 100 total):

A*
90+
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
60-69

* Actual thresholds vary by subject and session

How to use thresholds:

  • Set realistic target marks based on your goal grade
  • Track your practice paper scores against thresholds
  • Remember: you don't need 100% for an A* — aim for consistency
  • Compare thresholds across sessions to gauge difficulty trends
How is the topic breakdown calculated?

The "Topics Breakdown by Paper" section above shows which syllabus topics are tested in each paper and how many marks they carry. Here's how we calculate this:

Our methodology:

  1. Extract questions: We analyze each question paper (QP) and identify individual questions and their mark allocations (shown in square brackets, e.g., [3]).
  2. Match to syllabus: Each question is matched to the official Cambridge 0478 syllabus topics based on keywords, concepts, and question content.
  3. Sum marks per topic: For each paper, we add up the marks for all questions testing the same topic. For example, if Q1 (4 marks) and Q5b (3 marks) both test "Enzymes", that topic shows as "7 marks" for that paper.

Example: If Paper 3 shows "Photosynthesis - 13 marks", it means questions worth a total of 13 marks (out of the paper's 80 marks) tested the Photosynthesis topic from the Plant Nutrition unit of the syllabus.

How to use this: Look at the paper(s) you'll be taking (e.g., Papers 2, 4, 6 for Extended tier). The topics with the highest marks in YOUR papers are where you should focus your revision. A topic worth 15 marks deserves more study time than one worth 3 marks.

Note: Our topic matching may be inaccurate for questions that span multiple topics. Use this as a guide alongside the official syllabus.

How to Use IGCSE Computer Science Past Papers

📝 Timed Practice

Complete papers under exam conditions. 0478 Paper 4 is 1 hour 15 minutes - practice finishing within this time to build exam stamina.

✅ Self-Marking

Use the mark scheme to score your answers. Look for marking points you missed and understand what examiners expect in Computer Science responses.

📊 Examiner Reports

Read the 0478 examiner report to see common mistakes. Focus revision on topics where candidates typically lose marks.

🎯 Grade Targets

Check grade thresholds to see how many marks you need for your target grade. An A* in IGCSE Computer Science typically requires 85-90%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download IGCSE Computer Science February-March 2022 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Computer Science (0478) February-March 2022 past papers directly from this page. We provide 6 files including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports for all variants (11, 12, 13). Click "View" to open in browser or "Download" to save the PDF.
Are 0478 mark schemes included?
Yes, mark schemes for all 0478 February-March 2022 papers are included. Each question paper has a corresponding mark scheme showing expected answers and mark allocation.
What papers are available for IGCSE Computer Science 0478?
IGCSE Computer Science (0478) has 2 papers: Paper 1 (Theory), Paper 2 (Problem-solving and Programming). Core tier students take Papers 1, 3, 5/6. Extended tier students take Papers 2, 4, 5/6.
What is the difference between paper variants 11, 12, and 13?
The three variants (11, 12, 13) are different versions of the same paper used in different time zones to prevent cheating. All variants test the same syllabus content at the same difficulty level. You can practice with any variant as they are equally valid for revision.
How can I practice these past papers effectively?
Use our free Exam Hub to practice past papers like real exams. It lets you view question papers and mark schemes side-by-side, so you can self-mark your answers. No sign-up required, works with any PDF, and your files stay completely private.

Continue Studying Computer Science

Prepare for these topics before attempting the past papers:

Revision Notes
24 topics covered
Flashcards
266 cards to master
Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge

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