Personalised Feedback Sheet for IGCSE Section 1 Types and Components of Computers

Name: George Pannell

Target grade:
Score on this assessment: 39/58
Grade for this assessment: C

General feedback/class needs:
The majority of you in this class really nailed this test. You clearly knew the main components of a
computer and most of you could give a definition for RAM and ROM.
Software and Hardware didnt seem to pose any problems for you, most students achieved the full 8
marks on question 8.
Common problems seemed to be that you didnt know the reasons why components such as RAM
and ROM are needed in a computer system and that Backing Storage is NOT backup!
Next, most of you seemed to struggle on things that an operating system does. Many of you told me
it was software that controls the whole system but we were looking for more in depth answers such
as handles any program errors or crashes to prevent the whole computer freezing.
Finally, the weakest area for you all was types of computers and their uses. It was clear that many of
you didnt know what a mainframe was, for example, nor the types of situations it would be used in.
Your personal targets:
1. To revise the key information and definitions for input and output.
2. To check the number of marks available for each question and to ensure I always provide at
least one clear point for each mark
3. To practise example questions when revising.

Review
One question I got right was question 20:
What is a mainframe computer? [1 mark]
Because I revised on Mainframe computers.
One question I almost got right was question 9:
List 2 things that an operating system does. [2 marks]
Because I put manages resources for an answer when I would have had to explain the resources
that it manages.
One question I got totally wrong was question 24:
Give one disadvantage of a Smartphone. [1 mark]
Because I put the completely wrong answer.
Challenge/Extension
You will have been allocated an exam question to further your knowledge or help you to overcome a
misconception. Copy out the question here in full and answer it.
Explain The 4 Functions of ROM [4 MARKS]
ROM permanently stores data, while the computer is on and off. It is non-volatile. ROM cant be
changed so viruses cant happen. ROM stores the BIOS of the computer and the important data such
as the program that boots up the computer.
Explain Why Computer Systems Have Both Backing Storage and RAM [3 MARKS]
Backing storage is a usually non-volatile device that stores computer data on it. An example of a
backing storage device is a memory stick. RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is used for
storing computer data temporarily, whereas backing storage devices store data permanently.