GCE

Computer Science

Unit H046/02: Algorithms and problem solving

Advanced Subsidiary GCE

Mark Scheme for June 2018

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations

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This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.

All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
demonstrated.

Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
on the examination.

© OCR 2018
H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Annotations

Annotation Meaning
Omission mark

Benefit of the doubt

Incorrect point

Follow through

Not answered question

No benefit of doubt given

Repeat

Correct point

Too vague
Blank Page – this annotation must be used on all blank pages within an answer booklet (structured or unstructured) and
on each page of an additional object where there is no candidate response.
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Subject - specific Marking Instructions

INTRODUCTION

Your first task as an Examiner is to become thoroughly familiar with the material on which the examination depends. This material includes:
 the specification, especially the assessment objectives
 the question paper and its rubrics
 the mark scheme.

You should ensure that you have copies of these materials.

You should ensure also that you are familiar with the administrative procedures related to the marking process. These are set out in the OCR
booklet Instructions for Examiners. If you are examining for the first time, please read carefully Appendix 5 Introduction to Script Marking: Notes
for New Examiners.

Please ask for help or guidance whenever you need it. Your first point of contact is your Team Leader.

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
USING THE MARK SCHEME

Please study this Mark Scheme carefully. The Mark Scheme is an integral part of the process that begins with the setting of the question paper
and ends with the awarding of grades. Question papers and Mark Schemes are developed in association with each other so that issues of
differentiation and positive achievement can be addressed from the very start.

This Mark Scheme is a working document; it is not exhaustive; it does not provide ‘correct’ answers. The Mark Scheme can only provide ‘best
guesses’ about how the question will work out, and it is subject to revision after we have looked at a wide range of scripts.

The Examiners’ Standardisation Meeting will ensure that the Mark Scheme covers the range of candidates’ responses to the questions, and that all
Examiners understand and apply the Mark Scheme in the same way. The Mark Scheme will be discussed and amended at the meeting, and
administrative procedures will be confirmed. Co-ordination scripts will be issued at the meeting to exemplify aspects of candidates’ responses and
achievements; the co-ordination scripts then become part of this Mark Scheme.

Before the Standardisation Meeting, you should read and mark in pencil a number of scripts, in order to gain an impression of the range of
responses and achievement that may be expected.

In your marking, you will encounter valid responses which are not covered by the Mark Scheme: these responses must be credited. You will
encounter answers which fall outside the ‘target range’ of Bands for the paper which you are marking. Please mark these answers according to the
marking criteria.

Please read carefully all the scripts in your allocation and make every effort to look positively for achievement throughout the ability range. Always
be prepared to use the full range of marks.

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
LEVELS OF RESPONSE QUESTIONS:

The indicative content indicates the expected parameters for candidates’ answers, but be prepared to recognise and credit unexpected
approaches where they show relevance.

Using ‘best-fit’, decide first which set of BAND DESCRIPTORS best describes the overall quality of the answer. Once the band is located, adjust
the mark concentrating on features of the answer which make it stronger or weaker following the guidelines for refinement.

 Highest mark: If clear evidence of all the qualities in the band descriptors is shown, the HIGHEST Mark should be awarded.
 Lowest mark: If the answer shows the candidate to be borderline (i.e. they have achieved all the qualities of the bands below and show
limited evidence of meeting the criteria of the band in question) the LOWEST mark should be awarded.
 Middle mark: This mark should be used for candidates who are secure in the band. They are not ‘borderline’ but they have only achieved
some of the qualities in the band descriptors.

Be prepared to use the full range of marks. Do not reserve (e.g.) high Band 3 marks ‘in case’ something turns up of a quality you have not yet
seen. If an answer gives clear evidence of the qualities described in the band descriptors, reward appropriately.

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
AO1 AO2 AO3
High (thorough) Precision in the use of question Knowledge and understanding shown Concerted effort is made to consider
terminology. Knowledge shown is is consistently applied to context all aspects of a system/problem or
consistent and well-developed. Clear enabling a logical and sustained weigh up both sides to an argument
appreciation of the question from a argument to develop. before forming an overall conclusion.
range of different perspectives Examples used enhance rather than Judgements made are based on
making extensive use of acquired detract from response. appropriate and concise arguments
knowledge and understanding. that have been developed in response
resulting in them being both supported
and realistic.
Middle (reasonable) Awareness of the meaning of the Knowledge and understanding applied There is a reasonable attempt to reach
terms in the question. Knowledge is to context. Whilst clear evidence that a conclusion considering aspects of a
sound and effectively demonstrated. an argument builds and develops system/problem or weighing up both
Demands of question understood through response there are times sides of an argument. However the
although at times opportunities to when opportunities are missed to use impact of the conclusion is often
make use of acquired knowledge an example or relate an aspect of lessened by a lack of supported
and understanding not always taken. knowledge or understanding to the judgements which accompany it.
context provided. This inability to build on and develop
lines of argument as developed in the
response can detract from the overall
quality of the response.
Low (basic) Confusion and inability to Inability to apply knowledge and Little or no attempt to prioritise or
deconstruct terminology as used in understanding in any sustained way to weigh up factors during course of
the question. Knowledge partial and context resulting in tenuous and answer.
superficial. Focus on question unsupported statements being made. Conclusion is often dislocated from
narrow and often one-dimensional. Examples if used are for the most part response and any judgements lack
irrelevant and unsubstantiated. substance due in part to the basic
level of argument that has been
demonstrated throughout response.

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Assessment Objective
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms
and data representation.
AO1.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and concepts of abstraction, logic, algorithms, data representation or other as appropriate.
AO1.2 Demonstrate understanding of the principles and concepts of abstraction, logic, algorithms, data representation or other as
appropriate.
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science including to analyse problems in
computational terms.
AO2.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science.
AO2.2 Analyse problems in computational terms.
AO3 Design, program and evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making reasoned judgements about these and presenting
conclusions.
AO3.1 Design computer systems that solve problems.
AO3.2 Program computer systems that solve problems.
AO3.3 Evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making reasoned judgements about these and presenting conclusions.

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance
1 a 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2
 top = 6 (allow FT if numbers entered incorrectly) AO1.2
 Numbers entered in order (1)
AO2.2
(1)

index stackItem

top 6 5 1000

4 59

3 2

2 13

1 22

0 20

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018

Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance

1 b i A procedure does not return a value / a function has to return a value 1
AO1.2
(1)
1 b ii 1 mark per bullet, max 2 for by value, max 2 for by reference 4
by value: AO1.2
 A local copy of the data is used (4)
 Data is discarded when the subprogram exits
 Does not override/change the original data

by reference:
 Memory location of data is sent
 Changes are made to the original data
 Changes remain after the subprogram exits

1 b iii 1 mark for each completed space to max 5 5 Accept

AO2.2 numStack.length()
function addItem (number) (2) instead of 20
if top = 20 then AO3.2
return false (3)
else
numStack[top] = number
top = top + 1
return true
endif
endfunction

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance
1 b iv 1 mark for each bullet to max 6 6
 Initialising total to 0 and add to true AO1.2
 top = 4 and total = 8 (3)
 total = 20 and add = false AO2.2
(3)
 top = 3, total = 14, add = true
 top 2, 1. Total 16, -4, add false, true
 Output = -4

numStack
top 0 1 2 3 4 5 total add Output
5 20 2 6 12 8
0 true
4 8
20 false
3 14 true
2 16 false
1 -4 true
0 -4

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018

Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance

2 a i 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2
 Can store multiple values under one identifier AO1.1
 The data can be of different data types (2)

2 a ii 1 mark per bullet to max 1 1

 Allows easy access/indexing/manipulation of each data item in turn AO2.2
 1D Array can hold multiple items of same data type (1)
 Maximum number of array elements is known

2 a iii 1 mark per bullet to max 1 1 Graph

 Queue AO1.1 Tree
 List (1) Linked list
 Tuple

2 b 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2

 It does not need to be passed between subroutines AO2.1
 It can be accessed/updated at any point/place in the program (1)
 It allows it to be updated as a running total AO2.2
(1)

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018

Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance

2 c i 1 mark per bullet to max 7 7
 Inputting the number of players AO2.2
 …with validation between 1 and 10 (1)
 Inputting and storing the name of the correct number of players AO3.2
 Outputting the round number at the start of all 8 rounds (6)
 Outputting each player’s number, in each round
 Inputting the players’ score for each round
 Add the score to their totalScore

e.g,
Do
numberOfPlayers = input("Enter the number of players between 1 and
10")
until numberOfPlayers >= 1 AND numberOfPlayers <= 10

for player = 0 to numberOfPlayers - 1

scores[player].playerName = input("Enter player name")
next player

for roundNum = 0 to 7
print("Round " + str(roundNum + 1))
for player = 0 to numberOfPlayers – 1
score = input("Enter player " + str(player + 1) + " score")
scores[player].totalScore = scores[player].totalScore + score
next player
next roundNum

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance
2 c ii 1 mark per bullet to max 4 4
 Outputting the total of each player… AO2.2
 …with an appropriate message (1)
 Calculating and outputting the average of each player… AO3.2
 …with an appropriate message (3)

e.g.

for player = 0 to numberOfPlayers – 1

print(scores[player].playerName + " total is " +
str(scores[player].totalScore))

averageScore = scores[player].totalScore / 8
print(scores[player].playerName + "’s average is " +
str(averageScore))

next player

2 d i 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2

AO1.2
 Bubble sort is an inefficient algorithm… (1)
 Meaning it will take more time/processing cycles to sort the list. AO2.2
 Generally outperformed by Insertion sort/quick sort/ merge sort (accept any other (1)
sensible sorting algorithm)
 The item to be sorted is at the end of the list (and so can only move back one place per
pass) which is the worst case scenario for bubble sort.

2 d ii There are only a small number of data items 1

AO2.2
(1)

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance
2 d iii 1 mark per bullet to max 6 6
 Procedure declaration AO1.2
 Outer loop until no swaps made using flag (2)
 Inner loop to iterate through the list… AO2.2
 …allowance for largest value at end (in bounds) (1)
 Comparing elements AO3.2
 Swapping elements (3)

e.g.
procedure sort_scores()
swapped = True
while swapped:
swapped = False
for i = 1 to 9
if scores[i-1] < scores[i]:
# swap pair being compared
temp = scores[i-1]
scores[i-1] = scores[i]
scores[i] = temp
swapped = True
end procedure

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance
2 d iv 1 mark for each completed space 4
AO2.2
procedure insertionSort() (3)
for count = 0 to numbers.length-1 AO3.2
position = count (1)
while position > 0 and numbers[position]<numbers[position-1]
temp = numbers[position-1]
numbers[position-1] = numbers[position]
numbers[position] = temp
position = position-1
endwhile
next count
endprocedure

2 e 1 mark per bullet to max 3 3

e.g. AO1.2
 Provides a text editor / allows the code to be written (3)
 Provides debugging tools / allows the code to be tested
 Provides a translator/compiler/interpreter / provides a run-time environment / allows the
code to be run
 Description of key feature e.g. colour coding keywords, autocomplete, breakpoints etc.

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance
3 a i Removing characteristics/elements/detail from a problem 1
AO1.1
(1)
3 a ii 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2
 Reduce processing requirements AO1.2
 Simplify programming (1)
 Reduce memory requirements AO2.1
(1)
3 a iii 1 mark per identifying difference, 1 for expansion 2
e.g. AO2.1
 Removal of feature (1)
 e.g. no stations/signals AO2.2
(1)
 Symbols/keys are used to represent elements
 E.g. the train

 May not be to scale

 Relative distances may not be true
3 b i The data needs to be sorted / in alphabetical order 1
AO2.1
(1)
3 b ii 1 mark per bullet to max 4 4
 Start at the first item (Cavalry) AO2.1
 Compare with departure station ‘Bridge Heights’ (2)
 If matched, report found AO2.2
 Otherwise continue to the next item in list (Bridge) (2)
 Continue until item found, or end of list reached…
 and then False returned

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance
4 Mark Band 3–High Level 9 AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
(7-9 marks) AO1.1 The following is indicative of possible factors/evidence
The candidate demonstrates thorough knowledge and (2) that candidates may refer to but is not prescriptive or
understanding of reasons for the use of different AO1.2 exhaustive:
methodologies; the material is generally accurate and (2)  Waterfall
detailed. AO2.1 o Series of stages
The candidate is able to apply their knowledge and (2) o Followed in order
understanding directly and consistently to the context AO3.3 o Can go back up the order
provided. Evidence/examples will be explicitly relevant to (3) o Then needs to follow back down in order
the explanation. o Formal, documented stages
The candidate provides a thorough discussion which is  Rapid application
well-balanced. Evaluative comments are consistently o Use of prototypes
relevant and well-considered. o No formal analysis, design stages
There is a well-developed line of reasoning which is clear o More feedback used to influence future stages
and logically structured. The information presented is o Faster development
relevant and substantiated.
AO2.1: Application
Mark Band 2-Mid Level The selected knowledge/examples should be directly
(4-6 marks) related to the specific question. The following is indicative
The candidate demonstrates reasonable knowledge and of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to
understanding of reasons for the use of different but is not prescriptive or exhaustive.
methodologies; the material is generally accurate but at  Discussion of how the methodologies would
times underdeveloped. support the development
The candidate is able to apply their knowledge and  Discussion of the disadvantages of using each
understanding directly to the context provided although methodology
one or two opportunities are missed. Evidence/examples
are for the most part relevant to the explanation. AO3.3: Evaluation
The candidate provides a reasonable discussion, the Candidates will need to consider a variety of viewpoints in
majority of which is focused. Evaluative comments are for relation to testing strategies and will make evaluative
the most part appropriate, although one or two comments about the issues and solutions they are
opportunities for development are missed. discussing
There is a line of reasoning presented with some structure. e.g.
The information presented is in the most part relevant and  The benefits of a method
supported by some evidence.  The disadvantages of a method

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Question Answer/Indicative content Mark Guidance
Mark Band 1-Low Level
(1-3 marks)
The candidate demonstrates a basic knowledge of
methodologies, with limited understanding shown; the
material is basic and contains some inaccuracies. The
candidate makes a limited attempt to apply acquired
knowledge and understanding to the context provided.
The candidate provides a limited discussion which is
narrow in focus. Judgments if made are weak and
unsubstantiated.
The information is basic and communicated in an
unstructured way. The information is supported by limited
evidence and the relationship to the evidence may not be
clear.

0 marks
No attempt to answer the question or response is not
worthy of credit.

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H046/02 Mark scheme June 2018
Assessment Objectives (AO) Grid

Question AO1.1 AO1.2 AO2.1 AO2.2 AO3.1 AO3.2 AO3.3 Total

1a 1 1 2
1bi 1 1
1bii 4 4
1biii m 2 3 5
1biv m 3 3 6
2ai 2 2
2aii 1 1
2aiii 1 1
2b 1 1 2
2ci m 1 6 7
2cii m 1 3 4
2di 1 1 2
2dii 1 1
2diii m 2 1 3 6
2div 3 1 4
2e 3 3
3ai 1 1
3aii 1 1 2
3aiii 1 1 2
3bi 1 1
3bii 2 2 4
4* 2 2 2 3 9
Total 6 18 8 19 0 16 3 70

* = extended response
m = mathematical content

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